In pictures: Paul O'Connell waves goodbye after last home Test

TO PARAPHRASE ANOTHER nation’s anthem, when will we see his likes again?

This is an end, but not the end.

Rallying the troops

Paul O'Connell Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Clawing a loose line-out back on to Ireland’s side

Paul O'Connell wins a line-out Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Taking contact

Paul O'Connell

And gainlines

Paul O'Connell with Bradley Davies Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Digging deep

Paul O'Connell Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

But coming up just short

Paul O'Connell and Taulupe Faletau after the game James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Paul O'Connell Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Paddy knows the most important days are still ahead though

Paul O'Connell with his son Paddy after the game Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Paul O'Connell with his son Paddy after the game James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Nothing but respect from his peers

Welsh players applaud off Paul O'Connell with his son Paddy after the game Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

One for the cameras

Paul O'Connell with his son Paddy after the game

A kiss for Emily

Paul O'Connell with his son Paddy and wife Emily after the game

And then, the legend was gone

Paul O'Connell with his son Paddy after the game Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Thanks Paulie, for everything.

Paul O'Connell with his son Paddy after the game Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO