What next? - Paul O’Connell retires from rugby

IT is an indication of the great esteem in which Paul O’Connell is held that most Irish, and Munster, sports fans will empathise with the great leader because he and his family did not get an opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved Indian summer playing for European champions Toulon in the south of France. And what a prospect that seems on a stormy February day in Ireland!

O’Connell announced yesterday that not even steel could restore his body to the point that would allow him perform at the level he wanted to. So, in an all-or-nothing reaction typical of the man, he called it a day. Perform to the highest standards or don’t perform.

Tens of thousands of words have been written or spoken in eulogy, describing his fearsome competitiveness, humility, emotional intelligence matched by a sharp and active intellect. For once at least, they all ring true.

Paulie’s contribution to Irish society is already significant and it will be very interesting to see how he builds on that, as he inevitably will.