It’s been some year.
It’s been a fantastic 12 months in Irish sport. Sure, the Irish soccer or rugby teams couldn’t make it to the World Cup or win the Six Nations respectively, but there have still been some truly memorable sporting moments on home soil (and one or two abroad too).
Here, we look back at the ten most exciting Irish sporting moments of 2017.
1. Joe Canning’s last-gasp winning point for Galway against Tipp
Need we say more? Right at the death of a memorable semi-final, Canning’s heat-seeking shot to fire Galway into the final won’t be forgotten soon.
Here's the moment that decided ANOTHER #GALvTIPP classic! Joe Canning's late point sent @Galway_GAA into the 2017 All-Ireland Hurling Final! pic.twitter.com/TBqgrG3Ghc
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 6, 2017
2. Con O’Callaghan’s solo goal v Mayo
The 21-year-old enjoyed a stunning individual year, clinching All-Ireland and Leinster titles in both codes for club and county, and this goal sums up his special performances throughout.
The Cuala man showcased his power, balance and composure during this early score as the Dubs beat Mayo – echoing his goal against Tyrone earlier in the campaign – in the Croke Park decider.
GOAL! Con O'Callaghan continued his good form for @DubGAAOfficial yesterday by scoring this goal early on in the All-Ireland Football Final pic.twitter.com/4aT1t3bMwT
— The GAA (@officialgaa) September 18, 2017
3. Ireland deny England’s Six Nations Grand Slam
Perhaps the 80 minutes that secured the Lions captaincy for Peter O’Mahony. England may have taken the title but denying Eddie Jones’ side the Grand Slam in Dublin was an immensely satisfying denouement in an otherwise frustrating tournament for Ireland.
4. Katie Taylor wins world title
After a disappointing 2016, the Bray fighter made her pro debut, won a world title and defended during a brilliant 2017. In October, Taylor dominated Anahi Sanchez to clinch the WBA lightweight crown at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
https://twitter.com/rosstraining/status/925773531547422720
5. Dublin Ladies win the All-Ireland
Fourth time lucky. After three successive defeats in finals to Cork, Dublin ended their heartache with a dominant display against Mayo in front of a record crowd at Croke Park. Captain Sinead Aherne was outstanding, scoring nine points, and the image of her hoisting the Brendan Martin Cup with a beaming smile said it all.
Congratulations to the Dublin ladies footballers who are All Ireland Champions for 2017! pic.twitter.com/e7qU9vmDBV
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) September 25, 2017
6. Dean Rock lands last-minute free to clinch Dublin’s hat-trick
What nerves. After Diarmuid Connolly won a free 40 metres from Mayo’s goal, Dean Rock stepped up and sent an unerring effort over the bar to clinch a third successive All-Ireland title for Jim Gavin’s side as the clock ticked into the 77th-minute.
Here's another look at Dean Rock's winning point from today's All-Ireland Football Final as he kept his cool as @DubGAAOfficial beat Mayo pic.twitter.com/Mlz8hBV8sn
— The GAA (@officialgaa) September 17, 2017
7. Ryan Burnett unifies world titles
It’s been a memorable year for the Belfast fighter, but defeating Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakiyanov to add the WBA title to his IBF crown at the SSE Odyssey Arena in October was undoubtedly the pinnacle.
The 25-year-old claimed a unanimous-decision victory to follow in the footsteps of Carl Frampton by becoming a unified world champion.
https://twitter.com/HBOboxing/status/922081217025015809
8. Sean O’Brien’s try vs New Zealand
The Leinster flanker rounded off a brilliant move to score against the All Blacks and bring the 2017 series to life. Although the All Blacks won the Test, O’Brien’s try was proof that Warren Gatland’s side could go toe-to-toe with the current world champions.
It was the Lions at their exhilarating best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DljMAqV3kqw
9. Sadlier’s penalty clinches Cork City’s league and cup double
Nobody can take anything away from Cork’s season. John Caulfield’s side reigned supreme in Irish club football, finishing the league season seven points above Dundalk before beating them in a compelling FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, Niclas Vemmelund and Achille Campion netted in extra-time to take the contest to a shootout. Kieran Sadlier stepped up and drilled home the decisive spot-kick to crown a landmark season for Cork.
Kieran Sadlier scores the winning penalty and Cork City retain the cup #FAIcupfinal pic.twitter.com/8RNQq6DSgn
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 5, 2017
10. McClean’s winner against Wales
This was always going to feature. McClean’s strike stunned Wales and sent Ireland into hysterics by securing their play-off spot. While the two-legged tie with Denmark ended ignominiously, the country’s exhilarating joy at seeing the net burst and McClean wheeling away in celebration will be remembered for years to come.
James McClean, you absolute dancer. How about that step over from Harry Arter?!? #WALIRL #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/75hDzigE9L
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2017
