It's only a few short months since the Irish social media fraternity almost burst with expressions of love for the most charismatic Irish player in modern history. Get ready for it to happen all over again today.
#ThanksPaulie is already trending. Many of the messages express disappointment that advice from medics forced the decision but all acknowledged his incredible contribution to Ireland and Munster.
Really disappointing to see @Paul_OConnell having to retire. Sensational career in Red & Green. Simply irreplaceable.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) 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
Sad to hear of the retirement of @Paul_OConnell true legend of the game and will be missed. #legend #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/zVj8wnkmUa
— Craig Telford (@chigmeister) February 9, 2016
Heartbreaking for the truest gent of the game to bow out like this. Rugby fans everywhere salute you @Paul_OConnell https://t.co/oKj1nDX5M4
— Laura-Jane Jones (@MissLJJ) 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
Thank you @Paul_OConnell for being such a wonderful player and an all round gentleman of the game. Best of luck for the future. #rugby
— Colin Moran (@CollieMoRugby) February 9, 2016
Already missing the sight of Paul O'Connell on a pitch. What's a maul without him roaring in it. Big Fearsome Giant dragged off by doctors.
— DaveTynan (@dave_tynan) February 9, 2016
Paul O'Connell always himself. On the pitch, in interviews, everywhere.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) February 9, 2016
What a player and leader. Thanks for the memories+ reminding us to put the fear of God into someone! #ThanksPaulie https://t.co/okiJ0S90bv
— Aoife Savage (@AoifeSav) February 9, 2016
Best of luck to @Paul_OConnell on his retirement from all professional rugby, you have been the best Paulie #legend #ThanksPaulie #thebest
— Fiona Donnellan (@fionadonnellan) 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
Heartbroken for @Paul_OConnell thanks for the wonderful days you gave us in red & green. A joy to watch but above all, an absolute gent.❤️?
— Fiona Kelleher (@_F1ONA_) February 9, 2016
A true sporting hero. Great days in Tom clifford Park, thomond pk and many other places. #thankspaulie
— DT (@wandatt) February 9, 2016
The Greatest to ever wear the green. #ThanksPaulie
— Brian Mulcahy (@BriansBeard) 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
Very sad to hear about @Paul_OConnell retiring. A fantastic player and leader for Ireland and Munster. #thankspaulie
— Graeme (@Graeme_OBrien) 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
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
