Paul O'Connell of Ireland celebrates his try on his debut against Wales in 2002 ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Paul O'Connell's first World Cup was in 2003. Here he is encountering some of the creatures Australia has to offer ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Paul O'Connell of Ireland on the attack against Scotland in 2004 as he won his first Six Nations triple crown that year ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Paul O'Connell lifts the trophy after winning the RBS Six Nations grand slam ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

This time as captain, Paul O'Connell lifts the Six Nations trophy in 2014, as Ireland win the tournament for the first time since 2009 ©INPHO/James Crombie

And the peerless leader returned again to lift the Six Nations once again this Spring, scoring a try in the crucial final day win over Scotland  ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Ireland's Paul O'Connell receives his 100th cap from IRFU president Louis Magee earlier this year ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

O'Connell's last try for Ireland came against England in a World Cup warm up game. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Paul O'Connell led Ireland one final time last weekend against France. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland