There would be no dream ending for Ireland's retiring pair in Rome, but Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray both got to sign off win a win in their final internationals.
While Cian Healy played his 137th and final Test for Ireland against France last week the Munster pair made cameos off the bench for Ireland against Italy at Stadio Olimpico, and all three soaked up the applause with a lap of honour following the 22-17 win.
"A little bit all over the place," O’Mahony said of his emotions after the game.
Italy have bookended the Munster flanker’s career, making the first of what would be 114 Ireland appearances against the same opposition in 2012.
"Obviously it was a tough game but I’ve been at this a long time, we’ve been on a bit of a journey with this group, bringing back memories of first cap – against Italy – and here we are 13 years later.
"I’ve been so lucky. It's such a privilege to play for your country once not to mind 100-plus times. I’m so grateful."
Ireland made heavy work of their five-point win, which won't be enough to see them win a third Six Nations title in a row.
But O’Mahony was in a reflective mood when speaking to RTÉ Sport after the victory.
"It was great. The main thing was the performance and we probably didn't get that, but we got the win.
"You invest a lot with people, this group is the best of the lot, and be it over a few years or the last eight weeks, we’re a tight group and I appreciate everything the staff [have done], the work that they have put into me over the years and the last few weeks.
"Your team-mates dig deep for you and I hope I’ve reciprocated that. I hope that they feel I’ve done the same.
"It’s nice to be able to spend a few moments with your family. My wife has sacrificed a huge amount, but at the same time they have come and supported me all over the world. I’m very lucky," he added.
"I've been so lucky… I’m very grateful." –Peter O’Mahony walks into the sunset after a brilliant Ireland career #RTErugby pic.twitter.com/DEwbubABI0
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 15, 2025
His Munster team-mate Murray also made his final appearance in green, replacing Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half in the final quarter.
"A lot of emotions going on now, but our main task was to come here and win," Murray said.
"We know we had a slim chance of winning the championship, but Italy are always a side that are improving. You need to grind them down and it took 80 minutes to grind them down today.
"I’m delighted, all that aside, to go out on a high and go out on a win. It’s not a championship but it’s a win with a very special group of people."
The 35-year-old walked side by side with O’Mahony to salute travelling fans at the Stadio Olimpico, and he stressed how grateful he is for that support.
"I think the chat during the week was that it was 30,000 Irish on the streets of Rome and then coming into the stadium today it feels like more. They made it sound like more.
"I really appreciate that, and I know the lads do. Hearing them sing all the way through the game, hearing them sing at the end of the game when we did a walkaround, I’d like to pay a tribute to them, they’ve been incredible my whole career and made a lot of dreams of mine come true.
"It’s got a special place in my heart, this competition. It means a hell of a lot to me. Watching it as a young fella and then playing in it for however many years, it was never lost on me, I was always grateful when I got to play in the Six Nations.
"There's emotions that it’s ending, but I’ve been very fortunate to play in so many, very lucky to win a few. There’s a lot of happiness, I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of."
