That was a hectic 12 months of sport.
Two Irish World Cup campaigns, a Ryder Cup, a historic Dublin All-Ireland triumph, a Grand Slam, a hugely controversial club football final, some big strides on the athletics track and more sagas than you could shake a stick at.
Throw in Katie Taylor's tale of redemption, that kiss in Sydney, the shocking loss of Craig Breen, among others, and you have a year of huge stories.
We have compiled the top 10 for each month here, to give you an idea of what you were reading on these pages this year.
Just to note, we have not included live blogs, so as to give a better idea of the top news stories, as opposed to events. So if you're wondering why the All-Ireland hurling or football finals don't feature, rest assured the live blogs of huge matches in GAA, rugby or soccer would be among top overall articles for the year.
January
1. GAA's CCCC orders replay to All-Ireland senior club football final
The GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee ordered a replay of the All-Ireland senior club football final between Kilmacud Crokes and Glen, nine days after the Dublin champions defended the final play of the game with 16 active players.
2. Jacqui Hurley to front The Sunday Game as RTÉ reveal new pundits
Jacqui Hurley was named successor to Des Cahill as presenter of The Sunday Game highlights show, as RTÉ Sport announced a host of new pundits, including Paul Flynn, Lee Keegan, Peter Canavan and Joe Canning.
3. Kilmacud Crokes submit counter-objection to CCCC over club final
Before the CCCC ordered a replay (see number one) Kilmacud Crokes submitted a counter-objection to the Central Competition Controls Committee (CCCC) over the All-Ireland club football final, after Glen had initially lodged their own objection. A proper GAA saga to start the year
4. UFC president Dana White and wife sorry after slap video emerges
Dana White and his wife apologised to each other and their children after a video surfaced online of the UFC president and his spouse Anne slapping each other in a nightclub in Mexico.
5. Former Italy striker and Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli dies aged 58
Tributes were paid to former Italy, Juventus and Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli, who died at the age of 58 following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
6. Glen confirm CCCC appeal over Kilmacud rules breach
You could not get enough of this story at the start of the year. The Derry side reluctantly fired the first shot once the GAA refused to initiate their own investigation in to Kilmacud's breach of Rule 6.44 - having 16 players on the pitch.
7. Joey Carbery left out of Ireland's Six Nations squad
Munster's Joey Carbery (pictured) was left out of Ireland's squad for the opening rounds of the Guinness Six Nations, with Jamie Osborne the only uncapped player in the 37-man group selected by head coach Andy Farrell.
8. Glen 'disappointed' by GAA stance ahead of deadline
"The GAA have reverted to us today to say that without an official objection from Watty Graham's they will not review this matter," the club said. We know this was not the end of the matter. By a long shot.
9. Six sent off as sublime Clifford kicks Fossa to All-Ireland glory
David Clifford led Fossa to the All-Ireland Club JFC title against Stewartstown Harps of Tyrone with the same awesome class and genius that has inspired Kerry to Sam - scoring 11 points, before becoming one of the six red cards late on.
10. Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin in critical condition after suffering cardiac arrest against Bengals
American football player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals and was in a critical condition in hospital after being given CPR on the field after colliding with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. He has subsequently returned to the field of play.
Carbery's career stalled in 2023
February
1. Glen withdraw their appeal against club final outcome
You thought we were done with this? Crokes appealed once the GAA ordered a replay of the final after the Dublin side fielded 16 players at the end of the All-Ireland club final. Remember? But Glen finally called a halt to the matter, saying 'the club does not now believe that the opportunity is there for a replay to go ahead'.
2. Former Ireland rugby international and coach Tom Tierney dies aged 46
Former Ireland rugby player and women's international coach Tom Tierney died, aged 46. The scrum-half was capped eight times for Ireland and started four games at the 1999 World Cup.
3. Tiger Woods apologises for tampon prank
Tiger Woods apologised after being criticised for handing a tampon to fellow American Justin Thomas as a joke after out-driving his friend and opponent during the first round of the Genesis Invitational.
