Not sure there has ever been a year like 2024 in the history of Irish sport.
Four Olympic gold medals, more glory at the Paralympic Games, continued excellence for our rugby teams, relay athletes and the likes of Katie Taylor and Rory McIlroy (even if the latter endured as much pain as glory).
Then there is the annual fare of the GAA, League of Ireland and horse racing, plus those news stories that nobody sees coming.
It's hard to sum up a 12 months like that but 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 certain huge rugby, football or hurling games don't feature, rest assured the live blogs of huge matches would be among top overall articles for the year.
January
1. Rory McIlroy snatches defeat from the jaws of victory at Dubai Invitational
Rory McIlroy let victory in the Dubai Invitational slip through his fingers after a dramatic final round in the United Arab Emirates, losing to Tommy Fleetwood in dramatic circumstances that would be a familiar theme for the Holywood golfer throughout the year.
2. Rassie Erasmus recovering from chemical burns sustained in 'freak accident'
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus was admitted to hospital for a medical procedure to treat chemical burns. The 51-year-old, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023, sustained the injury in a "freak accident using a powerful detergent product".
3. Garry Ringrose ruled out as Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash start for Ireland against France
Garry Ringrose was ruled out of Ireland's Guinness Six Nations opener against France, while Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash were named to make their first appearances in the championship as part of the starting team.
4. Rory McIlroy tames the desert again to defend Dubai title
Rory McIlroy bounced back from the defeat to Fleetwood a week later by hitting a closing 71 to retain his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title, and claim a fourth overall victory in the desert.
5. Jurgen Klopp to stand down as Liverpool boss, saying 'I'm running out of energy'
Jurgen Klopp shocked the world of football by announcing he would stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season after admitting he is "running out of energy". The 56-year-old German, who led the Reds to six major trophies after taking charge in October 2015, said he informed the club's bosses of his decision to leave back in November.
6. Peter O'Mahony to lead Ireland in Six Nations
Peter O'Mahony was named as Ireland captain for the Guinness Six Nations, following the retirement of Johnny Sexton.
7. Leo Varadkar: Government may have say on sports grounds naming rights
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the government might look at introducing a proviso that it would have to be consulted on name changes for stadiums when they are providing grant assistance for new or redeveloped grounds.
8. SuperValu sponsorship deal agreed for Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Eleven days later an agreement was reached over the naming rights for the stadium that has been known throughout its history as Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Leeside stadium is now known as SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh as part of a 10-year partnership between Cork GAA and the retailer.
9. Sensational Luke Littler marches into Ally Pally final
Teenage star Luke Littler was one win away from completing a sensational World Championship debut triumph after an easy semi-final win over Rob Cross, however he would lose the final to Luke Humphries.
10. Ireland face Olympic decider after shootout loss to Spain
Ireland's hopes of appearing at Paris 2024 came down to a showdown with Great Britain in the third/fourth place play-off at the women's hockey Olympic qualifier in Valencia, following a 3-0 penalty shootout loss to hosts Spain this afternoon. They would unfortunately lose to GB.
Rory McIlroy is fond of golfing in Dubai
February
1. Chiefs tailor swift response to beat 49ers in over-time to claim back-to-back Super Bowls
Patrick Mahomes threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman with three seconds left in over-time to give the Kansas City Chiefs a 25-22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, with tightend Travis Kelce's girlfriend Taylor Swift watching on.
2. Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum dies in road accident
Tributes were paid to marathon world record breaker Kelvin Kiptum, who died along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident. Kenyan member of parliament Gideon Kimaiyo confirmed the pair's death in a statement on X.
3. John O'Shea appointed interim Republic of Ireland manager
John O'Shea (below) was appointed interim Republic of Ireland manager for the two friendly international matches against Belgium and Switzerland in March. The FAI also said the job will be filled on a permanent basis in early April. This would prove optimistic...
John O'Shea was appointed interim Republic of Ireland manager for the two friendly internationals against Belgium and Switzerland
Daniel Wiffen secured a superb world title double by storming to gold in the 1500m freestyle final on the final day of the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, to go with his 800m freestyle gold.
5. Daniel Wiffen makes history with gold medal at World Championships in Doha
Daniel Wiffen announced himself to the Irish public a few days earlier with that 800m win, as he became the first Irish swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships, and did so in style in a time of seven minutes 40.94 seconds.
6. Stunning Ireland dismantle France in Marseille
Ireland put their World Cup disappointment firmly behind them as they kicked off their Grand Slam defence in style with a 38-17 win against France in Marseille.
