From Munster and Ireland team-mates to bitter rivals, every player who ever fought alongside or battled against Paul O'Connell has been paying tribute to one of the greatest figures they've ever had the privilege to take the field with.
The confirmation that an injury against France would end O'Connell's career for Ireland in heartbreaking fashion didn't lessen the impact of the tributes from players who have worked with Paulie, and they have been sharing their thoughts on social media over the last 24 hours.
A photo posted by jordimurphy (@jordimurphy) on Oct 14, 2015 at 6:25am PDT
Special times with the great one..#g.o.a.t
A photo posted by Simon (@simonzebo15) on Oct 13, 2015 at 6:30am PDT
A photo posted by Conor Murray (@conormurray9) on Oct 14, 2015 at 6:17am PDT
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
Played Munster, got caught on the wrong side of a ruck.Getting a deserved shoeing & POC shouts"that's enough lads"All stopped! #ThanksPaulie
— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) 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
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
Very lucky to have played alongside Paul O’Connell for a number of years - never met a man like him! #RWC2015 #IRE http://t.co/XTExfhfRX0
— Peter Stringer (@stringer9) October 13, 2015
Will go down as one of @IrishRugby's all time greats. Thanks @Paul_OConnell pic.twitter.com/T2U58f6bVB
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 13, 2015
For everything you've given for @IrishRugby, #thanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/E2SD0RYWwF
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) October 13, 2015
A trailblazer for @IrishRugby He gave everything for green #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/FCpz0rlSJJ
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 13, 2015
Other players who'd faced O'Connell, be it in a green jersey or the red of Munster or the British and Irish Lions, were also paying their respects to a titan of the game. Speaking ahead of the Off The Ball roadshow at the 3 Arena, Felipe Contepomi called O'Connell "a true gentleman of rugby", while others shared their thoughts on social media.
A true colossal and legend of the game. Much respect @Paul_OConnell 👊🽠pic.twitter.com/TtVkNhXi99
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) October 13, 2015
LEGEND @Paul_OConnell calls time on his test rugby career after injury ends his #RWC2015 - and what a career it was pic.twitter.com/ZSyZe7oCbY
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2015
@Paul_OConnell Feel sorry you leave the game that way but congrats for your huge international career. See u in Top14 !
— Yannick Bru (@YannBru) October 13, 2015
@Paul_OConnell was a privilege to play against you!! Really sad to hear of your retirement… best second row ever! 🀠#legend
— sergio parisse (@sergioparisse) October 13, 2015
Writing in the Irish Independent, Alan Quinlan spoke of the way that O'Connell could motivate players, and make them play above themselves, saying "he made you feel you could beat anybody".
Wed's backpage with some great reading on Paul O'Connell by @RuaidhriOC @Vincent_Hogan @AlanQuinlan1 & @CianTracey1 pic.twitter.com/8t2GENMSD9
— ciaran lennon (@ciaranlennon) October 13, 2015
Other Irish sporting greats from outside the world of rugby were also wishing him well, after a glittering career at the highest level.
Best wishes to Paul O Connell on his retirement a man mountain for Ireland over the years #muchrespect #rugby
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) October 13, 2015
Gutted for @Paul_OConnell Great man,Great leader,Great warrior #Legend #ShoulderToShoulder
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) October 13, 2015
