Well we all knew it was coming. But just like with any other tragedy, we clung to the last fibres of hope, praying that Paul O'Connell would spring a dramatic recovery and drive on for the World Cup glory his legacy deserves.
Unfortunately however, it wasn't to be and the merciless domain of sport has claimed yet another warrior. But the memory of his contribution in a green jersey will endure forever and we won't forget the memories.
The tributes below are mere tokens of what we owe O'Connell but one thing is for sure, we will miss him.
Sport for all it's glorious wonder is a bastard sometimes. Sick that one of our greatest ever @Paul_OConnell departs the stage in this way.
— Ryle Nugent (@RyleNugentRTE) October 13, 2015
Paul O'Connell. That is all. #Inspiration — John Duggan (@jduggantodayfm) October 13, 2015
Sad to see @Paul_OConnell bow out of #RWC2015 and retire injured from international rugby. Wishing him a complete and speedy recovery
— Dermot O'Mahony (@Dermotom) October 13, 2015
All hail the King. Thanks @Paul_OConnell for the memories. Absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/4qvRvTnkBB — Feargal Hynes (@feargalhynes) October 13, 2015
Any chat about body-on-the-line sportsmen has to include Paul O'Connell. A giant for Munster, Ireland and the Lions. Shame it ends in injury
— Dean Wilson (@CricketMirror) October 13, 2015
A v sad farewell to Paul O'Connell from international rugby. Heartbreaking finish, but a staggering career, brilliant leader, superb bloke. — Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) October 13, 2015
Squad Update: @mikemccarthy6 called up to #RWC2015 squad in place of @Paul_OConnell #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/QI46KrJ9yl
— 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
To say I'm gutted about a @Paul_OConnell ending his glittering career in this way is an understatement. He will forever be remembered (1/2)
— Gary-Matthew O'Toole (@SealTeam_Shels) October 13, 2015
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
Is there any space left in #budget16 for genetic research to breed a replacement Paul O'Connell?
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 13, 2015
Losing Paul O' Connell is worse than losing Gandalf. #IRLvFRA — Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) October 11, 2015
Can't belive we will never see @Paul_OConnell in an Ireland Shirt again. Been an absolute mountain of a player for us for years #ThanksPaul
— Lawrence Kenny (@Lawrence_Kenny) October 13, 2015
Out of all the rugby players I've interviewed - none have been as charming as Paul O'Connell - a fine ambassador for his sport #IREvARG
— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) October 13, 2015
I have many many memories of @Paul_OConnell @IrishRugby @Munsterrugby have so much to thank him for, a true legend pic.twitter.com/678mxFTR2G
— Michael Corcoran (@MichaelC_RTE) October 13, 2015
Gutted for Paul O'Connell.
Stunning test career.
Proper 'World Class'.— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 13, 2015
Huge loss for the spectacle of @rugbyworldcup with @Paul_OConnell being forced out wit injury. Even bigger loss for @IrishRugby #GetWellSoon
— David Eaton (@Dave_Eaton_1989) October 13, 2015
Writing for BBC Scotland, Tom English has done a rather decent job of putting Paulie's influence into words.
Ireland's bid to reach their first World Cup semi-final carries on without him. After 108 caps, and 13 years of setting standards like no Irish forward has ever set them before, one of the greatest of all Test careers is at an end.
It began, in 2002, with a bang on the head and an early exit on his debut against Wales and it has finished with the warrior once again carried away on his shield.
Not the way we wanted to see him go but perhaps it was the only way it was ever going to happen given how often he put his body on the line for the cause. Thanks for everything Paulie.