7. 'They outclassed us' - France left to sing Les Bleus
Centre Gael Fickou admitted Ireland "outclassed" France in every department as Andy Farrell's side got the defence of their Guinness Six Nations crown off to a perfect start.
8. Caelan Doris to captain Ireland as Farrell makes six changes for Italy
Caelan Doris was named captain for Ireland's second Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy as Peter O'Mahony was ruled out with an injury.
9. Ciarán Frawley starts at full-back Ireland name team to face Wales
All about the Six Nations team news now. Ciarán Frawley was set to make his first Ireland start after the Leinster man was named at full-back in Andy Farrell's team to take on Wales at Aviva Stadium.
10. Players not deaf to the infamous Lansdowne hush
Irish players spoke to Michael Glennon about the lack of atmosphere at the aforementioned Italy game. The Aviva Stadium fan experience became quite a talking point in 2024.
March
1. Report: Gus Poyet offered and rejected Ireland job this week
Gus Poyet turned down the chance to manage the Republic of Ireland football team, according to reports in Greece. The claims, which were reported in the Greek media, suggested Poyet had been offered a five-year deal.
2. Ex-Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg charged in connection with incident
Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg was charged by police in connection with an incident in the Scottish Borders.
3. Two arrests made after tragedy chants at Manchester United v Liverpool cup tie
Two Manchester United fans were arrested in connection with tragedy chanting during the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
4. UEFA admits Europa League final in Dublin could prove 'extremely challenging'
UEFA was bracing itself for the "extremely challenging" possibility of a Rangers v Liverpool Europa League final in Dublin. Their fears were misplaced as neither team reached the Aviva Stadium decider.
5. Ireland hold off Scotland in a scrappy battle to win Six Nations title
For the second year in a row Ireland were crowned Six Nations champions on home soil, and for the second year in a row they survived a few scares along the way to seal it. Andy Farrell's side completed back-to-back championships with a 17-13 defeat of Scotland on the final day of the campaign, overpowering the visitors in the final quarter after what had been an error-strewn first hour.
6. Irish rugby thrust into role of pantomime villain
Conor Neville discussed Ireland's predicted Grand Slam triumph ahead of the surprise defeat to England. A piece that featured the below paragraph, which Conor was reminded of frequently after England's win.
"England are proudly limited in their approach. Approximately, 40% of their matches consist of their scrum-half Alex Mitchell methodically rolling the ball back to himself with the sole of his boot, underneath a hastily assembled human chain of crouched back-row forwards, their backsides cocked in the air. He then hoikes it up in the sky for Freddie Steward to hare after. Watching England in the past year has been a bit like watching a man unroll a length of carpet with his toe for an hour."
7. England snatch last-gasp victory to deny Ireland's Grand Slam shot
The report on England's aforementioned shock result.
8. Penalty pain for Evan Ferguson but Ireland hold Belgians
Evan Ferguson's missed penalty denied Ireland a chance to secure a victory over Belgium in John O'Shea's managerial bow as their friendly international ended scoreless at the Aviva Stadium.
9. John Kiely defends decision to appear as character witness for Kyle Hayes
Limerick hurling manager John Kiely defended his decision to provide a character witness for Kyle Hayes, saying his presence at Limerick Circuit Court was a show of support rather than a signal he condoned his actions. In December 2023 Hayes was given a two-year suspended prison sentence after being convicted of two counts of violent disorder.
10. Hugo Keenan returns as Ireland make one change to face England
Hugo Keenan was passed fit to face England and Alex Mitchell's many airborne kicks.
Ireland lost a battle but won the war
April
1. Leinster sign All Black Jordie Barrett
Leinster announced the signing of New Zealand utility back Jordie Barrett, who joined the club following the autumn internationals.
It was announced Jonathan Hill will leave his post as chief executive officer of the Football Association of Ireland at the end of April. The 61-year-old had been in charge of the football body since November 2020.
3. Leinster crush treble dreams of Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle
Leinster emphatically ended La Rochelle's bid for a hat-trick of Champions Cup titles by beating them 40-13 at Aviva Stadium, setting up a Croke Park semi-final date in the process. Ronan O'Gara's team defeated Leinster in the previous two finals by a combined margin of just four points.
4. Derry await in potential Sam Maguire group of death
The All-Ireland SFC stage draw threw up a potential group of death, with either Armagh or Donegal, and the winners of Galway v Mayo, pitted against Derry and Westmeath. The group was made up of Armagh, Galway, Derry and Westmeath in the end - both All-Ireland finalists came from that quartet, but Derry weren't one of them.
5. Former Ireland defender Joe Kinnear dies aged 77
Former Republic of Ireland defender Joe Kinnear died at the age of 77, his family announced in a statement. Dublin-born Kinnear played 26 times for Ireland and won the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups during a 10-year spell with Tottenham Hotspur as a player.
