#ThanksPaulie Takes Over Twitter

Following this morning’s announcement that Paul O’Connell has retired from professional rugby, fans and players alike have taken to social media in their droves to show their appreciation for the second row stalwart who captained Munster, Ireland and the Lions across a highly decorated 14 year career.

Within minutes of this morning’s unexpected news at 10am, the hashtag #ThanksPaulie became the number one trending topic in Ireland as has continued to remain so across the day such is the sense of appreciation and gratitude for the man who achieved so much for both province and country.
 

#thankspaulie is now trending in Ireland https://t.co/lnn4sECpiy

— Trendsmap Ireland (@TrendsIreland) February 9, 2016

A Leader, a Lion, a Legend…#ThanksPauliehttps://t.co/gRLaev6dKv

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2016

#ThanksPaulie ?
My favourite photo of one of my most favourite men….Rugby has lost a gent! pic.twitter.com/5MtonD8tMk

— Caroline Duke (@c_a_l_s_) February 9, 2016

Something beautiful and fitting the great man retires as a 1 club man .The pride of Limerick and a role model for the rest of the country.??

— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) February 9, 2016

Enjoy your retirement,

Don't just take our word for it… #respect #ThanksPaulie #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/xf5Q3NKILn

— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 9, 2016

A legend of the game. #ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/iqpgiDnVaM

— MunsterBecks (@Beckinder) February 9, 2016

Sad to see @Paul_OConnell retire, but what a legend on and off the field. Pleasure to share the same field with and against him.

— gethin jenkins (@gethinjenkins1) February 9, 2016

Best of luck @Paul_OConnell in your retirement. Civilian life is great. I should have copped on Saturday when you ordered a fry up #legend?

— Niall Ronan (@NiallRonan777) February 9, 2016

Privileged&honoured to have played w/ @Paul_OConnell.Most inspirational leader/captain I've ever played with&against pic.twitter.com/qUTDSOp1Tl

— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 9, 2016

All the very best retirement wishes to @Paul_OConnell – thank you for so many great European memories pic.twitter.com/mPG7IT27RF

— Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) February 9, 2016

Don't know if we'll see another like him. #ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/yBq4GwTCr4

— Jonathan Fitzpatrick (@jfitz92) February 9, 2016

Have to frame this one up ! Some great battles over the years @Paul_OConnell all the best for the future !! #Legend pic.twitter.com/hLEuwPidPN

— Jamie Cudmore (@JNCudmore) February 9, 2016

Sad that @Paul_OConnell has been forced to retire. Incredible career and great man. Would still make most teams on 1 leg! #ThanksPaulie

— Rob Henderson (@robhendo13) February 9, 2016

@Munsterrugby The greatest leader I played with! #whatacareer

— Paul (@paulmwarwick) February 9, 2016

Congratulations @Paul_OConnell on a fantastic career ?

— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) February 9, 2016

End of a illustrious career for one of rugby's greatest and more humble hero you'll never meet. #thanksPaulie #SUAF pic.twitter.com/zR4ogi867d

— Ian Falconer (@IKFalconer) February 9, 2016

Really disappointing to see @Paul_OConnell having to retire. Sensational career in Red & Green. Simply irreplaceable.

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 9, 2016

Honor and a privilege to have played alongside @Paul_OConnell One of the greatest of all time. Enjoy the next journey!

— Johne Murphy (@MurphyJohne) February 9, 2016

I'm sad we will no longer see Paul O'Connell play rugby but what a privilege to see him play. He gave so much joy to us all. #ThanksPaulie

— Paul O'Brien (@WestCorkPaul) February 9, 2016