Six Nations 2025: Evolution beckons for deposed champions Ireland as legends bow out
For the first time in 14 years, O’Mahony will not be part of the work.
In one career, he devoted his career to 114 hats and five Six-Nation champions (including as a captain), Munster Great looks forward to watching the shelf with his family.
When he succumbed, O’Mahony – commenting with anyone about the health of Irish rugby, insisting that despite where they came from, the team was still in “incredible form” despite third place.
Of course, O’Mahony is one of the last links to the Dark Ages, referring to the famous Roman Italian losses in 2013.
Ireland finished fifth in the year, but rebuilt under Joe Schmidt after Declan Hidney left, winning back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, then a Grand Slam three years later.
“Now, when we’re on the court, everyone’s expectation is that we win,” Omahoni said. Omahoni replaced Josh van der Flier after 51 minutes of his time at Italy, and he was applauded in a zealous applause.
“When we start the expectations of six countries, we win six countries. It depends on the hard work of the players. We have gone from hope to expectations. In about a decade we have changed the way players and supporters think and can only win from Ireland.
“From an Irish perspective, the group is one of the most talented people you have ever seen. I watched my lucky young players play with them over the past eight weeks and it’s getting better and better.
“It gave me a lot of pride, and Cian (Healy) talked about leaving traces on young players and if I made a difference or showed them something I didn’t do, I would be a happy person.”