6. Portlaoise Panthers refuse to play 0.3 seconds and withdraw from quarter-finals
Portlaoise Panthers said they would accept elimination from their Division 1 quarter-final after refusing to play 0.3 seconds of the game as ordered by Basketball Ireland. Portlaoise lost out to Limerick Sport Eagles 80-78, with two converted free-throws by former Ireland captain Jason Killeen proving the difference between the sides in a tight encounter. The Panthers, however, argued that the foul that led to those free-throws should not have stood, claiming that the final buzzer had sounded beforehand and pointing to the fact that they were not permitted the opportunity to line up again as the clock showed 0.0.
7. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry secure play-off victory in New Orleans
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event at TPC Louisiana. The Irish pair needed to win a play-off to secure the tournament, having finished level with Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer on 25 under at the end of the final round.
8. Ireland dig deep to qualify for World Cup with win over Scotland
Ireland qualified for the World Cup with their Women's Six Nations victory over Scotland enough to secure third place and passage to next year's tournament in England. Katie Corrigan's try (above) set Ireland on their way to 15-12 victory.
9. Rory McIlroy struggles as Scottie Scheffler copes with nasty, windy Augusta
Rory McIlroy bemoaned the woeful pace of play after seeing his bid for a career grand slam blown off course on day two of the Masters. McIlroy's birdie-free second round of 77 took an incredible six hours and two minutes to complete alongside Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, the world number one's 72 giving him a share of the halfway lead with Max Homa and Bryson DeChambeau on six under par. Scheffler would go on to add a second green jacket to his wardrobe.
10. Storm warnings for Leinster after another heavy defeat
Leinster surrendered their place at the top of the BKT United Rugby Championship table after going down to a 42-12 defeat to Stormers in Cape Town. Glasgow's bonus-point win over Zebre Parma earlier in the day saw the Scottish side hold a four-point advantage at the summit with just three rounds to go.
May
1. Roy Keane gestured to 'meet outside' with man accused of assault, court told
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane gestured towards an Arsenal fan during a football match to "meet him outside" after "banter turned more aggressive", a court has heard.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international, who was working as a pundit for Sky Sports, was allegedly headbutted through doors at the Emirates Stadium by Scott Law following Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
2. Majestic Rory McIlroy romps to victory at Wells Fargo Championship
Rory McIlroy produced a golfing masterclass en route to securing victory at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte. Starting the day one shot behind leader Xander Schauffele, McIlroy soon drew level with the American before romping away on the back nine to win by five shots.
3. Roy Keane 'in shock' after alleged headbutt, court told
More from the trials as Keane told a court he was left "in shock" after being allegedly "headbutted" through doors during a Premier League football match.
4. Magical night for Ireland with two teams Olympics-bound as records fall in Bahamas
The Irish mixed and women's 4x400m relay teams sealed their spots at the 2024 Olympic Games in scintillating fashion on the opening day of the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, the Bahamas. Both teams ran superb national records to win their heats and illustrate Ireland's strength on the global relay stage once again.
5. Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury to become undisputed world heavyweight champion
Tyson Fury's quest to become undisputed world heavyweight champion ended in defeat by split decision to Oleksandr Usyk in an enthralling night in Riyadh. On a night where Belfast fighter Anthony Cacace claimed a stunning world title on the undercard, Fury appeared to have taken control midway through the fight but Usyk came on strong and swung the contest in his favour with a powerful ninth round in which the Briton was saved by the bell.
6. Irish mixed relay team secure brilliant bronze in Bahamas
The Irish mixed 4x400m relay team of Cillín Greene, Rhasidat Adeleke, Tom Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley set a new national record to finish third at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas. Ireland clocked a time of 3:11.53 to finish in the bronze position behind the USA (3:10.73) and the Netherlands (3:11.45).
7. Pádraic Joyce 'sickened' by injury suffered by Damien Comer in Galway's win over Derry
Galway manager Pádraic Joyce was highly satisfied with his side's performance in their All-Ireland SFC win over Derry but said he was "sickened" by the injury suffered by Damien Comer, which left the powerful forward doubtful for the remainder of the round robin phase.
8. Seán Cavanagh clarifies GAA comments after Jarlath Burns riposte
Seán Cavanagh clarified his statement saying "the GAA is using GAAGO as a vehicle to maximise more revenue and more profit", describing the GAA as "one of the richest organisations in the world," after the GAA president described it as a "superficial and emotional comment". Speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast Cavanagh said he left out the word 'amateur' but stood by his view on GAAGO.