4. Superb Ireland crush French resistance in Six Nations classic
Billed as a blockbusting battle of the world's top two teams, Ireland and France served up a ferocious Guinness Six Nations battle in front of 51,000 boisterous fans in Dublin 4. Ireland's 32-19 win was their 22nd in their last 23 home games, and their first victory over France in four seasons. Was streamed almost 170,000 times on the RTÉ Player.
5. Christian Atsu found dead after Turkey earthquake
Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu was found dead under the building where he lived in southern Turkey after last week's massive earthquake. The Hatayspor player had formerly played for Chelsea and Newcastle in the Premier League.
6. Ireland far from perfect in five-try Italian win
Ireland's Grand Slam quest remained on track after a 34-20 win over Italy in Rome. Over 110,000 streams on the RTÉ Player.
7. Ireland's Kathryn Dane reveals she suffered brain haemorrhage
Ireland scrum-half Kathryn Dane revealed that she suffered a brain haemorrhage during national team training in Dublin. She returned to training this summer.
8. Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano rematch postponed as Puerto Rican boxer suffers injury
Katie Taylor's planned homecoming fight in Dublin in May was postponed due to an injury suffered by Amanda Serrano. It is still yet to take place, as Taylor moved up to super-lightweight to take on Chantelle Cameron.
9. Sevilla goalkeeper punched by pitch invader
Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic was punched by a fan during his side's Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven. The Serbian wrestled the pitch invader to the ground before stewards arrived to take the individual away.
10. Former RTÉ athletics commentator Tony O'Donoghue dies
Dubliner Tony O'Donoghue died at age of 86. He called the action for over 40 years from the Munich Olympics in 1972 to the London Games in 2012 and was the voice for some of Ireland's greatest sporting moments.
Tiger Woods' joke fell flat
March
1. Offaly Gaelic football boss Liam Kearns dies suddenly
The GAA world was in mourning after the sudden death of Offaly football manager Liam Kearns at the age of 61. The Tralee native took over as Faithful boss from John Maughan in 2022, with the county in the mix for promotion from Division 3 at the time of his death.
2. BBC director general Tim Davie wants Gary Lineker 'back on air'
After a host of sports shows did not air as presenters withdrew their services, BBC director-general Tim Davie called Gary Lineker the "best" sports broadcaster in the world, and wants him back on air. Lineker was taken off air for a tweet which compared the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany. Prepare for March's sporting saga.
3. Ireland clinch Grand Slam in style with win over England
Ireland secured their fourth Grand Slam, and first in front of a raucous Lansdowne Road crowd, and it's the most emphatic of the lot as they record a 29-16 win over England.
4. BBC apologise over Gary Lineker affair as presenter set to return
Gary Lineker will return to hosting Match Of The Day after BBC director-general Tim Davie apologised for the disruption to the weekend's football coverage. As explained above, Lineker was told to step back from presenting the programme in a row over impartiality.
5. BBC make Gary Lineker 'step back' from Match of the Day duties
The start of the March sporting saga. Gary Lineker to "step back" from presenting Match Of The Day until he and the BBC have reached an "agreed and clear position" on his use of social media.
6. Ireland Grand Slam dream alive after bruising win in Scotland
Ireland took another step towards the Grand Slam with an incredibly hard-fought and costly victory over Scotland. A 15-point win at Murrayfield set up the win over England above, but there were injuries incurred. Over 140,000 streams of the game on the RTÉ Player.
7. Clubs await referee's report following alleged assault at minor hurling match
A minor hurling league game in Dublin between Naomh Fionnbarra and Clanna Gael Fontenoy was abandoned following an alleged assault on a match official.
8. Ireland star James McClean reveals autism diagnosis
Republic of Ireland international James McClean revealed he has been diagnosed with autism. McClean's young daughter is autistic, and it was her diagnosis that led him to having an autism spectrum disorder [ASD] assessment.
9. FAI condemns racist abuse aimed at Ireland Under-15 boys
The FAI condemned "vile and horrific racist abuse" aimed at members of the Republic of Ireland Under-15s boys squad in the wake of their back-to-back 6-0 international friendly victories over Latvia.
