Clifden native and Connacht legend Tiernan O'Halloran announces retirement

Clifden native Tiernan O’Halloran has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the season, after a 15-year career with his home province Connacht.

“After 15 seasons of an absolute dream come true I’ve decided to call it a day on my rugby career. I could never have imagined as a 9 year old boy starting rugby growing up in Clifden that I would have experienced the career I was lucky to live!" said O'Halloran in a statement released by the club.

One of the all-time greats for Connacht Rugby, the full-back has made 236 appearances, scoring 48 tries in the process. O'Halloran made his senior Connacht debut at the age of just 18, featuring against Olympus Madrid in the Challenge Cup in 2009, and has been an ever-present member of the Pro squad since.

He has since gone on to have an immeasurable impact on the club, and will be forever remembered for scoring the opening try of the 2016 Guinness PRO12 Grand Final.

O'Halloran diving down to score in the Guinness Pro12 final 2016.

He then followed up that great season by being named Connacht Rugby Player of the Year in 2017. His performances over this period also earned him the first of his six caps for Ireland.

"I have so many people I’m thankful for along the way, and I plan to thank you all in the near future, but my biggest appreciation has and always will be my Mom and Dad. Both my inspiration and super heroes from being a toddler, you always supported and guided me, and I genuinely struggle to put into words how much you mean to me and my career. Also to my brother Cian and sister Evanne for always being the most supportive siblings.

To my amazing fiancée Emily and precious son Rían, you guys have been my rock through so much and I cannot wait for our next chapter as a family! To the Connacht family (Clan), I genuinely loved every minute of representing all of you, and I look forward to joining you all at the new Dexcom Stadium in the future to cheer on the lads.

For the last 15 years I gave it my all for that jersey. I’ve had many highs and lows throughout the journey, but 2016 will always be my most memorable year! From that amazing day in Edinburgh to my first time representing my country in South Africa, I never would have got to that point without the support of my family, friends and teammates."

O'Halloran ended his message to the supporters with a short message: "Connacht Abu!”

Connacht Rugby supporters will have an opportunity to pay tribute to Tiernan at our final home game of the season against the Stormers on 18th May, and the annual Connacht Rugby Awards at the end of the month.

O'Halloran with the winner's medal after the 2016 Guinness Pro12 final win over Leinster.