It was an emotional and eventful day at Thomond Park today as Munster booked their ticket in the Pro 12 final against Scarlets and also bid a farewell to Francis Saili and Donnacha Ryan who played their final match in front of the home crowd.
Despite a somewhat sluggish start, Munster soon took hold of the game the highlight was unquestionably Simon Zebo's magnificent try en route to a 23-3 win.
After the match, it was time for the Thomond crowd to say their goodbyes, and while Saili will be missed, the departure of Donnacha Ryan is what really hit home and you got a sense of just what it meant to him in an incredible interview on TG4.
But arguably the best part was Ryan slagging former Munster prop Marcus Horan for doing the interview 'as Bearla'.
The Munster players then attempted to hoist big Donnacha up on their shoulders, but the inherent Irish humility of Ryan saw him have absolutely none of that idea.
Failed attempt to hoist Donnacha Ryan on shoulders after a good final night at Thomond Park! #MUNvOSP pic.twitter.com/IAPGZiHlCu
— TippFMNews (@TippFmNews) May 20, 2017
Next up for Donnacha Ryan was a trip over to see his pal Alan Quinlan on the Sky Sports commentary team, and his summary of what Munster means to him was nothing short of terrific.
He even described a visit Quinlan had paid to his school when he was a youngster.
A great man, and a great player, Ryan will certainly be missed in the red of Munster.
We wish him all the best in France.