9. Leinster survive Saints fightback to reach Champions Cup final
On a day when James Lowe scored a hat-trick and Jamison Gibson-Park produced a performance for the ages, it was captain Caelan Doris who came up with the match-winning moment, his defensive turnover in the final 90 seconds giving Leinster a nervy 20-17 win over the Northampton Saints at a sold-out Croke Park.
10. 'My head is spinning' - Scottie Scheffler shoots 66 after police release
Scottie Scheffler shook off an early-morning arrest and police altercation to move into contention at a rainy PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky where he finished two shots behind second-round clubhouse leader Collin Morikawa. On a day unlike any other in his career, world number one Scheffler was arrested on four charges, including second degree assault of a police officer, after what he said was a "big misunderstanding" as he tried to enter Valhalla Golf Club.
Glory for Ireland's mixed relay team
June
1. Gold for Ireland as 4x400m mixed relay team swoop home at the European Athletics Championships
The mixed 4x400m relay team of Chris O'Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley produced a magnificent performance to win gold for Ireland at the European Athletics Championships.
2. Ciara Mageean delivers European gold in 1500m
Ciara Mageean won gold in the 1500m final at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. The Portaferry athlete came home in a time of 4:04.66. It as a third European outdoor medal for Mageean after her bronze in Amsterdam eight years ago and the silver won in Munich in 2022.
3. Nick Faldo: Misses will haunt Rory McIlroy for the rest of his life
Nick Faldo believes Rory McIlroy will be haunted forever by letting the US Open slip through his fingers at Pinehurst. McIlroy had a two-shot lead in pursuit of a fifth major title and first since 2014, only for the world number three to bogey three of the last four holes - including missed par putts of two feet, six inches and three feet, nine inches on the 16th and 18th respectively and allowed Bryson DeChambeau to claim his second US Open title with a brilliant par save from sand on the last.
4. Holders Dublin exit race for Sam after superb Galway second-half showing
Galway blew the All-Ireland SFC wide open with a remarkable come from behind win at Croke Park to secure a shock semi-final place, dumping holders Dublin out. A week after beating Monaghan in a humdrum preliminary quarter-final encounter, having previously drawn with Armagh, the 2022 finalists burst into life with a massive performance and a landmark win.
5. Sharlene Mawdsley leads Ireland into 4x400m relay final
Sharlene Mawdsley recovered from her run in the 400m final to brilliantly lead Ireland into the final of the 4x400m relay at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. Mawdsley already had a gold to her name having been part of the triumphant mixed 4x400m relay team as per the top story for the month.
6. Liverpool send support as Alan Hansen 'seriously ill' in hospital
When it was revealed that former Scotland and Liverpool defender Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital the club announced it was providing support to the family of the 68-year-old, who retired in 1991 to start a successful career as a television pundit. Thankfully he recovered at home during the summer following the scare.
7. Bob MacIntyre to pay off parents' mortgage after Canadian Open victory
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre pledged that his parents will be "mortgage free" after his father Dougie helped him win his first PGA Tour title in the RBC Canadian Open. MacIntyre carded a final round of 68 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club to finish 16 under par, a shot ahead of home favourite Ben Griffin.
Kerry and Derry pitted against each other
8. Kerry to meet Derry as Dublin and Galway face off in All-Ireland quarter-final
Munster champions Kerry were drawn to face Derry in a repeat of last year's All-Ireland semi-final following the draw for this year's quarter-finals. The other games pitted Armagh against Roscommon, Donegal against Louth, and Dublin against Galway.
9. Mayo host Derry in pick of preliminary quarter-finals
Say what you like about the quality of the matches in this year's football championship, you were all very interested in who was going to play who!
10. Ireland's women claim silver and set national record in 4x400m relay at European Championships
Ireland's women's 4x400m relay team of Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy and Sharlene Mawdsley secured a silver medal at the European Championships in a new Irish record time of three minutes 22.71 seconds. The Netherlands took gold in a leading European time this year of 3:22.39, with Belgium rounding off the podium places in 3:22.95.
July
1. Double All-Ireland-winning manager John O'Mahony dies
Former Mayo, Leitrim and Galway manager, John O'Mahony, died at the age of 71. A native of Kilmovee, Co Mayo, O'Mahony had two stints as manager of his home county while he famously led neighbours Galway to their most recent All-Ireland senior football titles around the turn of the century in 1998 and 2001. Just as sensationally, he took Leitrim to their second ever – and still most recent – Connacht senior football title in 1994.
