23 Incredible Photographs That Remind Us Why We’ll Always Love Paul O’Connell

So it looks very much like Paul O’Connell has played his last game in a green shirt, with a hamstring injury set to rule him out for the remainder of his World Cup swansong.

And while it’s gutting news, and certainly not how it was all supposed to end for this giant, it’s worth taking a moment to look back over one of the greatest careers in Irish rugby.

Here are 23 amazing pictures that truly sum up the fact we’ll never see his like again.

1. Going over the line for a try during his 2002 debut versus Wales

2. Taking a lineout during a pool match versus Romania in the 2003 World Cup

3. Opening up the engine in 2004

4. Standing tall against Namibia

5. That head of hair!

6. Having the LOLs for Munster

7. Shoulder to shoulder

8. In talks with Eddie O’Sullivan ahead of the 2006 Six Nations

9. YOU SHALL NOT PASS

10. Celebrating Munster’s Heineken Cup triumph

11. Graceful in the air

12. A crowning achievement – lifting the trophy after the 2009 Grand Slam

13. Always at the heart of the action

14. Taking it easy against France in 2010

15. Get in there

16. Sharing a softer moment with Dan Lydiate during Lions training

17. Annnnd back to business against the Aussies

18. We’re on a boat!

19. Pure sound…

20. And looks great in his Brendan Grace get-up

21. … but whether in the air, or on land…

22. … do NOT mess with him

23. Paulie, we really will never see your like again