10. Stephen Cluxton makes shock Dublin return amid 'injury woes'
Stephen Cluxton made a sensational inter-county return when named on the bench for Dublin's Allianz League win over Louth. The 41-year-old, winner of eight All-Ireland titles, had not played for the county since the 2020 All-Ireland final defeat of Mayo. He went on to win a ninth Celtic Cross in July.
Here's Stephen!
April
1. Waterford rally driver Craig Breen dies in crash
Craig Breen was participating in a pre-test event ahead of the Croatia Rally when he suffered a fatal accident. The 33-year-old finished second to Ott Tanak at Rally Sweden in February in his first WRC start of the season. His co-driver James Fulton was unharmed.
2. New York make history with shootout win over Leitrim
New York won their first ever match in the Connacht SFC at the 23rd attempt when they were victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout against Leitrim at Gaelic Park in the Bronx in the most amazing circumstances.
3. Michael Schumacher's family plan legal action over AI 'interview'
Michael Schumacher's family planned legal action against a German weekly magazine over an 'interview' with the seven-time Formula One champion that was generated by artificial intelligence. The Ferrari great has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious brain injury in a skiing accident on a family holiday in the French Alps in December 2013.
4. Funeral of Craig Breen takes place in Waterford
The rally driver Craig Breen was laid to rest on 18 April, following his funeral Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Ferrybank. Huge crowds gathered to say their farewells to the popular star and to pay their respects to his parents Jackie and Ray, and his sister Kellie, as well as other family members and friends.
5. Protesters force stoppage at World Snooker Championship
Just Stop Oil protesters disrupted the evening session of the World Championship in Sheffield by invading the arena and tipping orange paint powder onto one of the tables shortly after play resumed.
6. Republic of Ireland will not change to darker shorts
The Republic of Ireland women's soccer team announced they would not be switching to darker shorts after discussions with senior members of the squad. The Ireland women's rugby team made a permanent switch from white shorts to navy to address period concerns.
7. Ultra-marathon runner disqualified from race after using car
Scottish ultra-marathon runner Joasia Zakrzewski was disqualified from the GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool race – because she was found to have used a car. The 47-year-old from Dumfries had finished third before it was discovered she travelled 2.5 miles in a car.
8. 'It's a farce' - Fergal Horgan announces retirement from refereeing over lack of appointments
Three-time All-Ireland hurling final referee Fergal Horgan announced his retirement from inter-county refereeing with immediate effect due to "lack of appointments" in recent seasons.
9. Tipperary condemn racist abuse of Wexford's Lee Chin
Tipperary GAA condemned the racist abuse of Wexford's Lee Chin by a watching supporter during an inter-county challenge match between the counties in Carrick-on-Suir.
10. UK-Ireland Euro 2028 bid submitted as Croke Park cut from stadia list
The UK-Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 was submitted to UEFA with Croke Park excluded from the proposed stadia to be used in favour of the Aviva Stadium and a redeveloped Casement Park. The bid would prove to be successful.
The World Snooker Championship was delayed by a dramatic protest
May
1. Katie Taylor suffers first loss as Chantelle Cameron takes split decision
Chantelle Cameron sensationally ended Katie Taylor's unbeaten and unblemished professional record as she edged a remarkable encounter at the 3Arena. The Liverpool fighter, who was defending her undisputed super-lightweight world title, spoiled Taylor's homecoming with a brave display of front-foot fighting that was ultimately rewarded by two of the three judges.
2. All-Ireland draw: Mayo and Cork in tough-looking Group 1
The draw for the inaugural All-Ireland SFC group stages took place in Croke Park, with Groups 1 and 2 looking the toughest, provided the provincial finals go to form (which they did).
3. Star-struck Leinster denied by magnificent champions La Rochelle as wait goes on
Leinster's wait for a fifth Champions Cup title goes on after an astonishing final in Dublin where they lost a 17-point lead and were reduced to 13 players at the end of an incredible battle against Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle. Player
4. 'I just came up short' - Katie Taylor eyeing rematch after defeat to Chantelle Cameron
Katie Taylor had no complaints after her defeat in Dublin. "It's not how I wanted my homecoming to go but I am just so grateful for all the support," said the pride of Bray. "Congratulations to Chantelle it was a fantastic performance, thanks for the opportunity to fight for your belts."
