On Tuesday morning, Paul O'Connell announced his decision to retire from professional rugby, which came as a surprise to many supporters and fans.
The Munster and Ireland legend had been out of action after suffering an injury at the World Cup, and in a statement released announcing his decision, O'Connell stated that his mind was made up "following medical advice".
Since the news broke, fans, former players and famous figures began speaking about their love for Paulie, confirming his place as a legend in Ireland's sporting history.
It had to happen eventually - but it's still a bit like hearing Superman has decided to hang up his cloak #PaulOConnell
— Joe O'Shea (@josefoshea) February 9, 2016
Wishing @Paul_OConnell every success in retirement, an amazing leader & inspiration to a generation of future rugby players.
— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) February 9, 2016
Really disappointing to see @Paul_OConnell having to retire. Sensational career in Red & Green. Simply irreplaceable.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 9, 2016
All the very best retirement wishes to @Paul_OConnell - thank you for so many great European memories pic.twitter.com/mPG7IT27RF
— Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) February 9, 2016
Privileged&honoured to have played w/ @Paul_OConnell.Most inspirational leader/captain I've ever played with&against pic.twitter.com/qUTDSOp1Tl
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 9, 2016
Pity that Paul O'Connell didn't get to chose his exit from playing but fitting he finished in Green competing & leading as always #Legend
— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) February 9, 2016
Sad that @Paul_OConnell has been forced to retire. Incredible career and great man. Would still make most teams on 1 leg! #ThanksPaulie
— Rob Henderson (@robhendo13) February 9, 2016
Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from rugby. #ThanksPaulie for a magnificent & trailblazing career! pic.twitter.com/C1yxiWU4uA
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2016
Best wishes on your retirement @Paul_OConnell - a @Munsterrugby, @IrishRugby & @lionsofficial legend! pic.twitter.com/KATU43pHc5
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) February 9, 2016
We said it before, we'll say it again. Thanks @Paul_OConnell #ThanksPaulie #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/OTo2F1snBM
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 9, 2016
A genuine Lions legend - thanks for the memories @Paul_OConnell pic.twitter.com/UFpzzVypCy
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 9, 2016
Sad to see @Paul_OConnell retire, but what a legend on and off the field. Pleasure to share the same field with and against him.
— gethin jenkins (@gethinjenkins1) February 9, 2016
Paul O'Connell's career ended by injury but he went out at the top, one of the best ever, playing at his best in beating France at Rwc15.
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) February 9, 2016
Almost typical that Paul O'Connell's career ended as he battled for a turnover. Took many a battering for his province and country. #POC
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 9, 2016
So many great things about Paul O'Connell. He maintained immense standards to the end. 6 Nations Player of Tournament 2015 speaks volumes
— Joe Molloy (@MolloyJoe) February 9, 2016
He was afraid of (almost) nothing. Paul O'Connell. Legend. #ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/xZefskkL8O
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 9, 2016
Paul O'Connell - a one-off, both on and off the pitch. Class Act. Leader of Men. #ThanksPaulie
— Bernard O'Toole (@BernardOToole) February 9, 2016
