So long, Paulie.
Throughout his 108 caps, O’Connell has been arguably Ireland greatest ever lock and has helped his country to three Six Nations Championships, as well as four Triple Crowns and the memorable Grand Slam in 2009.
This gallery looks at the 35-year-old’s career from his earliest days with Munster and Ireland comrade Ronan O’Gara, to last year’s memorable Six Nations triumph when he lifted the trophy in tandem with Brian O’Driscoll.
Paul O’Connell lifts the trophy in 2009 with John Hayes, Stephen Ferris and Jerry Flannery.