5. Luca Brecel holds his nerve to beat Mark Selby in World Championship final
Luca Brecel withstood a stirring fightback from Mark Selby to clinch a dramatic 18-15 victory and become the first player from mainland Europe to win the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible.
6. 'Clowns' won't drive Davy Fitzgerald out of Déise hotseat
Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald has no time for "one of the clowns from Clare" who he says was laughing down at him on the sideline during his side's 12-point Munster SHC defeat.
7. Home setting may prove crucial as Katie Taylor faces dangerous Chantelle Cameron
Read our preview of Katie Taylor's super-lightweight title fight in Dublin. Warning: it doesn't go as we had hoped.... Maybe the second fight will be better.
8. Ben Healy claims first ever Grand Tour stage win
Ireland's Ben Healy has won stage eight of the Giro d'Italia, claiming his first Grand Tour stage victory.
9. Gregory Alldritt felt disrespected by James Ryan at coin toss
La Rochelle captain Gregory Alldritt said he felt disrespected by Leinster skipper James Ryan prior to the French side's Heineken Champions Cup final victory: "There are several. Especially the toss: I think they didn't respect us, me already.They didn't look me in the eye while shaking my hand."
10. Munster beat Stormers to end 12-year wait for URC title
After all the near misses and should haves and could haves, Munster's fourth BKT United Rugby Championship title is the one they were never meant to win, and that will only make the victory sweeter as they went to South Africa and beat the Stormers 19-14. Player.
Ben Healy was massively impressive in Giro d'Italia
June
1. Cork double legend Teddy McCarthy dies aged 57
Teddy McCarthy, the former Cork dual star, died suddenly at the age of 57. He was the first and only player in the history of the GAA to win All-Ireland titles in hurling and football in the same year, when Cork won the double in 1990.
2. Fixtures confirmed for All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals
Dublin and Mayo were set for the latest chapter in their dramatic championship history after being drawn together in the All-Ireland quarter-final, while Kerry were set to meet Tyrone in a repeat of the 2021 semi-final encounters the day before.
3. Rory McIlroy says PGA Tour/LIV Golf partnership will be good for golf
Rory McIlroy admitted he was "surprised" and had "mixed emotions" after learning of the shock declaration of peace in golf's civil war, but said he believed the partnership will "ultimately be good for professional golf." Most would say, six months later, the jury is still very much out.
4. Galway to host Mayo in All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final live on RTÉ One
Galway were to host Mayo in a massive Connacht derby following the draw for the All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-finals. Number 2 above gives you a clue as to how that went.
5. PGA announces merger with LIV and DP World Tour
The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf agreed to merge commercial operations under common ownership. The shock announcement comes after a year of unprecedented disruption in the men's professional game following the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. That disruption has not gone away in December, not has the deal gone through.
6. 'Stress free' McIlroy one shot off the lead going into US Open final round
Rory McIlroy began the final round of the 123rd US Open at Los Angeles Country Club one shot behind joint leaders Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark after carding a third-round 69.
7. Rhasidat Adeleke wins NCAA Championships gold with record run
Rhasidat Adeleke won gold at the NCAA Championships in Texas, breaking her own Irish 400m record in the process. The 20-year-old became the first Irish sprinter to win a NCAA title after she registered a meet-record time of 49.20.
8. Rory McIlroy's major wait continues as Wyndham Clark claims US Open
Rory McIlroy's long wait for a fifth major continues as Wyndham Clark delivered a mostly composed performance to claim the 123rd US Open at Los Angeles Country Club by a single shot from the Down golfer.
9. Ireland captain Katie McCabe refused permission to wear OneLove armband at World Cup
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe was not be permitted by FIFA to wear the OneLove armband in matches at the World Cup this summer. The global governing body announced plans to highlight a number of social issues and causes throughout the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
10. Aoife Mannion, Megan Campbell & Leanne Kiernan miss out as Vera Pauw names her World Cup squad
World Cup fever began to build. Aoife Mannion, Megan Campbell and Leanne Kiernan have all missed out on selection for the Republic of Ireland's 23-player World Cup squad.
