The end of an era.
Almost 14 years since making his international debut against Wales, Paul O’Connell has hung up his green jersey for the last time.
The legendary lock tore his hamstring in Ireland’s victory over France on Sunday and after the entire nation spent 36 hours crossing their fingers, the feared worst was confirmed.
O’Connell’s Rugby World Cup is over which also means that, for the last time, we’ve seen Paulie lead out the Irish squad.
A leader, a warrior, a gentleman – @Paul_OConnell has played his last for Ireland. #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/xNmt6YqIpX
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015
This is so wrong on many levels. One of the greatest leaders & players of them all. Inspirational. https://t.co/8blR5e2tJp
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) October 13, 2015
I have many many memories of @Paul_OConnell @IrishRugby @Munsterrugby have so much to thank him for, a true legend pic.twitter.com/678mxFTR2G
— Michael Corcoran (@MichaelC_RTE) October 13, 2015
A trailblazer for @IrishRugby He gave everything for green #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/FCpz0rlSJJ
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 13, 2015
Heart just fell again with confirmation that Paul O'Connell's RWC & Ireland career is over. One of a kind. Best of luck in his recovery
— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) October 13, 2015
Legend doesn't seem big enough a word for the man, shame he had to finish like this #ThanksPaulie
— Kieran Finan (@Finan_Twiggy) October 13, 2015
#ThanksPaulie for putting your body on the line, for the memories and wish you a speedy recovery! #FearOfGod
— James (@James_C001) October 13, 2015
A legend, a hero, an idol. Didn't want this day to arrive 😢 #ThanksPaulie 🍀 pic.twitter.com/Kn1leCExVu
— Fiona Power (@FionaPower9) October 13, 2015
My sadness is tinged with absolute pride having spent 16 years with one of Rugby's greatest competitors.#gentleman #Leader #1ofakind
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) October 13, 2015
The @IrishRugby statement confirming @Paul_OConnell's injury. Big day for @mikemccarthy6, wish him well at #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/ZhJ9M1QX2o
— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) October 13, 2015
LEGEND LEAVES THE STAGE @Paul_OConnell's #RWC2015 & glittering test career comes to an end: http://t.co/D73d6uUrWV pic.twitter.com/KKqA0NjoQe
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2015
#ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/4WFawukuGi
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) August 29, 2015
Out of all the rugby players I've interviewed – none have been as charming as Paul O'Connell – a fine ambassador for his sport #IREvARG
— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) October 13, 2015
Wishing @Paul_OConnell a speedy recovery. We won't see his like again.
— Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinVM) October 13, 2015
What an honour it has been to watch this man play for Ireland #thankspaulie #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/vBNhiL4lhv
— Around Dalkey (@AroundDalkey) October 13, 2015
#thankspaulie is now trending in Ireland http://t.co/lnn4sEU0a6
— Trendsmap Ireland (@TrendsIreland) October 13, 2015
I knew it was coming but I still hoped otherwise #pauloconnell #truewarrior #irishrugby #ShoulderToShoulder
— Ciaran (@ciarancbdowney) October 13, 2015
Gutted for Paul O'Connell.
Stunning test career.
Proper 'World Class'.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 13, 2015
