IT’S NOT JUST on the pitch that Ireland are losing a veteran.

Legendary kitman Paddy “Rala” O’Reilly has officially retired after more than 21 years with the Irish team, and the much-loved character has been given a touching send off by the IRFU.

Rala has long been more than just a colleague of the players, with countless current and former internationals speaking about how close he has been to the group down the years.

And after Ireland bowed out of the World Cup yesterday at the hands of Argentina, it brought the curtain down on the Dubliner’s long career as Ireland’s carer.

To say goodbye, the IRFU have put together this great video slideshow of Rala’s best moments in the Irish camp, set to Christy Moore’s John O’Dreams.