An Irish footballing legend.
118 and out. With 34 minutes of Ireland’s friendly against the United States, John O’Shea’s number went up and exited stage left.
The 37-year-old defender would have liked the last act of his 17-year international career to be in Russia, of course, but while he had to settle for the US’s inconsequential visit to Dublin, the former Manchester United favourite will have been touched by the reception.
O’Shea was replaced by Darragh Lenihan and, as the captain on the night removed his armband and handed it back to Seamus Coleman, the Aviva Stadium rose to their feet to offer their appreciation as one of Ireland’s most successful players bowed out.
The players, too, with Coleman and Jonathan Walters embracing the Waterford native as he jogged off. Martin O’Neill greeted his trusted on-field lieutenant with a hug on the touchline as applause rang out across the stadium.
O’Shea is off in the 33’ an incredible international career for the boys in green! #ThanksJosh #118 #IRLvUSA pic.twitter.com/z65lxks7pN
— Kenny DiNero (@KMDiNero) June 2, 2018
Watching #IRLUSA on ESPN is one most painful 90 minutes with American soccer commentary 🤦🏻♂️. Can we just relive this John O’Shea nutmeg a world great for next 90 minutes #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/s5POWpvCox
— Ronan Proctor (@RonanProctor) June 2, 2018
That's it!
On 33 minutes, John O'Shea exits the pitch to a tremendous ovation.
What a servant.
118 caps.
3 international goals.
1 John O'Shea. #ThanksJosh #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/Jxo5X0usOe— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 2, 2018
The crowd stand for John O'Shea #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/laY9LEw2aM
— Sarah 🌊 🌍 (@SarahRyanSaid) June 2, 2018
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