Rhasidat Adeleke made history in Texas, before turning pro
July
1. Footage emerges of Denise O'Sullivan injury incident
Footage emerged of the incident that led to the Republic of Ireland abandoning their behind-closed-doors game against Colombia in Brisbane on Friday. A late 20th-minute challenge on Denise O'Sullivan left the Cork midfielder writhing on the turf in pain, with a subsequent scan showing she had suffered soft tissue damage around the shin.
2. Denise O'Sullivan scare for Ireland as Colombia game abandoned
What did we say about fever? The Republic of Ireland's behind-closed-doors game against Colombia was abandoned with just 20 minutes on the clock after a bad challenge on Denise O'Sullivan led to the Girls in Green walking off the pitch.
3. Johnny Sexton: Ireland captain slapped with three-match ban
Johnny Sexton was given a three-match ban which ruled him out of Ireland's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches, but he is free to play in their tournament opener against Romania on 9 September. He was found to be "confrontational and aggressive" towards referee Jaco Peyper in the aftermath of Leinster's Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle in May.
4. Waterford FC owner Andy Pilley sentenced to 13 years in prison
Waterford FC owner Andrew Pilley was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Pilley, who also owns English League One side Fleetwood Town, was found guilty of two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors, one count of false representation and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
5. Munster Rugby's Greig Oliver dies following paragliding accident
Former Scotland international and current Munster Rugby elite performance officer Greig Oliver died in Cape Town following a paragliding accident. The 58-year-old had travelled to South Africa with his family to support his son Jack, who was a member of the Ireland squad at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
6. Rory McIlroy 'really proud' of comeback to win Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy won the Genesis Scottish Open after beating Robert MacIntyre by a single shot at the Renaissance Club. McIlroy birdied his final two holes to deny MacIntyre and secure his first victory on Scottish soil.
7. Ciara Mageean smashes Irish mile record in Monaco
Ciara Mageean obliterated Sonia O'Sullivan's longstanding Irish mile record at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco as the Portaferry star filled the runner-up berth behind the remarkable Faith Kipyegon, who set her third world record in the last two months.
8. Ireland pay the penalty as Matildas edge Sydney battle
The Republic of Ireland's FIFA Women's World Cup debut ended in a spirited 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Australia at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. Steph Catley's 52nd-minute penalty settled a scrappy, hard-fought game after Marissa Sheva was penalised for a nudge on Hayley Raso. Over 360,000 streams on the RTÉ Player.
9. Ireland's World Cup dreams shattered by Canada in Perth
And with that, fever dissipated. The Republic of Ireland's hopes of making the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup ended with defeat to Canada in Perth. Katie McCabe scored Ireland's first World Cup finals goal but a Megan Connolly's own goal in first-half stoppage time was compounded by a well-taken Adriana Leon effort seven minutes into the second half. Nearly 340,000 streams on the RTÉ Player.
10. Tensions simmer between Katie McCabe and Vera Pauw
Fever down but tempers fraying. Tension simmered between Vera Pauw and Katie McCabe during the Republic of Ireland's goalless draw against Nigeria, with the Arsenal star's calls for second-half substitutions ignored by the manager. The situation was inflamed by comments from Pauw in her post-match press conference and McCabe's infamous zipped-closed mouth emoji tweet. Over 80,000 streams of the Nigeria match on the RTÉ Player.
Katie McCabe (L) scored against Canada, but it was not to be for Ireland at the World CUp
August
1. Cian Healy ruled out as World Cup squad announced
As one World Cup departs, another appears on the horizon. Veteran prop Cian Healy was excluded from Ireland's squad for the Rugby World Cup due to the injury sustained against Samoa on Saturday.
2. Ireland women's 4x400m relay team through to final in Budapest
The Ireland team of Kelly McGrory, Sharlene Mawdsley, Roisin Harrison and Sophie Becker qualified for the final of the 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Championships, with the disqualification of the USA team bumping them up as one of the two fastest non-automatic qualifiers.
