No one in Ireland needed another reason to be up for this Saturday’s match against France, not with the title on the line, the grand slam at stake, and the chance to make history by winning three consecutive Six Nations championships. Beyond that, there was also the added motivation of potential selection for the British & Irish Lions tour. But last week, three stalwarts of Irish rugby Cian Healy, Conor Murray, and Peter O’Mahonynannounced their retirement at the end of the championship, making this their final home game.
Between them, Healy, Murray, and O’Mahony have accumulated 372 caps, more than an entire starting Test XV. They have been central figures in an era that transformed Irish rugby. Healy, the eldest of the trio, first received a call-up in 2008, when Ireland was still striving for its first grand slam in over 50 years. That dream was realized the following year. Healy made his debut later that year in a match that also marked Brian O’Driscoll’s 100th cap, a 20-20 draw against Australia.
In those early days, Healy was a raw talent fiery, powerful, and just out of Belvedere College. His natural athleticism and strength set him apart, though opponents initially saw him as a weak link in the scrum. Over time, he developed into one of the finest loosehead props in the world, excelling in both set pieces and open play. A severe neck injury in 2015 nearly ended his career, yet he persevered, becoming a fixture on the bench, ready to deliver in the crucial final minutes of games.
Murray followed in 2011, a towering scrum-half built like a loose forward. His physicality made him a formidable presence in defense, but his crisp passing, tactical intelligence, and pinpoint kicking game made him an essential component of Ireland’s attack. His partnership with Johnny Sexton became legendary, the two operating as the heartbeat of the team’s structured play. Their understanding and execution were unparalleled, guiding Ireland through some of its most successful years.
O’Mahony was the last of the trio to break into the squad, earning his first cap in 2012. Unlike the others, he was not a prototype of the modern athlete. Lacking the size or speed of his rivals, he made up for it with sheer tenacity and an unrelenting will to win. His defining performance came in 2017 against England, a game where he almost single-handedly dismantled an 18-game winning streak. His relentless tackling, dominance at the breakdown, and a crucial lineout steal secured victory and denied England a second consecutive grand slam.
Together, they played pivotal roles in five championship-winning campaigns and were instrumental in Ireland’s historic first victory over New Zealand in 2016. That win in Chicago broke a century-long losing streak, and since then, the head-to-head record between the teams has been evenly split. They also played a part in securing rare Test victories in South Africa, another milestone in Ireland’s growing stature on the world stage.
Though they never lifted the World Cup, their influence on the team’s evolution is undeniable. The lessons they imparted will live on in the next generation of Irish players, who will carry forward their legacy and chase the ultimate prize that eluded them. Their journey, defined by resilience, skill, and an unbreakable fighting spirit, has left an indelible mark on Irish rugby.
