The news that Irish fans were dreading was confirmed earlier today as Paul O'Connell's career in an Irish jersey has come to a close.
The captain suffered a serious hamstring injury in Sunday's win over France that saw his World Cup journey end. He was today replaced in the squad by Leinster's Mike McCarthy.
The reaction to the O'Connell news has be sombre, with many paying tribute to the Irish captain's career.
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
#Legend pic.twitter.com/KOiADFwuZ1
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) 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
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
A trailblazer for @IrishRugby He gave everything for green #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/FCpz0rlSJJ
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 13, 2015
One of Ireland's great international careers is over. We'll never have another Paul O'Connell.
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) October 13, 2015
Sport for all it's glorious wonder is a bastard sometimes. Sick that one of our greatest ever @Paul_OConnell departs the stage in this way.
— Ryle Nugent (@RyleNugentRTE) October 13, 2015
Is there any space left in #budget16 for genetic research to breed a replacement Paul O'Connell?
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 13, 2015
Maith thú. pic.twitter.com/33SiN2eCSk
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) October 13, 2015
#thankspaulie pic.twitter.com/jxEOWLpuzw
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 13, 2015
Not all greats get to retire the way BOD did. The unpredictability of sport, that we love, has its downsides too #goodbyePaulie #RWC2015
— Louise Galvin (@lougalvin4) October 13, 2015
