Cian Healy reflects on final Dublin game after France defeat

Cian Healy’s final match for Ireland in Dublin did not end the way he had hoped, as his side suffered a disappointing loss to France.

While he managed to cross the try line in the 77th minute, it was little more than a consolation in a game that slipped away from Ireland in the latter stages of the second half.

For Healy, the defeat carried more weight than just the result on the scoreboard. With 137 caps to his name, this game marked the end of an extraordinary international journey spanning nearly 16 years.

His career with the Irish team began in 2009 against Australia, and Saturday’s match was the last time he would stand for the national anthem in Dublin, the last time he would wear the green jersey on home soil, and the last time he would celebrate a try at Lansdowne Road.

Reflecting on the occasion, Healy acknowledged the emotions of the moment but maintained a professional perspective. “This is professional sport. You suck it up,” he said, emphasizing his pragmatic approach despite the personal significance of the game.

Healy admitted that while the anthems were particularly tough to get through, he was grateful for the opportunity to collect himself before taking to the field.

“It was good, it was enjoyable at times. It was nice to be on the bench and have the opportunity to compose myself a bit after the anthems. That was tough. I’m sure it was tough for Pete [O’Mahony] going straight into battle.”

The moment of singing Amhrán na bhFiann one last time in Dublin was not filled with thoughts of strategy or preparation, but rather a quiet sense of pride.

“Just pride, just enjoying singing it here, the last opportunity to do it,” Healy said, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

Following the emotional pre-match atmosphere, Healy admitted he needed a moment to reset.

“I had to go in and wash my face and come back to neutral after that.

"They’re special moments and doing something with the two boys [O’Mahony and Conor Murray] at the same time is nice, but at the same time, next week is really the last week for us and we want to do it properly.”