We’ve been raising a glass to the wonderful year that was 2014, but there’s already plenty to look forward to over the next 12 months.
1. Fifa Ballon d’Or Gala – January 12
OK, so we’re starting out with an event that has taken on a life of its own since Stephanie Roche’s nomination and subsequent progress to the final three contenders for the Puskas Award for goal of the year. The Ireland player’s wonderful strike for Peamount United has earned her worldwide acclaim, but can she hold off World Cup stars James Rodriguez and Robin van Persie to write her name in Fifa folklore?
2. McGregor vs Siver – January 18
Without anything more than Conor McGregor’s touting of a UFC stadium event in Dublin, we’ll plump for his upcoming featherweight bout against Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston. McGregor has rocketed up the UFC rankings in 2014 and another victory in Boston would put him in prime position to challenge division kingpin Jose Aldo later in the year.
3. Chelsea vs Manchester City – January 31
Chelsea’s defeat at Newcastle has given City hope of hauling back Jose Mourinho’s side and retaining their title. The sides drew 1-1 in September and meet again at Stamford Bridge in what looks to be the most appetising fixture of the second half of the Premier League season.
4. Super Bowl XLIX (thats 49 to you and me) – February 1
We’re a long way from finding out who will take to the field at the Arizona Cardinals’ home in Glendale, but whoever makes it is sure to make for a great storyline. The Cards themselves are in the frame but are now looking like a long shot to become the first to play in a home Super Bowl, you have a pair of Hall of Fame quarterbacks trying to burnish their legacies in Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, while Seattle are in menacing form as they look to defend the title.
5. West Indies vs Ireland – February 16
Having left their mark on the previous two Cricket World Cups, Ireland begin the 2015 tournament against West Indies in Nelson, New Zealand. Expect plenty of references to the famous Irish victory in 1969 when they skittled the Caribbean giants for just 25 runs. Ireland also face South Africa, India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the UAE, giving them ample opportunity to add to their collection of World Cup scalps.
6. Ireland vs England – March 1
After opening with a trip to Italy and then hosting France at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland welcome England to Dublin for a potentially decisive middle round of the Six Nations. Yes, the nature of the Six Nations means that your championship hopes can be rocked on any given week, but having been the only side to deny Joe Schmidt’s champions a Grand Slam in 2014, the England match represents Ireland’s biggest test and the opportunity to make a statement to the hosts of the next autumn’s World Cup.
7. Cheltenham Festival – March 10
The opening day of the Festival is special for many reasons, not least the chance to take early profits from the inevitable Irish banker. The day’s big race is the Champion Hurdle and Ireland looks set to be strongly represented once again, with twice winner Hurricane Fly and last year’s champion Jezki already shaping up as major contenders.