2. Daniel Wiffen surges to gold in 800m final
Daniel Wiffen staged a storming final stretch in the men's 800m freestyle final to clinch gold at Paris 2024 in an Olympic record time. Second going into the final 150m of the race, Wiffen reeled in Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri before triumphing in a time of 7:38.19.
3. Heimir Hallgrimsson appointed as Ireland manager
Heimir Hallgrimsson was appointed Republic of Ireland manager following an eight-month recruitment process. Hallgrimsson was Iceland's joint-manager when they famously beat England in Euro 2016. He was most recently manager of Jamaica since September 2022, leaving the post after they exited the Copa America.
4. Croker pain no more as Armagh edge out Kerry in cracker
Armagh won through to the All-Ireland final for the fifth time in their history after edging out Kerry by two points in a wildly engrossing semi-final in Croke Park. It was the third year in a row that an Armagh knockout game in HQ had gone to extra-time, except this one ended not in penalty heartbreak but with scenes of delirium at the final whistle.
5. Ciarán Frawley heroics give Ireland famous win in South Africa
For just the second time ever, Ireland won a Test match in South Africa, and their 25-24 win looked unlikely, if not impossible with just 15 minutes to play. Ciarán Frawley was the hero of the hour. Two dropgoals in the final 13 minutes, and the second of those with the final kick of the game, saw Ireland stage an incredible comeback against the world champions, who had looked to be on course to whitewash Ireland in the series.
6. Mickey Harte steps down as Derry manager
Mickey Harte has stepped down as Derry manager after just a single season in charge of the Oakleaf County, which stuttered along before being ended at the quarter-final stage by Kerry.
7. Girls in Green sweep past France to rock the Páirc
By the banks of their own lovely Lee, the Republic of Ireland chiselled out a Euro 2025 qualifier victory thanks to second-half goals from Denise O'Sullivan, the remarkable Julie-Ann Russell and Anna Patten, giving Eileen Gleeson's team their first win of a difficult campaign, and rubber-stamping their status as a seeded side for the autumn play-offs.
8. Joy for Mona McSharry in taking 100m breaststroke bronze
Mona McSharry delivered Ireland's first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning a bronze medal at a packed La Defense Arena. Competing in her second Olympic final, the Sligo swimmer touched out third by the very slimmest of margins, beating Italy's Benedetta Pilato and world record holder and 2016 champion Lilly King of the United States both by 0.01 of a second in a time of 1:05.59.
9. Paul O'Donovan grounded in face of potential medal history
Ireland's reigning Olympic champions Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy will lead the medal charge in Paris. Not that the gifted rowers would frame it in such terms. The Skibbereen duo will be the men to beat in the lightweight men's double in Paris, and having won two World titles together and Olympic gold, will be among the leading contenders in Team Ireland over the next few weeks.
10. How many Olympians hail from each county?
Where did Ireland's record-breaking 133-strong Team hail from? County-proud readers read this story widely in advance of the Games.
Mona McSharry won Ireland's first medal at the Games
August
1. Glorious gold for history makers Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy in lightweight double sculls
Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy retained their Olympic title with a dominant victory in the final of the men's lightweight double sculls at Paris 2024. The duo finished in a time of 6:10.99 to seal back-to-back golds. It was an Irish record third Olympics in a row that O'Donovan has won a medal after silver with his brother Gary at Rio 2016 and gold with McCarthy at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.
2. Rhasidat Adeleke has work cut out in 400m semi-final
Rhasidat Adeleke would have her work cut out to qualify for the women's 400m final, according to former Irish Olympian Rob Heffernan. The Tallaght woman was the only Irish competitor to make it through to tomorrow's semi-final after team-mates Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley missed out in the heats and repechage.
3. Ireland agonisingly miss out on relay medal in women's 4x400m relay
Ireland agonisingly missed out on a medal as they set a national record en route to finishing fourth in the women's 4x400m relay final at Paris 2024. The quartet, made up of Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy and Sharlene Mawsdsley, ran a time of 3:19.90 as they missed out on the bronze medal by just 0.18 seconds.
4. Flawless Rhys McClenaghan delivers pommel horse gold
Rhys McClenaghan produced an outstanding routine to take gold on the pommel horse at Paris 2024. In doing so, he brought home Ireland's third gold and sixth medal overall at these Games. McClenaghan's score of 15.533 (difficulty 6.600 and execution 8.933), up from 15.200 in qualifying, saw him finish ahead of Nariman Kurbanov from Kazakhstan, who scored 15.434, with the USA's Stephen Nedoroscik third after his 15.300.
Rhys McClenaghan had the nation on the edge of its seat for duration of his routine
5. Ireland surge into women's 4x400 relay final
Report on how the Irish quartet who came so close to medalling made that final.
