PETER O’MAHONY bid an emotional farewell following his Ireland retirement – and hopes he “dug in for my teammates”.
The 35-year-old came off the bench for his 114th and final cap for his country in the 22-17 win over Italy in the Six Nations.
He was greeted by a standing ovation from the 30,000 Irish supporters who had made the trip to Rome for the game.
O’Mahony closed the curtain against the same opposition against whom he made his Ireland debut way back in 2012.
And speaking to RTE, he expressed gratitude at having been able to play for his country for over a decade.
He said: “I have been at this a long time. We have been on a journey with this group.
“It brings back memories of my first cap, obviously against Italy, and here we are 13 or 14 years later.
“I have been so lucky and such a privilege to play for your country once, never mind 100+ times. I am very grateful.”
Simon Easterby‘s men needed a win and other results to go their way to maintain hope of a third Six Nations title on the bounce.
And despite an unconvincing performance, they laid down the gauntlet thanks to a sensational hat-trick of tries from Dan Sheehan.
They were cheered on by a sizeable cohort of travelling Irish fans, as well as family.
O’Mahony and fellow retirees Cian Healy and Conor Murray were cheered on the loudest, with Peter‘s wife Jessica in the stands.
And the dad-of-three made the point of thanking his soul mate for the sacrifices she made along the way.
He said: “It was great. the main thing was the performance and probably didn’t get that but got the win.
“You invest a lot in people. This group has invested a lot. Be it over a few years or even the last eight weeks.
“We are a tight group and I appreciate the staff, all the work they have put into me over the years.
“Not just over the years, the last eight weeks. Your teammates dig deep for you and I hope I have reciprocated that.
“I hope that they feel I have done the same. I appreciate all the work that has gone in and all they have done.
“It is nice to spend a few moments with family.
“My wife has sacrificed a huge amount but, at the same time, she has come and supported me all over the world. I am very lucky.”
While their international careers are over, all three of O’Mahony, Healy, and Murray will return to their provinces for the rest of the season.
The former two will retire from club rugby at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, while Murray will continue his career abroad.
And the flanker vowed to give it his all in the red jersey after doing so in the green.
He said: “I will go back home now. I have a bit to go with Munster.
“We have some huge games coming up. It is nice the way I have gone about it. I can tick things off as I go along.
“A few months to go and I will keep my head down.”
