IT is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Derek Foy, a man who was a huge figure, in his younger days, at all levels of rugby league in Oldham, writes ROGER HALSTEAD.
His own sons, Martin and Des, played at the highest level, but he was much more than a father figure on the local scene, acting as scout, trainer, adviser and mentor to lots of local players, many of whom have a lot for which to thank Derek Foy.
His friendship with another rugby league man of Oldham — the late and legendary Brian Gartland — was well known and played a big part in the Oldham RLFC story, given that Derek was Brian’s friend and right-hand man and had much to do with the signings by Oldham of players like Andy Goodway, Mick Worrall, Des Foy, Ray Ashton and Terry Flanagan, all of whom went on Great Britain’s tour down under in 1984.
There were many others too, including another star member of the crack Oldham Colts team, who went on to become a household name, scrum-half Paddy Kirwan.
Oldham were indeed blessed with raw talent at that time, hence the choice of a record-breaking five players from Watersheddings on the ‘84 tour.
For the record, Martin Foy played nearly 100 games for Wigan, as a classy centre, before ending his career, briefly, first at Oldham and then at Salford.
His younger brother, Des, signed for Widnes at the age of 17, but later came to Oldham, his hometown club for whom he scored 96 tries in 197 appearances and, of course, made the 1984 tour of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
He was well-known and celebrated for his sheer speed and his try-scoring breaks from long range.
He also played for Ireland and was named in 2014 as a director of Rugby League Ireland.
He has lived in Killarney for many years.
Derek, the brothers’ father, had suffered from dementia for a long time before his death
The sincere condolences of everyone at Roughyeds go out to the Foy family. When we get details of Derek’s funeral and any other relevant information we will publish on this website.
Brian Hogan
We send our condolences too to the family and friends of former prop Brian Hogan, whose illustrious career ended at Oldham after he had starred for St Helens, Wigan and Bradford Northern.
Brian played 34 times for Roughyeds in seasons 81/82 and 82/83, still a hard, robust, no-nonsense forward, but also one who had a telling turn of pace and educated hands .
His combined talents made him one of the best and most feared forwards in the game — a description that was accurate from day one of his brilliant career until the day he hung up his boots for the final time.
He was an enforcer AND a creative craftsman — and few front-row men could claim to be both. RIP Brian Hogan.