3. Spanish World Cup squad resigns in protest over Luis Rubiales
Spain's players refused to play for the national women's team while football federation president Luis Rubiales remained in his post. Rubiales refused to resign after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso - who has stressed she did not consent - following Spain's World Cup final win over England in Sydney.
4. Vera Pauw's Ireland reign ends as FAI opt for new direction
Vera Pauw's reign as manager of the Republic of Ireland ended when the FAI decided not to offer the Dutch woman a new contract. Her latest deal expired at the end of August, and while she was hopeful of staying on for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games and subsequent Euro 2025 qualifiers, the association chose to go in a new direction.
Bohemians director of football Pat Fenlon felt Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe was "out of order" in the manner that she attempted to urge manager Vera Pauw to make changes during the final group game against Nigeria at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
6. FIFA provisionally suspends Luis Rubiales over Jenni Hermoso kiss
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee provisionally suspended Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish soccer federation, amid uproar after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup. One of the year's more depressing sagas.
7. Spain hero Olga Carmona learns of father's death after World Cup final
Spain captain and World Cup final hero Olga Carmona found out after the match that her father had died. Carmona scored a 29th-minute goal to earn Spain a 1-0 win over England as they secured their first Women's World Cup title. Just under 70,000 streams on the RTÉ Player for the final itself.
8. Rhasidat Adeleke powers into World Championships 400m final
Rhasidat Adeleke secured an automatic qualifying spot into the final of the women's 400m at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, while compatriot Sharlene Mawdsley bowed at the penultimate stage.
9. Rhasidat Adeleke claims fourth in World 400m final
Rhasidat Adeleke claimed fourth place in that final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. For the second night running, after Ciara Mageean in the 1500m, an Irish woman finishes just outside the medals in a track final.
10. Vera Pauw hits out at FAI 'interference' in parting shot
Outgoing Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw accused the FAI of "major mistakes" by interfering in football matters during the 2023 Women's World Cup. Pauw also said that it had been indicated to her that a new deal would be agreed before the team departed for Australia and New Zealand.
The kiss that reverberated around the world
September
1. 'Fuel for the fire' - Rory McIlroy in carpark flashpoint with US caddy
Rory McIlroy had to be physically restrained by Shane Lowry in the carpark of the Marco Simone Golf Course after a dispute with Patrick Cantlay's caddy following their match on Day 2 of the Ryder Cup in Rome.
2. Courageous Ireland get better of Springboks after titanic tussle
Ireland took a massive step towards topping World Cup Pool B with a thrilling 13-8 victory over champions South Africa in Paris. In doing so they avoided a quarter-final meeting with hosts France, who lead the way in Pool A. For all the good that did... This game was viewed over 250,000 times on the RTÉ Player.
3. Man arrested following alleged assault on Roy Keane
A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault after Roy Keane was reportedly headbutted at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. Footage was posted on social media of his fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards pinning a man against a wall in the moments after the alleged assault.
4. 'Let's be honest, it's wonderful to win' - Andy Farrell on Irish victory over Springboks
Andy Farrell hailed his team's resilience as Ireland came up trumps against the world champions in Paris. "Our resilience which has been really good of late anyway, as you can imagine," Farrell told RTÉ Sport when asked what pleased him most about the win, their third in a row against South Africa.
5. RG Snyman admits Springboks shocked by Irish breakdown prowess
Munster lock RG Snyman was left to rue South Africa's missed chances as the world champions fell to defeat to Ireland on Saturday night.
6. Huge blow for Ireland as Evan Ferguson ruled out of France and Netherlands matches
Evan Ferguson was ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Netherlands. The Brighton and Hove Albion forward sustained a knee injury in a 3-1 win over Newcastle United.
7. No complacency as Ireland rack up World Cup record win over Romania
Aside from the opening two minutes in which Ireland gave up a freak, sloppy try, there was a clear gulf between the two teams, Ireland scoring 12 tries in a 82-8 hammering of Romania, their highest ever tournament points tally and margin of victory.
8. Pool Permutations: What Ireland need to do to qualify
We spell out the lay of the land ahead of Ireland's final pool game against Scotland.
