Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony says he does not know if he will play for his country again after leading them to a second consecutive Six Nations title.
The Irish recovered from last week’s Grand Slam-ending defeat by England to earn a 17-13 victory over Scotland and hold on to the championship.
An emotional O’Mahony, 34, said he will speak to his family before deciding his future.
“If it was my last one it’s not a bad one to go out on,” O’Mahony told ITV.
“It was one of the tougher weeks of my career for lots of reasons as we weren’t happy with the performance last week.
“We had a job to do and thankfully we did it against a seriously good Scottish side. We showed lots of grit and ambition with the ball in a damp and greasy environment.”
Dan Sheehan scored the opening try but Ireland led by just a point at half-time after Finn Russell kicked two penalties for the visitors, who were chasing the Triple Crown.
Ireland imposed themselves to greater affect after the break and Andrew Porter powered over to stretch the lead before Huw Jones’ late try reduced the deficit to four points.
O’Mahony, who succeeded Johnny Sexton as captain following the fly-half’s retirement, added: “That second half was a massive for us.
“We spoke about getting stuck in and we needed to get some reward. The 10 minutes after half-time was really impressive.
“It’s a special group of people from players and staff. The World Cup experience really bonded this group and every time you get selected to play for your country, it’s a big honour.”
While O’Mahony cast doubt over his future, his Munster team-mate Tadhg Beirne believes Irish fans will see him in green again.
“No, I don’t think he will be [finishing],” said Beirne, who won his 50th cap in the Scotland game.
“I think he will be here for another year. He’s certainly not lost it so I don’t see why he wouldn’t keep going.
“None of us want to see him leave so I’m sure that’s a decision he’ll make over the next couple of weeks.
“But I’m sure we’ll see him in green again.”
‘Amazing feeling’
Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park said the hosts had to “stay in the fight” as they lifted the Six Nations trophy for the second time in as many years after beating England on the final day in 2023.
“It’s a pretty amazing feeling,” Gibson-Park told ITV. “To be back here in front of our friends, family and home supporters is incredible, especially to do it two years in a row.
“We had to stay in the fight and it was a good game with two good teams going at it. Scotland had a Triple Crown on the line and we had the championship to play for.
“Our backs were against the walls a little bit and the whole staff have stuck together of over the last week so I’m unbelievably proud of the boys.”
Speaking about his captain, Gibson-Park added: “It is a privilege to play alongside him and he is an absolute legend of the game.”
