13 Aug 2021 Written By Matthew Eastley
Mick Rogan 1971 to 1978
Mick Rogan arrived at St Mary’s in 1971 from Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen and played a major part in the sporting success of that year’s intake.
He played inside-centre for the so-called ‘Invincibles’ – the year team which broke all school records and, for at least two seasons, could not be beaten. Mick was a talented sportsman, well-known for having an excellent pair of hands, which made him a vital cog in that all-action team which built its success on moving the ball quickly.
He looks back on St Mary’s with genuine fondness and particularly loved the sporting side of the school.
By 1976/77, Mick was playing first fifteen rugby. He is pictured, far left on the front row, alongside Sean Barrett. Next to Sean is Mick’s great friend, the late, hugely-talented and popular John Shanahan.
He lives in Sandy, Bedfordshire and remains good friends with David Hawes and Declan Wells from his school year.
He was also very close friends with the late, great John Shanahan, who also went to Our Lady of the Rosary.
Mick was followed to St Mary’s by his younger brother, Chris, who joined in 1973.
Happy memories Mick, as you know I never managed to play in the 1st XV owing to the fact that, unlike my studious two elder brothers, I didn’t make the sixth form! The attraction of girls at an early age was obviously my downfall.
Still see Simon Beaton around Sidcup occasionally when I’m there visiting my Mum, normally in a pub of course.
The legendary John Shanahan, we miss him. I see plenty of familiar faces in the photos, Lamp post Stevens, Geoff Hinton, Tilley, Brown, Conlon, Sullivan, Kitchen, Pete Joyce and even Paul McGlade, who was only with us at St Marys for a couple of years. And our mate Declan, sitting on the floor… Catch up soon. David Hawes