Paul O'Connell played his last game for Ireland against France in the 2015 Rugby World Cup
A selection of images from the glorious career of Paul O'Connell after his retirement from rugby was announced.
Here he contests possession with Frank Fitzgerald of St Mary's whilst playing for Young Munster in 2000A young O'Connell celebrates scoring a try on his Ireland debut against Wales in 2002. He later said: 'I scored a try but I don't remember it'Paul O'Connell picks up a man of the match award in January 2002The second row comes under pressure against France in the 2004 Six NationsThe Limerick man feels the squeeze against Harlequins in the Heineken Cup in January 2005The forward makes a tackle during the 2006 Heineken Cup game against BourgoinA determined O'Connell in Heineken Cup semi-final action against Leinster in 2006Champions at last - Here with the Heineken Cup trophy in 2006 after beating BiarritzThe lock forward bursts through in the Heineken Cup against Saracens in 2007Paul O'Connell against Namibia in the 2007 Rugby World Cup in FranceIt's a dirty job - Playing for Young Munster in 2008The Munster man watches on as Jamie Cudmore of Clermont Auvergne is sent off during their Heineken Cup clash in 2008Paul O'Connell celebrating the 2008 Heineken Cup final win over ToulousePaul O'Connell celebrates Ireland's 6 Nations Grand Slam following victory over Wales in Cardiff in 2009The great man relaxes at home shortly after Ireland's 2009 Grand Slam winPaul O'Connell celebrates scoring a try against Ospreys in a Heineken Cup quarter-final at Thomond Park in 2009Paul O'Connell congratulates Gordon D'Arcy after the Heineken Cup semi-final defeat in 2009Paul O'Connell plays with local children in Cape Town during the 2009 Lions tour to South AfricaPaul O'Connell holds back Harry Ellis as the Lyons take on South Africa in the 2009 tourLions captain Paul O'Connell is congratulated by coach Ian McGeechan following a Test win over South Africa in 2009With Munster team-mate Jerry Flannery and young fan Charlie Mulqueen at a 2011 training sessionPaul O'Connell in action as Ireland lose to Wales in the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalPaul O'Connell is tackled by Ruan Pienaar of Ulster in the 2012 Heineken Cup quarter-finalPaul O'Connell plays hurling during training at the 2013 Lions tour of AustraliaPaul O'Connell in action against Australia in the 2013 Lions tourPaul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll celebrate Six Nations victory in 2014In Heineken Cup action against Clermont Auvergne in 2014Paul O'Connell captained Ireland to glory in the 2015 Six NationsPaul O'Connell trudges off the field following Pro12 final defeat to Glasgow in Belfast in 2015 - his last competitive game for MunsterPaul O'Connell with wife Emily and son Paddy following his last game for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in 2015Paul O'Connell and the Ireland squad enjoy some down time during the 2015 WRCPaul O'Connell claims a lineout in Ireland's 2015 RWC win over ItalyPaul O'Connell enjoys a weights session at the RWC 2015Paul O'Connell wins a lineout against Canada at the 2015 Rugby World CupTwo bulls - Paul O'Connell and Sean O'Brien warm up at the Millennium Stadium in CardiffPaul O'Connell played his last game for Ireland against France at the 2015 Rugby World Cup
