Put simply there has never been anyone like Fagan in the shearing sport, and there probably never will be again. Iconic status is guaranteed.
Fagan told the Waitomo News the time was right to hang up his handpiece while he was still competitive, something proven by his winning of the Geyerland Shears open title in Rotorua; a result preceded by his victory at the national crossbred lamb shearing champs in Winton the previous week.
In fact, so solid is the Fagan form he has been selected to represent New Zealand in two tests against Wales next month.
"Over the years everyone has been on my case about when I was going to stop competing and I was never sure year to year what I'd do," Fagan said.
"But this year I felt the time was right to see the season out and that will be it. Nothing lasts forever and I want to go out while I'm still competitive and not have everyone remember me for how bad I shore.
"I want to finish where I still feel like I can win and that's how I feel right now."
Calling it a day wouldn't be easy, he said. "A big part of why I have competed so long is that I've continued to be successful. A lot of people ask me if I feel my age but when I take to the stage in a final I feel like just another competitor not a number."
While Fagan has a host of achievements to ponder he concedes he will most likely be remembered for his 16 Golden Shears open titles, including 12 straight from 1990-2001.
"I think no matter what happens in the future, there is no taking away 12 in a row in Masterton, which is probably the most unbelievable highlight of my career."
Fagan's retirement won't mean he will be lost to the shearing industry.
He intends to stay on as a member of the Shearing Sports NZ national committee helping organise the 2017 world shearing championships in Christchurch.
