Connacht's Tiernan O'Halloran has announced that he will be hanging up his rugby boots for good.
Over his 15-year career, O'Halloran featured 215 times for the Irish province, scored 236 points and 48 tries in that time as well.
The talented full-back made his Connacht debut at 18 in the Challenge Cup in 2009 and scored a try on Connacht's most famous day to date, the 2016 PRO12 Grand Final victory over Leinster.
The 33-year-old also featured six times for Ireland. After playing for both the Irish schools and the Irish under-20s teams, he finally got a senior call-up in the 2011–12 season after being selected by Declan Kidney. However, he received his first full international cap against South Africa in 2016.
Connacht's head coach, Pete Wilkins, paid tribute to O'Halloran this week.
𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃! 🟢🦅
Debut 🆚 Olympus Madrid in 09
1⃣8⃣ years of age when he made his debut
⭐️ 2017 Connacht Rugby Player of the Year
☘️ 6 caps for @IrishRugby #ConnachtRugby | @Tiernanoh11 pic.twitter.com/wkyORm0sHH— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 30, 2024
“Tiernan should be extremely proud of his career and his impact on the game of rugby in Connacht," said Wilkins.
"The Connacht Rugby of today is very different from the one he first played for in 2009, and Tiernan played his part in helping the club on that journey."
O'Halloran also had words to say and released a statement to thank everyone involved in his journey.
"After 15 seasons of an absolute dream come true, I’ve decided to call it a day on my rugby career," said O'Halloran.
"I could never have imagined as a 9-year-old boy starting rugby growing up in Clifden that I would have experienced the career I was lucky to live!
"I have so many people I’m thankful for along the way, and I plan to thank you all in the near future, but my biggest appreciation has and always will be my mom and dad.
"Both my inspiration and superheroes from being toddlers, you always supported and guided me, and I genuinely struggle to put into words how much you mean to me and my career.
"Also to my brother Cian and sister Evanne for always being the most supportive siblings.
"To my amazing fiancée Emily and precious son Ryan, you guys have been my rock through so much, and I cannot wait for our next chapter as a family!
"To the Connacht family (Clan), I genuinely loved every minute of representing all of you, and I look forward to joining you all at the new Dexcom Stadium in the future to cheer on the lads."
He also went on to share what his favourite moment in a Connacht jersey was and, not surprisingly, chose the year Connacht won the 2016 PRO12 Grand Final victory over Leinster.
"For the last 15 years, I gave it my all for that jersey. I’ve had many highs and lows throughout the journey, but 2016 will always be my most memorable year," he added.
"From that amazing day in Edinburgh to my first time representing my country in South Africa, I never would have gotten to that point without the support of my family, friends, and teammates.
"I am eternally grateful to all of the coaches and team management I played under throughout my career who always supported and guided me. A massive thanks to the medical and S&C staff over the years who helped me through so many injuries.
"From Connemara RFC through Garbally College and Cistercian College Roscrea, I have embraced every minute of living an absolute dream, and I look forward to being a supporter for years to come.
"Connacht Abu!”
Simply one of our greatest ever 💚
A message from Tiernan O’Halloran.https://t.co/3yeEppjxe5 pic.twitter.com/W2pDi5DjQm
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 30, 2024
