Skip to content

Alan Quinlan hails 'iconic' former team-mate Paul O'Connell

Alan Quinlan and Paul O'Connell celebrate with the trophy following victory in the Heineken Cup Final
Image: Alan Quinlan and Paul O'Connell celebrate Munster's Heineken Cup victory in 2008

Alan Quinlan has paid tribute to former Munster and Ireland team-mate Paul O'Connell, whose determination to succeed led to the nickname 'Psycho'.

O'Connell announced his retirement from all forms of rugby on Tuesday, bringing to an end a career that spanned more than 14 years at the top.

A severe hamstring injured suffered against France during the World Cup marked his final international appearance for his country, but the second row had signed a two-year deal with Toulon that started at the beginning of the current season.

"It's an incredible legacy to be honest, just the impact he's had on the game - not just in Ireland but throughout the world. He's known as an iconic figure and a really fantastic leader."
Alan Quinlan on Paul O'Connell

However after failing to fully recover from the injury, O'Connell was advised by doctors to call time on a playing career that was decorated with three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam with Ireland, and five European and PRO12 trophies with Munster.

O'Connell's success at the top was a direct result of his determination to succeed, according to Quinlan.

O'Connell announces retirement
O'Connell announces retirement

Paul O'Connell announces retirement from rugby

"He's a hard man and he's very driven," the former Munster and Ireland back-row told Sky Sports. "We've been close as friends and he was never afraid to tell someone if they weren't pulling their weight or if they weren't focused or concentrating enough for the team.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former Ireland and Lions captain Paul O'Connell has announced his retirement from rugby

"We had plenty of rows and arguments over the years about lineouts and about different strategies. 

Also See:

"You've got to be tough, you've got to be resilient, you've got to be very determined and aggressive to achieve what he has achieved.

O'Connell: I've been very lucky
O'Connell: I've been very lucky

Paul O'Connell reflects on 'long and enjoyable career'

"We called him Psycho, Ronan O'Gara and myself. He was so psycho and so driven to succeed, and anyone or anything that gets in his way, he just goes straight out over them. That's the determination.

"It's a great drive and a desire that's got him an incredible amount of achievement."

Paul O''Connell celebrates scoring a try on his Ireland debut against Wales in 2002
Image: Paul O''Connell celebrates scoring a try on his Ireland debut against Wales in 2002

O'Connell and Quinlan played together for club and country for 10 years, and Quinlan says he is not surprised by the outpouring of respect for his his former team-mate, adding that his leadership qualities were obvious from an early age.

"It's an incredible legacy to be honest, just the impact he has had on the game - not just in Ireland but throughout the world. He's known as an iconic figure and a really fantastic leader.

"He's someone who has set a great example for young people. He has really natural leadership qualities and is a very selfless person. The team is very important to Paul O'Connell.

"He's not one for individual accolades, he's not one for the limelight, he just wants the team to do well.

"He just has this innate ability to drive people around him to play above themselves and achieve above their own standards. He gets the best out of people and it's a real quality, not everyone has those kinds of qualities; to be able to push and drive and lead a group of people."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The world of social media reacts to the news that Paul O'Connell has retired

His all-conquering personality on the field complemented a much more relaxed attitude off it, says Quinlan.

"He can put on the game face and does it really well, but he's great fun away from the field. We've had great fun on tours and we've been on holidays together in groups.

"He loves a bit of fun, a bit of craic. He's always up for a laugh and that's part of his personality as well, and that's what made him popular with players.

"He doesn't keep to himself, he likes to mix with people all the time, and he's intrigued by what everyone else does.

"He's a great character, a really funny person who is very popular with anyone he's played with and against."

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell makes his way down the tunnel with his son Paddy, 5, after his last home international match
Image: O'Connell makes his way down the tunnel with his son Paddy, 5, after his last home international match

Quinlan and O'Connell won two Heineken Cups with Munster in 2006 and 2008 and the former has expressed his desire to see the latter back at the province in a mentoring capacity.

"I'd like to see him straight away go back in and get involved with Munster," he said.

"He's someone who has so much to offer the game. He's very intelligent and I know he's interested in business and trying to explore avenues around the business world as well, but he's just too good to be lost to rugby.

"He inspired people on the field when he was playing, and I think he can do the same in coaching or a managerial role."

Around Sky