Paul O'Connell retires

aimee1

Enjoy it. And what a career. Sad way to end but irish rugby owes him a lot.

Shefwedfan

Just seen this, terrible end to his career. Hopefully he lines up coaching role in France

thomond2006

It's a terrible pity. I'm sure he would have picked up another medal within the next two years at Toulon. Then there's the nest egg that is gone also.

If he doesn't go full time into his business interests I'm sure the IRFU will find a suitable role for him.

Jawgap

Not the end anyone would have wished for him - but I'm pleased to have had the chance to watch him play.

What now? coaching? team management?

I always thought he'd make a great coach once he served a suitable 'apprenticeship'!

Clegg

Didn't realise that hamstring injury was so severe.

WHIP IT!

Heads up for the eggchasers...

POC will be interviewed on RTÉ's Today with Sean O'Rourke shortly...

Anatom

So disappointed for him. A great servant to the Munster and Ireland set-up, and a very nice person to boot. Highly respected throughout the game and is a big loss.

I sincerely hope he stays involved in rugby.

Anatom

So disappointed for him. A great servant to the Munster and Ireland set-up, and a very nice person to boot. Highly respected throughout the game and is a big loss.

I sincerely hope he stays involved in rugby.

2smiggy

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Heads up for the eggchasers...

POC will be interviewed on RTÉ's Today with Sean O'Rourke shortly...

any idea how soon, just turned over and paul williams is on, i'd rather not listen to him !!

Podge_irl

thomond2006 wrote: »

It's a terrible pity. I'm sure he would have picked up another medal within the next two years at Toulon. Then there's the nest egg that is gone also.

Would assume he will get some kind of insurance pay out.

Bloody awful way to end obviously. Was playing some great stuff still as well.

sideswipe

Bit sad he won't get a huge send off, the fans would love a chance to show their appreciation. Thanks for the memories Paul.

razorblunt

They should bring him out before the next home game in Dublin.
Doesn't strike me as the type of guy who needs or wants that but he deserves it.

browne_rob5

2smiggy wrote: »

any idea how soon, just turned over and paul williams is on, i'd rather not listen to him !!

15 minutes time

Walter H Price

I often feel the word Legend is thrown about too freely, but in the case of Paul i can't think of a more fitting word, an absolute colossus of the game, a great servant to Irish Rugby and from the few times i met him personally an absolute gent, lovely guy , a phenomenal payer and inspirational captain. Paul O'Connell the definition of an absolute Legend.

PropJoe10

A true legend and inspiration. One of the all time greats of the game! Good luck, Paulie!

LuckyGent88

Disappointing way for his career to end.

What a man and sporting hero. Just a complete legend. Absolute gent as well. Always had time for the fans and was very approachable.

WHIP IT!

2smiggy wrote: »

any idea how soon, just turned over and paul williams is on, i'd rather not listen to him !!

I genuinely apologise for putting you through that... he's coming up in the next few mins I'm sure.

EDIT: On now, 10.42am

hardCopy

That post title pulled on my heartstrings before I could even open the link. Such a pity, I'll miss seeing him play.



Obligatory angry faced photo

bridgetown1

He needs a send off, in both Thomond AND Musgrave.

We want to say THANKS and let him know we will NEVER forget him.

Ash.J.Williams

Clegg wrote: »

Didn't realise that hamstring injury was so severe.

it was a paticularly bad injury....jaysus i nearly covered my eyes watching the slow mo.

Shermanator

With his leadership abilities he will have no problems picking up a top position in Irish Rugby

thomond2006

bridgetown1 wrote: »

He needs a send off, in both Thomond AND Musgrave.

We want to say THANKS and let him know we will NEVER forget him.

I'd say he would refuse that offer. His last Munster appearance was in May, it would be very strange to have a 'send off' now.

former total

That's a real shame, would have been great to see him line out for Toulon and maybe pick up another medal.

Will be interesting to hear if Mourad has a take on this.

jacothelad

Dreadful news. What a man! What a player!

flutered

thanks for the memories man

aimee1

some great tributes on twitter, and not just from players/coaches. Just fans of non-irish clubs.

WHIP IT!

https://soundcloud.com/rtesport/paul-oconnell-speaks-to-michael-corcoran

dtpc191991

Probably the greatest leader we ever had. It will be sad not to get the chance to see him play again.

eyeball kid

Very disappointed for him to bow out like this. He really deserved a couple of seasons with Toulan. A legend for Ireland, his impact to Irish and Munster rugby has been incredible.

Larbre34

At the time of the injury, I knew there wasnt a hope in billyo that he would ever play for Toulon. For the sake of his bank balance thats one thing (insurance aside), but for the sake of his health and his family and all that, I think this is good news.

Its probably also fitting that he will always be a Munster man, never one of Mourad's Mercenaries.

As a true blue myself, I can say there was never a Munster man who was more worthy of respect, Paulie we salute you.

kuang1

I feel honoured to have seen him play. Feel like I'll be telling my grandkids about how I was there the day he was slain by that injury and how horriffic it sounded to hear him (of all people) scream in agony as he tried to stand up after the other players had gone in for half time.
I remember wondering how much pain that would actually be needed to make that man scream like that.

And playing like he was in his absolute prime too.

Thank you for all the memories, and I'm looking forward to what you are now inevitably going to bring to the game in your future roles.