While he may have only been appointed as Ireland captain just before the Six Nations, it was reported this morning that this afternoon's game against Scotland would be Peter O'Mahony's last appearance at test level.
It was surprising news.
He may be 34-years old, he remains an integral part of this Ireland team. It would have been thought that his captaincy would last at least until this summer's tour to South Africa, and likely through until the end of next year's Six Nations.
While it was not confirmed ahead of the game that Peter O'Mahony would indeed be retiring, his emotions before the game certainly told a story.
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Peter O'Mahony was hugely emotional ahead of Scotland game
Peter O'Mahony is always emotional during the anthems ahead of an Ireland game, although they seemed to take on an added significance on this occasion.
It clearly took a toll on the Cork man once Ireland's Call got underway, with the camera immediately cutting to the captain. By the time the camera made its way back up to him towards the end of the anthem, he could not even manage to get the words out.
Look at the emotion of Peter O'Mahony! 🥺
In tears as Ireland's Call booms out around the Aviva!#IREvSCO | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/2dpZtyv7Gj— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 16, 2024
A hugely poignant moment.
Peter O'Mahony has been a remarkable servant to Irish rugby for well over a decade, providing supporters of both Munster and Ireland with countless memorable moments down through the years.
He always wore his heart on his sleeve, something he did once again ahead of this game.
If this was indeed his final appearance in an Ireland shirt, he will get nothing but good wishes from everyone who had the pleasure of watching him in green down through the years.
That anthem showed everyone what Peter O'Mahony was all about.
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