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

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

Paul O’Connell bade farewell to the Aviva Stadium today after playing his final Test match on home soil. He wasn’t able to turn the tide of a supercharged Welsh outfit, but he took Ireland very close.

This is an end, but not the end.

Rallying the troops

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

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

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Taking contact

And gainlines

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Digging deep

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

But coming up just short

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Paddy knows the most important days are still ahead though

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Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Nothing but respect from his peers

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

One for the cameras

A kiss for Emily

And then, the legend was gone

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Thanks Paulie, for everything.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

O’Connell’s greatest days were the ones his son shared the taste of victory‘If I could take back the times I used to slag John Hayes, I would’ — Paul O’Connell