9. Spanish court imposes restraining order on Luis Rubiales
Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, was given a restraining order by Spain's National Court and prohibited from contacting Jenni Hermoso - the player he kissed on the lips following the Women's World Cup final.
10. Johnny Sexton starts as Ireland name strong team for RWC opener against Romania
Sign of Rugby World Cup fever, as team news for the opener against lowly Romania makes the top 10 for the month.
Ireland's win over South Africa in the pool stages of the World Cup had a nation dreaming
October
1. Keith Earls joins growing Irish injury list ahead of quarters
Ireland's backline stocks will be tested ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand, with Keith Earls now joining the list of injury concerns.
2. Ireland's RWC dreams ended by clinical New Zealand
Ireland's World Cup dream over, and once again it's ended at the quarter-final hurdle. This time we believed it would be different and in a way it was. For once, New Zealand were underdogs against this all-conquering Irish side, but it was the All Blacks who showed their class. There can be no denying the better team won, 28-24, at the Stade de France.
3. Newly crowned Cork champions Sarsfields allow pitch to flood to spare community
Newly crowned Cork senior hurling champions Sarsfields took the decision to turn their pitch into a flood plain to limit the damage to the Glanmire area of Storm Babet.
4. Mack Hansen starts but James Ryan to miss Ireland's quarter-final v New Zealand
Mack Hansen was passed fit to start Ireland's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand, but second-row James Ryan misses out due to a wrist injury.
5. 'Fuel for the fire' - Rory McIlroy in carpark flashpoint with US caddy
When the gentleman's game turns ugly (on the last day of September), is it any surprise it makes the top 10 for TWO months?
6. UK and Ireland set to be confirmed as Euro 2028 hosts
The UK and Ireland were eventually ratified unopposed as hosts of Euro 2028 by UEFA after Turkey withdrew from the bidding process.
7. Ireland hammer Scotland to set up Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand
Andy Farrell's side completed a clean sweep of Pool B with an emphatic 36-14 win against Scotland at a roaring Stade de France, setting up a quarter-final rematch and a chance at revenge against the All Blacks next week. Ahem.
8. Sheehan and Henderson start for Ireland with Conan named on bench, Henshaw suffers hamstring injury
More team news. This time ahead of Scotland game.
9. Johnny Sexton: All Blacks will be out for revenge against Ireland
Johnny Sexton said Ireland could draw on the experiences of their Test series win in New Zealand when they faced the All Blacks, but warned they would be taking on a side more motivated than ever. And so it proved.
10. Manchester United and England great Bobby Charlton dies
Manchester United and England great Bobby Charlton died aged 86. Charlton - brother of Ireland legend Jack - was a key member of England's victorious 1966 World Cup team and also enjoyed great success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
That sinking quarter-final feeling once again
November
1. Magnificent Katie Taylor turns tables on Chantelle Cameron in memorable rematch
Katie Taylor created one of the best nights in Irish boxing history as the legendary Bray fighter turned the tables on undisputed super-lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron with a stunning performance at the 3Arena. Taylor took the victory via majority decision, with one judge scoring the contest 95-95 and the others 98-92 and 96-94.
2. Irish jockey Graham Lee in intensive care after fall at Newcastle
Irish jockey Graham Lee was in intensive care after suffering a neck injury in a fall at Newcastle. The 47-year-old Galway native was taken to hospital after being unseated from his mount Ben Macdui as the stalls opened. At time of writing, Lee remained in hospital with neck and spinal injuries.
3. All you need to know: Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron rematch
We previewed Katie Taylor's rematch with Chantelle Cameron.
4. Las Vegas Grand Prix descends into shambles after manhole issue
Formula One bosses were facing up to one of the most embarrassing days in the sport's recent history after practice for the much-anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix was completed at 4am in an empty arena. A water valve cover broke free from the newly laid tarmac and tore into the underbelly of Carlos Sainz's Ferrari at 210mph on the Las Vegas Boulevard.