6. IOC criticise IBA's 'arbitrary' ban of boxers after Imane Khelif wins in 46 seconds
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended its decision to allow two female boxers to compete at the Paris Olympics despite an ongoing gender row, saying the pair were facing 'aggression' because of an arbitrary decision. The statement came hours after Italian boxer Angela Carini insisted she had "never felt a punch like this" after her preliminary round of 16 bout against Algerian Imane Khelif was abandoned after just 46 seconds.Khelif would go on to win gold.
7. Repeat of Olympic 400m final as Rhasidat Adeleke finishes fourth
It was a repeat of the women's 400m Olympic final as Rhasidat Adeleke faded in the second half of her Diamond League meet in Poland to finish fourth. Just over a fortnight on from her exploits in the women's 4x400m relay, and 17 days after being edged out of a podium position in the individual 400m final, the 21-year-old was back in action as her 2024 season drew to a close.
8. Rhasidat Adeleke hangs on to claim 400m final berth
As Rob Heffernan predicted, Adeleke would face a battle to qualify for the final, but qualify autmatically she did.
9. Crossmaglen's Caolan Finnegan dies aged 20 after cancer battle
Crossmaglen Rangers player Caolan Finnegan passed away at the age of 20 on 23 August. In August 2023, Caolan, or Stringer, as he was widely known to his friends, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
10. History-maker Kellie Harrington wins back-to-back Olympic golds
Kellie Harrington made history by becoming the first Irish female athlete to win gold at back-to-back Olympic Games after a split decision over China's Wenlu Yang in the women's 60kg final at Paris 2024.
September
1. Shane Lowry ends sponsorship deal with Kingspan
Shane Lowry confirmed in a statement that he and Kingspan had "mutually agreed to discontinue our sponsorship relationship". The 2019 Open champion has faced calls since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, where 72 people died, to drop Kingspan as a sponsor. A report on the fire found that the Cavan-based company "knowingly created a 'false market' in insulation for use on buildings over 18 metres in height".
2. Ireland stun world champions New Zealand in WXV1
Ireland produced an upset as they stunned world champions New Zealand 29-27 in their opening WXV1 clash in Vancouver. Replacement Erin King grabbed her second try to level the scores in the last minute, before outside-half Dannah O'Brien held her nerve to land the decisive conversion via the upright.
3. Trainer John Joseph 'Shark' Hanlon given 10-month ban over transport of dead horse
Trainer John Joseph 'Shark' Hanlon was given a 10-month ban and fined €2,000 over an incident in which he transported a dead horse in public view. The offence was deemed to damage "the good reputation of racing" by the referrals committee of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
4. Italia 90 top scorer Toto Schillaci dies aged 59
Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci, top scorer at the 1990 World Cup, died at the age of 59 on 19 September. The striker netted the winning goal to eliminate the Republic of Ireland in the quarter-finals at Italia 90, ending the country's best run in a major tournament. Schillaci was suffering from colon cancer, Italian media reports said.
5. Heimir Hallgrimsson's new era spoiled by couple of old friends
Heimir Hallgrimsson's reign as Ireland manager started with a defeat as England enjoyed a well-earned 2-0 victory. The visitors quickly took control and made their superiority count in the 11th minute as former Ireland international, Declan Rice, opened the scoring. And sure enough, it was another former Ireland underage international, Jack Grealish, who would add a second in the 26th minute.
6. Dundalk takeover agreed between Brian Ainscough and investors
Dundalk FC confirmed that a takeover of the club has been agreed between owner Brian Ainscough and a group of investors led by local barrister John Temple. Temple led a consortium that agreed to pay the players' wages until the end of the season. The group say they will also "examine the viability of the club and its facilities going forward".
7. Rory McIlroy pipped by Billy Horschel in play-off at BMW PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy came up just short in a three-man play-off at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. McIlroy, Billy Horschel of the United States and South Africa's Thriston Lawrence finished on 20 under par, with Horschel securing the title at the DP World Tour's flagship event with an eagle on the second hole of the three-man play-off.
8. Sham Maguire: Fake trophy being used for profit in Armagh as county officials warn of scam
The Armagh county board issued a warning about a counterfeit Sam Maguire trophy being toured in the county in exchange for "substantial amounts of money".
9. 'It feels like the jersey is too heavy for some players' - Heimir Hallgrimsson
Heimir Hallgrimsson said the weight of wearing the Ireland jersey is affecting players' confidence following their 2-0 defeat to Greece.
10. Late flurry by Rasmus Hojgaard denies Rory McIlroy at Irish Open
Another tournament, another agonising defeat for Rory McIlroy, this time at Royal County Down.
