Ronan O’Mahony Forced To Retire
Ronan O'Mahony is pictured in action against the Dragons in January, a game which proved to be his penultimate one in Munster colours ©INPHO/Alex Davidson
Munster Rugby have confirmed today that Ronan O’Mahony will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
The 29-year-old winger, who sustained a broken leg and dislocated ankle when playing against Benetton Treviso in April 2017, has been advised to retire from professional rugby on medical grounds.
Commenting on the announcement, O’Mahony said: “I’m heartbroken to be finishing my career earlier that I had expected. The last two years have been pretty tough since initially breaking my leg, and ultimately the injury has made it impossible for me to continue.
“I take great confidence in knowing the medical team and I have given everything to this and we have done everything possible in looking to regain full fitness. However, it’s a battle that I’m not going to win and, as such, I have been forced to call it a day.
“Growing up in Limerick, it was a dream of mine to play for Munster and now to look back over my 20s and realise what I’ve achieved, I’m extremely grateful for every opportunity I had in the red jersey.
I look back on it all with fantastic memories, from my early days of togging out in Garryowen, to my school days in Castletroy College, and finally the pathway all the way up through the Munster system. Running out at my home ground of Thomond Park, playing in front of family and friends, and representing the people of Munster has meant everything to me.
“To everyone who has helped me along the way, my family and friends, girlfriend, coaches, team-mates and supporters, I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been a Munster man all my life, and as a proud Munster man I look forward to supporting the province from the stands.”
O’Mahony made 70 senior appearances for Munster after making his debut against the Dragons at Rodney Parade in April 2013. He went on to make his European debut against Saracens in January 2015. In scoring 21 tries, he was the joint top try-scorer for the 2016/17 season with 11 tries, crossing the whitewash in Munster’s historic win over the Maori All Blacks at Thomond Park.
A Munster Rugby Academy graduate, he was a product of the development pathway after first playing with Garryowen FC and Castletroy College and progressed through the age-grade ranks at provincial and nationa levels.