5. No new Ireland contract for departing boss Stephen Kenny
The FAI confirmed that Stephen Kenny would not be offered a contract extension as Republic of Ireland manager, following a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
6. Katie Taylor eyes Croke Park after 'greatest night' of her career
Katie Taylor says that last night's victory over Chantelle Cameron was the highlight of her pro career, but promoter Eddie Hearn says that the best is yet to come.
7. Former England manager Terry Venables dies aged 80
Former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager Terry Venables died at the age of 80. As a player he made more than 500 appearances for Chelsea, Tottenham, Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace but made his real mark as a coach, also managing Palace and QPR.
8. Cody Dorman dies returning from Breeders' Cup
Cody Dorman, who was closely associated with dual Breeders' Cup winner Cody's Wish, died travelling home from the race. The teenager, who was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome – a rare genetic condition that meant he could not speak and was a wheelchair user – had been a key part of the Cody's Wish journey since Bill Mott's five-year-old was a foal.
9. Quintet of Dubs on All-Star football team as five counties represented
Five counties are represented on the PwC GAA/GPA All-Star football team, with All-Ireland champions Dublin leading the way. Aaron Gillane and David Clifford were named hurler and footballer of the year respectively
10. St Patrick's Athletic win FAI Cup in front of record crowd
St Patrick's Athletic were crowned Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup champions for the second time in three years following a 3-1 victory over Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium.
Revenge was a dish best served cold for Katie Taylor
December (or most of it anyway)
1. JP McManus to donate €1m to Gaelic games in each county
No surprise that JP McManus's donation of €32 million to Gaelic games across the country is the top story this month. The money is to be used equally in support of men's football, women's football, hurling and camogie, with €1m in each county being divided equally between the clubs.
2. Luton captain Tom Lockyer 'responsive' after collapse during Premier League match at Bournemouth
Tom Lockyer was attended to by paramedics and staff at the Vitality Stadium after collapsing on the field before he was carried off on a stretcher. The Premier League fixture was subsequently abandoned with 65 minutes played.
3. Eileen Gleeson named new permanent Ireland head coach
Interim Republic of Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson was last week named the permanent successor to Vera Pauw. Gleeson - who previously served as Pauw's No 2 for a spell - led the Girls in Green into their first ever UEFA Nations League campaign as the association drew up a list of 12 candidates for the position.
Daniel Wiffen won his third gold of the European Short Course Championships in style, setting a new 800m freestyle short-course world record in the process. The 22-year-old from Magheralin beat Grant Hackett's 15-year-old mark by almost three seconds. In doing do he became the first Irish swimmer to break a world record.
5. Motorsport pioneer Rosemary Smith dies aged 86
A sad year for Irish motorsport was capped off by the loss of trailblazing legend Rosemary Smith at the age of 86.
6. Rhys McClenaghan wins RTÉ Sport Sportsperson award
Reigning back-to-back world champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan was crowned the RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year for 2023. Andy Farrell won coach of the year, Limerick hurlers were the team of the year and Evan Ferguson won young sportsperson of the year. Jason Smyth was inducted into the hall of fame.
7. Leinster dig deep to earn first victory over La Rochelle
Having lost the last two Champions Cup finals, and the semi-final in 2021, Leo Cullen's Leinster came away with an important 16-9 win over Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle played out in extremely wet and difficult conditions on the west coast of France.
8. Club president arrested after punch on referee sees league action in Turkey suspended
The president of top-tier Turkish club Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, was arrested for punching a referee in the face at the end of a match, with the official telling police that Koca had threatened to kill him. The league was suspended and Koca resigned from his role and has been banned from football for life.
9. Munster fans right to be aggrieved over RG Snyman fiasco
Neil Treacy explains why he believes Munster supporters have every right to be upset with RG Snyman's blockbuster switch from their province to Leinster.
10. Galway GAA says Croke Park played role in €3m 'financial disaster'
The Galway GAA treasurer said that Croke Park must accept some responsibility for the part they played in a "financial disaster" which ended up costing the county almost €3m. Galway hurling board purchased over 100 acres of land near Athenry in 2006 and had hoped to develop a state-of-the-art training complex worth about €8m.
Rhys McClenaghan the 2023 RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year
