Three of Ireland’s most decorated rugby warriors—Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray—are calling time on their international careers following next month’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations finale. These three titans, who have been at the heart of Ireland’s golden era, will leave behind an unmatched legacy in the green jersey.
O’Mahony and Healy will exit the professional game after the 2024/25 season, while Murray is heading overseas when his Munster contract wraps up in July. Their departure closes a legendary chapter in Irish Rugby, with all three breaking the 100-cap barrier and securing five Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.
O’Mahony: The Heartbeat of Irish Rugby
Peter O’Mahony has been the embodiment of Irish grit since his debut in 2012. The Munster back-row maestro has racked up 112 caps, leading Ireland to Six Nations glory in 2023. His 80-minute warhorse display against Wales last weekend was another reminder of his relentless drive.
A product of PBC Cork, O’Mahony has been a fixture in three Rugby World Cups and even captained the British and Irish Lions in the 2017 opener against New Zealand. With 193 Munster appearances and two domestic titles, his impact on the game is undeniable.
Healy: A Front Row Titan
Cian Healy, Ireland’s all-time cap leader, will hang up his boots with a resume that speaks for itself. He surpassed Brian O’Driscoll’s record last November in the 150th Anniversary Test against Australia, and his 136 international caps make him the most-capped player in Six Nations history.
Healy debuted in 2009 at Croke Park against Australia and has been a rock in Ireland’s scrum ever since. With three Rugby World Cups, five Six Nations crowns, and a British and Irish Lions tour in 2013 under his belt, Healy’s influence spans generations.
On the club scene, Healy is Leinster’s ironman, holding their all-time appearance record and boasting four European Cups, a Challenge Cup, and seven domestic league trophies.
Murray: The Maestro at No. 9
Conor Murray’s departure signals the end of an era for one of Ireland’s all-time great scrum-halves. The Munster general has 124 caps, sitting joint-fourth on Ireland’s all-time list alongside Rory Best.
Since his first Test in 2011, Murray has been at the core of Ireland’s success, hoisting five Six Nations titles and four Triple Crowns. A three-time British and Irish Lions tourist (2013, 2017, 2021), his game management and precision passing have made him one of the world’s best.
With 199 appearances for Munster and two Celtic League/URC titles, Murray’s club and country legacy is firmly cemented.
Irish Rugby Tributes
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys paid tribute: “Peter, Cian, and Conor are legends of not just Irish Rugby, but Irish sport. Their contribution over the last 15 years has been immense.”
Interim Ireland Head Coach Simon Easterby added, “These guys continue to inspire their teammates and add immense value on and off the pitch. We are determined to send them off on a high.”
With two games left in the Six Nations, Ireland is determined to give their warriors the farewell they deserve. These legends may be stepping away, but their legacy will never fade.
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