Twitter pays tribute to Irish legend Paul O'Connell

By Steve Neville

Irish Rugby have confirmed the news no one wanted to hear. Paul O’Connell’s Rugby World Cup and Ireland career is over.

Since the announcement, fans have being paying tribute to the great man on Twitter.

A leader, a warrior, a gentleman - @Paul_OConnell has played his last for Ireland. #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/xNmt6YqIpX

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 13, 2015

Heart just fell again with confirmation that Paul O'Connell's RWC & Ireland career is over. One of a kind. Best of luck in his recovery

— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) October 13, 2015

Thank you for everything Paul O'Connell. My all time favourite Irish rugby player. #legend #leader #damniceguy

— Deirdre Farrelly (@Farrellydee) October 13, 2015

@Paul_OConnell Thanks for all the great memories. @AlanQuinlan1

— pat💙💛🇮🇪❤️💙 (@oohaah) October 13, 2015

Gentleman trending in Ireland & I only thought of one man - @Paul_OConnell you did your country proud #IRE #RWC2015 https://t.co/112jUkUQpG

— Noelle ☘️ (@IrishGirl_06) October 13, 2015

Awful way to go but he couldn't have left a more indelible mark on World Rugby. #OConnell #Legend #ShoulderToShoulder #IRFU

— Dave O'Flanagan (@DaveOFlanagan) October 13, 2015

One man summed up the cruelty of sport.

Sport really is a horrible thing sometimes, @Paul_OConnell one of the greatest ever to play the sport, terrific servant to Ireland..

— Ben L (@purplebenny) October 13, 2015

While we all hope the team can put in a few more big performances, not least for the big man.

Gutted Paul O'Connell will miss the rest of the World Cup. An icon & inspiration. Let's win it for him! #ShoulderToShoulder #IRE #RWC2015

— David Patterson (@DPatz13) October 13, 2015

Who could forget one of his most inspirational moments in green...

A tribute …https://t.co/To8ZkAA9mh

— Gerard Meagher (@gerard_meagher) October 13, 2015

We’ll miss you, Paulie. Thanks for all the memories.