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Conor Gilsenan at London Irish. Adam Davy

Irish flanker Conor Gilsenan retires 'with a heavy heart' at the age of 27

‘Conor is everything that is good about London Irish,’ director of rugby Declan Kidney said.

LAST UPDATE | 1 Sep 2020

LONDON IRISH HAVE confirmed that 27-year-old flanker Conor Gilsenan has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect.

Director of rugby Declan Kidney paid tribute to the Westmeath native, who was a fan-favourite at the Exiles since joining the club in 2014.

“Conor is everything that is good about London Irish – always very welcoming, positive and determined,” Kidney said of his compatriot.

“In a club of Exiles, he welcomed everyone with open arms and as hard as he worked on the pitch, where he gave every minute everything he had, he did likewise off the pitch by continually looking out for his fellow players and clubmates.

“All at London Irish thank Conor for his dedicated service and wish him the very best for his future.”

While the club didn’t disclose further details, a statement issued this afternoon by London Irish explained that medical reasons were behind Gilsenan’s announcement.

He hadn’t played for the Premiership outfit since being substituted following a heavy collision in a European Challenge Cup game against Bayonne last November.

Gilsenan said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am wrapping up my career in rugby and my time with London Irish, a club that quickly became my adopted home over the past six years.

“I have played with some incredible players, built relationships with extraordinary people and represented a special club with great supporters. Thanks to everyone who played a part in my time at Irish – fond memories I will take with me for a lifetime.”

After captaining Clongowes Wood College to the Leinster Schools Senior Cup title in 2011, Gilsenan came through the ranks at Leinster and represented Ireland at U20 level.

Following a loan spell with Connacht, he was signed by London Irish and went on to make more than 70 appearances, during which he contributed six tries. 

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    Mute Michael Corkery
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    Jan 31st 2025, 6:26 AM

    Really tight between IRL and FRA but I’m going for IRL based on home advantage in the head to head. GS to boot.

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    Mute cian nolan
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    Jan 31st 2025, 8:32 AM

    Ireland. Slam. Sláinte.

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    Mute jajosullivan@aol.com
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    Jan 31st 2025, 8:11 AM

    A brief dip in form in the Autumn after 4 years of constant top quality rugby Inc summer Lions, NZ, SA tours but everyone is now fit and playing well. Competition for position with options left out of the squad if required for injuries. Nothing is certain but we are in a great position.

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    Mute Carmine Lorenzo
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    Jan 31st 2025, 10:38 AM

    France.

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    Mute Noel Lynn
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    Jan 31st 2025, 11:02 AM

    @Carmine Lorenzo: Oh u of little faith

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    Mute Carmine Lorenzo
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    Jan 31st 2025, 3:29 PM

    @Noel Lynn: Just being realistic. They have Dupont and Ntamack back. We were poor in the autumn. Faz isn’t here… Wouldn’t be surprised if we were 3rd or 4th. But hopefully I’m wrong!

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    Mute Seanie
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    Jan 31st 2025, 3:45 PM

    @Carmine Lorenzo: ray ridge is effecting you lol but ya i hope your wrong too but france will be fave’s

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    Mute Ollie Fitzpatrick
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    Jan 31st 2025, 10:28 AM

    Ireland, but I would have preferred Andy in the driving seat!!

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    Mute Luke mc govern
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    Jan 31st 2025, 12:13 PM

    With Dupont and Ntamack together again I just think they’ll be too strong.

    I don’t Ireland will change things up too much with Farrell out and it feels like other teams have managed to counter our attack to some extent. Maybe the new direct around kick chaser will help though as I feel Ireland are good under the auld box kick

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    Mute Michael Corkery
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    Jan 31st 2025, 1:06 PM

    @Luke mc govern: we’ve beaten them before with Dupont and N’tamak. Yes they’ll be much stronger than the team we trashed in Marseille but I still just about fancy us.

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    Mute Seanie
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    Jan 31st 2025, 3:47 PM

    @Luke mc govern: Yes ireland need to try few different things if they cant break teams down like kicking more

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    Mute Seanie
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    Jan 31st 2025, 3:44 PM

    Ireland

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