John Joseph 'Shark' Hanlon was found to have damaged the 'good reputation of racing'
October
1. International arrest warrant issued for former Leinster star Rocky Elsom
An international arrest warrant was issued for former Leinster and Australia rugby star Rocky Elsom after the 41-year-old was found guilty in absentia of forgery and misuse of corporate assets by a Narbonne court, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to repay €705,000. Elsom told the Sunday Times newspaper days earlier that he was back living in Dublin for the first time since 2009, coaching at the Catholic University School on Leeson Street.
2. Erik ten Hag sacked by Manchester United
Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag as manager with Ruud van Nistelrooy appointed as interim replacement. Four defeats in nine Premier League games led to United opting to make the change with the club 14th in the table.
3. FRC changes: Proposed new look for Gaelic football
RTÉ Sport spoke to Football Review Committee chairman Jim Gavin and FRC member Éamonn Fitzmaurice in detail around the proposed rules ahead of the trial games in Croke Park.
4. Graham Rowntree departs as head coach of Munster
Bad month to be the coach of a team in red... Munster confirmed they parted company with head coach Graham Rowntree following their disappointing start to the season.
5. Caelan Doris captain as Ireland include two uncapped players for Autumn Nations Series
Caelan Doris was selected to captain Ireland for the Autumn Nations Series Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia, while head coach Andy Farrell included two uncapped players in a 35-man squad - Cormac Izuchukwu and Sam Prendergast.
6. Early blitz sees Leinster down Munster at Croke Park
In front of 80,468 supporters at Croke Park, Leinster continued their dominance over Munster with a 26-12 win, scoring three tries in a ferocious first 15 minutes, which ensured their victory in this URC Interpro was never really in doubt.
7. Champions Armagh supply six to PWC Football All-Stars selection
There were five counties represented and 14 first-time winners on a PwC Football All-Stars 2024 team dominated by All-Ireland champions Armagh and runners-up Galway. The Orchard county led the way with six players (of 11 nominees), including Footballer of the Year nominee Barry McCambridge, while runners-up Galway have five (of eight), including their FOTY nominees Paul Conroy and John Maher.
Armagh's six All-Stars with their countyman and GAA president Jarlath Burns
8. Irish efforts come to nought as Greece double up
The Republic of Ireland were were brought back down to earth after their win in Helsinki as they were soundly beaten 2-0 by Greece at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. Heimir Hallgrimsson's side were truthfully second best against the group leaders who scored at either end of the second half to complete the Irish double in this Nations League campaign.
9. Bernard Jackman: Sexton's role with Ireland an 'inspired' call
Bernard Jackman believes Johnny Sexton's new role in the Ireland coaching set-up is an "inspired" move by Andy Farrell and David Humphreys. The former Ireland captain would link up with the Ireland squad in an advisory capacity for the Autumn Nations Series, working part-time with out-halves Jack Crowley, Ciarán Frawley and Sam Prendergast.
10. Note of caution as Connacht and Ulster win under trial rules at Croke Park
Aidan O'Shea's player of the match display, including the first four-point goal to be scored at Croke Park, propelled Connacht through to the interprovincial final where they will meet Ulster on a night where the new proposed Football Review Committee rules were under the microscope.
November
1. Katie Taylor edges Amanda Serrano in bloody battle to retain world titles
Katie Taylor remains the undisputed world super-lightweight champion after a unanimous-decision but controversial victory over Amanda Serrano in their rematch in Texas. Taylor got the better of her Puerto Rican opponent in their first clash in 2022, and history repeated itself at AT&T Stadium in Arlington as the judges scored another close bout 95-94 in her favour, another epic fight that was streamed to millions around the world by Netflix, when it wasn't buffering at least.
2. Munster fall short in thriller against All Blacks XV
With their backs against the wall and without a head coach after the departure of Graham Rowntree on Tuesday, Munster brought an All Blacks XV all the way in a thrilling game at Thomond Park, which was only settled in the final few minutes as the tourists won out 38-24.
3. Insipid win for Jake Paul but 58-year-old Mike Tyson goes distance
Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in the former world heavyweight champion's first fight in 19 years. The disappointing encounter followed the thrilling battle between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
4. Rory McIlroy holds his nerve to claim the spoils at the DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy has won the DP World Tour Championship and with it a sixth Race to Dubai crown of his career. In the end McIlroy, on 15 under, had two shots to spare over Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard, who in September just got the better of the Holywood native to win the Irish Open.
5. Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will earn their bread at Jake Paul and Mike Tyson's Circus Netflix
In previewing another huge step forward for women's sport, Eoin Ryan notes that Taylor-Serrano II would not even be the main event in front of 60,000+ spectators at the Texas stadium of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team. That honour was reserved for the heavyweight clash of former world champion Mike Tyson and Serrano's promoter Jake Paul - the latest in an ignominious line of 'celebrity boxing' bouts.
6. Amanda Serrano rows back on Katie Taylor headbutt claims
Amanda Serrano has apologised for suggesting Katie Taylor intentionally headbutted her during their epic bout in Texas, and aired her desire to complete a trilogy of fights against the Irishwoman.
7. Red card tips scales as ruthless England run riot
Ten-man Ireland were hammered 5-0 by England following a second-half collapse at Wembley. Heimir Hallgrimsson's side battled through a scoreless opening half, however, the floodgates opened following Harry Kane's opening goal from the penalty spot eight minutes after the break. Liam Scales was sent off for a second booking after the concession of the spot-kick, before a turbo-charged England added four more through Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
8. Dublin GAA club's future uncertain after surrendering clubhouse and pitches
Dublin GAA club Parnells confirmed that their clubhouses and pitches have been handed over to the Marist Order. The club, serving the parishes of Coolock and Artane, had been in financial difficulty for some time, having been ordered to pay a redundancy lump sum to 11 staff members who were not given work after the start of the Covid pandemic.
9. Ruud van Nistelrooy accepts criticism from former team-mates
Ruud van Nistelrooy has no issue with criticism from former Manchester United team-mates and is confident things will eventually turn around as the club prepares for life under Ruben Amorim.
10. Ireland to face Bulgaria in Nations League play-off
The Republic of Ireland were drawn to face Bulgaria in their UEFA Nations League B/C relegation/promotion play-off in March.
Katie Taylor prevailed in another tight battle with Amanda Serrano
December
1. Motorsport legend Eddie Jordan reveals 'aggressive' cancer diagnosis
Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan revealed he was diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of cancer earlier this year.
2. Paul O'Donovan wins RTÉ Sport Sportsperson award for 2024
In a year that he became the first Irish Olympian to win medals at three consecutive games, winning Olympic Gold at the double sculls in Paris and gold at the World Rowing Championships single sculls, rower Paul O'Donovan beat off competition from fellow Olympians and stars of many sports.
3. Katie Taylor loses WBC lightweight belt with Caroline Dubois promoted to champion
Katie Taylor vacated her WBC lightweight title after a ruling at the body's convention today in Germany, with Caroline Dubois promoted to champion. Taylor had been undisputed champion at lightweight before switching focus to super lightweight in her last three bouts.
4. Eileen Gleeson's Ireland reign ends as FAI opts against new deal
Eileen Gleeson's reign as Republic of Ireland head coach was over after the FAI confirmed her contract will not be renewed. The Dubliner departed almost a year to the day since she was made permanent boss, having initially taken over on an interim basis.
5. GAA introduces charge for children's Allianz League tickets
The GAA announced that it will charge for under 16s to attend higher-division Allianz League games for the first time next year. Children's tickets for Division 1 and Division 2 in football and Division 1A and 1B in hurling will be €5 and can only be purchased alongside an adult ticket.
6. Mayo GAA not signing off on 2024 accounts due to Revenue review
Mayo GAA acknowledged that it is not in a position to sign off on its accounts for 2024 because of ongoing engagement with the Revenue Commissioners. Last year's accounts registered a potential tax liability of €119,778, which Mayo say was a "legacy issue relating to outstanding tax liabilities from our Cúl Camp's programme in 2018 and 2019."
7. Former Tyrone player and Antrim manager Jody Gormley dies aged 53
Former Tyrone player and Antrim manager Jody Gormley, 53, died on 9 December, weeks after revealing his stage 4 liver cancer diagnosis.
8. Max Verstappen to work in Rwanda as punishment for swearing
Max Verstappen will help out with a grassroots programme in Rwanda as his penalty for swearing during a press conference in Singapore.
Denise O'Sullivan and Katie McCabe console each other after Ireland's loss to Wales
9. Ireland's Euros dreams shattered as Wales edge gripping play-off
The Republic of Ireland's Euro 2025 dreams were shattered by Wales on an exhaustingly dramatic night at Aviva Stadium. The Girls in Green got out of Cardiff with a 1-1 draw last Friday, and were fancied to finish off their Celtic cousins in front of a partisan Dublin crowd. But their hopes unravelled in gut-wrenchingly frustrating fashion, going down 3-2 on aggregate.
Sarsfields manager Johnny Crowley paid an emotional tribute to his club's journey after the Cork side held off Slaughtneil to reach the All-Ireland Senior Club Championships final for the first time.
