CONFIRMED: Paul O'Connell has played his last game for Ireland

Paul O'Connell's Ireland career is at an end after he was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup with a hamstring injury.

The news that the whole country was expecting was confirmed on Tuesday morning.

Mike McCarthy of Leinster has been called up as the 35-year-old's replacement.

Squad Update: @mikemccarthy6 called up to #RWC2015 squad in place of @Paul_OConnell #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/QI46KrJ9yl

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015

O'Connell suffered a torn hamstring in the dying moments of the first half against France on Sunday.

The IRFU also confirmed that the Limerick man will have surgery this week.

News: @Paul_OConnell to undergo surgery this week.#ShoulderTo http://t.co/ckyWabWsah pic.twitter.com/S2Oh6lPaxI

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015