DB CONvSTO URC Digital Match Programme

TIERNAN O’HALLORAN
Connacht Rugby legend Tiernan
O’Halloran announced that he will
retire from professional rugby at the
end of the season, bringing to an end
a stellar 15-year career with his home
province.
One of the all-time greats for Connacht
Rugby, the full-back has made 236
appearances, scoring 48 tries in the
process. The Clifden native 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.
His performances over this period
also earned him the first of his six
caps for Ireland.
O’Halloran has released the following
statement:
“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!
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. I
am eternally grateful to all of the
coaches and team management I
played under throughout my career
who always supported and guided
me. A massive thanks to the medical
and S&C staff over the years who
helped me from so many injuries.
From Connemara RFC through
Garbally College and Cistercian
College Roscrea, I have embraced
every minute of living an absolute
dream, and I look forward to being a
supporter for years to come.
Connacht Abu!”