13 years ago, Paul O'Connell made his Ireland debut against Wales. He scored a try that day, though due to concussion he was unable to remember the score at the time.
Today, with Wales once again the opposition he won his 100th cap for his country. It may not have been the result the great man would have wished to mark the occasion with, but his effort could not be faulted.
The landmark day for the Irish captain has seen plenty of tributes roll in, including some from former teammates, opponents and a German international footballer.
Please join us in congratulating @IrishRugby lock @Paul_OConnell, who becomes rugby's newest centurion overnight. pic.twitter.com/jZ0f271d55
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 14, 2015
What a superb achievement @Paul_OConnell. Congratulations on your 100th cap! #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/oWOLnbTPQX
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 14, 2015
Massive congrats to skips @Paul_OConnell reaching 100 Ireland Caps tomorrow. Phenomenal player & leader. Go well. #1Hunjynotout
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) March 13, 2015
Congratulations @Paul_OConnell for your 100th cap with @IrishRugby today #100Club #KeepyUppyKing #ForzaCookies #SUAF #poldi #rugby
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) March 14, 2015
@Paul_OConnell congrats on your milestone. True legend of the game, not a bad second rower either.
— Ali Williams (@AliWilliams_) March 14, 2015
100 caps today for @Paul_OConnell - there haven't been many better second rows.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) March 14, 2015
Congratulations to wonderful game ambassador @IrishRugby lock @Paul_OConnell, who has fittingly chosen an epic contest for his 100th cap.
— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) March 14, 2015
Huge congrats to @Paul_OConnell on his 100th @IrishRugby cap & @henshawrob on his 9th #6Nations #ShouldertoShoulder pic.twitter.com/CSRDmI1FcR
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 14, 2015
100 caps today for @Paul_OConnell - there haven't been many better second rows.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) March 14, 2015
Big game for @IrishRugby today. Best of luck lads and congrats @Paul_OConnell on 100th appearance in Green! WALvIRE #4proudprovinces
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) March 14, 2015
.@Paul_OConnell Congratulations on your great achievement of 100 caps for Ireland with many as captain. Best of luck today.
— Niall Collins (@NiallCollinsTD) March 14, 2015
Congrats on your 100th Irish cap @Paul_OConnell @IrishRugby @Munsterrugby @youngmunsterrfc from all @lionsofficial ! pic.twitter.com/d5H3xhwbdh
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) March 12, 2015
#100 club @Paul_OConnell congrats and all the best ! #a man that inspires a nation of sporting people ????
— Diarmuid O'Sullivan (@dsully3) March 14, 2015
Congrats on making the 100 club @Paul_OConnell . Jesus I can't wait for this game???? Any chance of @RonanOGara10 lacing them up just in case ????
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) March 14, 2015
Can't wait for the match today and watching @Paul_OConnell get his 100th cap and hopefully an @IRFURugby win.
#COYBIG— Rob Henderson (@robhendo13) March 14, 2015
Some serious code tomorrow, backing the team with the most kiwis in it!! #6nations #???? and massive effort for @Paul_OConnell on the 100!!
— John Afoa (@John_Afoa) March 13, 2015
Best of luck to @IrishRugby and congrats to @Paul_OConnell on his #100th predicting a win for ???? just don't give a late penalty away ????
— Paddy Wallace (@paddywallace12) March 13, 2015
Congratulations to @Paul_OConnell on the 100. #legend
— Martyn Williams (@martynewilliams) March 12, 2015
Two world class performances from the best second rows in the northern hemisphere or even world rugby @AlunWynJones @Paul_OConnell
— Rhys Williams (@GetRhysWilliams) March 14, 2015
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
