The Lions candidate stayed cool under pressure as the clock ticked down in Cardiff, and kicked his side to a clean-sweep of Europe's international tournament for the first time in 61 years.
It was in the post war years that Ireland last dominated the competition, and it was fitting that the tournament's all-time leading scorer gained the points to secure the Triple Crown, the tournament and the Grand Slam.
Skipper Brian O'Driscoll and wing Tommy Bowe were Ireland's try scorers. And the captain poured praise on O'Gara at the final whistle.
"He's the kind of player who you want to play for," he said. "He makes you raise your game."
O'Driscoll was the RBS Man of the Match at the Millennium Stadium. His sturdy display provided tackles, passes and points, and he was a pivotal figure as his side realised their ambitions to become champions of Europe.
Earlier in the day France put 50 points on Italy in a 50-8 washout at the Stadio Flamino, while England clinched the Calcutta Cup thanks to a 26-12 win over the Scots at Twickenham.
