Dan Sheehan paid an emotional tribute to Johnny Sexton after Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter final exit.
The 38-year-old Irish captain didn’t get the fairytale ending he was hoping for as his last game as a professional rugby player ended in a 28-24 loss to New Zealand.
Ireland hooker Sheehan hailed Sexton for the impact he has had not just on him as a player, but on Irish rugby in general.
Just like his team-mate Josh van der Flier, Sheehan said that the pain of losing this game is exacerbated by the fact that it was Sexton’s final chance at a Rugby World Cup.
Ultimately, a slow start that saw Ireland fall 13-0 down in the first 20 minutes cost them, as they were constantly chasing the game from there.
They did fight back, with tries from Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson Park and another penalty try bringing Ireland right back into it, but a dogged New Zealand side defended resolutely and held on.
Ronan Kelleher looked to have scored a crucial late try for Ireland but epitomising this New Zealand grit and tenacity was their centre Jordie Barrett, who held him up over the line.
'It didn't cross my mind once that we would be going home'
A shocked Dan Sheehan reflects on the loss to New Zealand #rwc2023 #irevnzl pic.twitter.com/COixGfoqrh
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 14, 2023
It made for a disappointing end to this Rugby World Cup campaign for Ireland, and speaking to RTÉ after the game, Dan Sheehan couldn’t hide his emotion.
“I grew up watching Johnny,” said Sheehan.
“I never thought I’d be in the same room as Johnny, never mind share a team or share a jersey with him.
“I guess that’s when it hit me that you know, you think that’s Johnny’s last game.
“All he’s done for me. The leader he’s been towards me, for this team.
“I’ve never seen anyone like him. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime person. I’d say he’s the greatest player ever to wear an Ireland jersey and he’ll be missed, but he’s done us so proud.”
When asked by RTÉ Sport’s Justin Treacy about Andy Farrell’s post-match message to the squad, Sheehan said that he told them to hold the heads high, that they’re still a good team.
“Just that we should hold the head high. We’re immensely proud of the group, there’s a few people in the backroom staff and Johnny that will move on, but that the group will evolve, and we’re still a good team.
“This loss doesn’t make us any different but yeah, it’s just tough.”
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