LEINSTER icon Devin Toner praised former team-mate after his career milestone in last night’s win over Dragons in Dublin.
The Dubliner’s appearance in last night’s win over the Welsh side over takes Devin Toner’s record tally of 280 caps for the province.
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The 36-year-old could well prolong prolong his career after this season as he shows no signs of slowing down.
Healy was all the talk as the 36-year-old celebrated the record 281st appearance after the game.
And he was greeted by his ex-Ireland and Leinster pal, Toner, who was asked by Blues’ boss Leo Cullen to present the forward with a special cap to mark the incredible record.
Toner, who ended his career in 2022 said he was honoured by asked before he made an emotional speech in the Aviva Stadium dressing room after the URC clash.
The changing room went silent as Leinster players past and present gathered for the presentation.
The former second-row said: “First of all, congrats Church [Healy’s nickname]. A lot of people have asked me [if] I’m p***ed off you’re breaking the record.
“But honestly I’m not. I couldn’t be happier that a more deserving person is doing it, to be honest.
“When you look at your career – 281 for Leinster, 131 for Ireland – throw in a couple of near-career-ending injuries,
“I think it’s a phenomenal achievement and a testament to you as a person and as a player to get to where you have and stay there for so long.
“I think when you look at Leinster over the past 20 years, you’ve been there for all the highs but you’ve also been there for all the lows as well.
“Of all the special times that happened with Leinster, you were there. It’s a record that I don’t think is going to be broken.”
This year’s campaign is the Belvedere man’s 17th year with his home club.
During that time he has bagged seven PRO12/14/URC titles along with an astounding four European Champions Cups and a Challenge Cup.
While he has won five Six Nations titles with Ireland during his 131-cap career.
