If sport is about moments, 2025 delivered a lot of good ones. From Rory McIlroy's Masters triumph, to Kate O'Connor's pentathlon heroics, our swimmers making a splash, some huge rugby occasions and a certain Mr Parrott - it's been a hell of a year.
Factor in a Lions Tour, the most acrimonious Ryder Cup in history, the loss of some beloved sportspeople, Gaelic football reborn, Skortsgate and a bonkers hurling final, and 2025 measures up against any recent year in sport.
As is now tradition, we have captured the top 10 stories on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app for each month, to give you a sense of what made you click this year.
Just to note, same as other years, 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, soccer, football or hurling games don't feature, rest assured the live blogs of these matches would be among top overall articles for the year.
January
1. Connacht GAA Air Dome destroyed during Storm Éowyn
Connacht GAA's Air Dome was destroyed during Storm Éowyn. The multimillion euro facility in Bekan near Ballyhaunis in Co Mayo saw its inflated roof torn to bits, with Connacht GAA secretary John Prenty confirming to RTÉ Sport that it blew down at approximately 4am.
2. Rory Gallagher threatens legal action against GAA President Jarlath Burns over Naas email
Rory Gallagher threatened to take legal action against GAA President Jarlath Burns over the contents of an email he sent to Naas GAA Club. Gallagher was set to coach the Kildare club's senior football team prior to the intervention.
3. Sam Prendergast starts for Six Nations debut v England
Sam Prendergast was named to start at out-half for Ireland in their opening Guinness Six Nations match against England. The battle for the 10 jersey between Leinster's Prendergast and his Munster counterpart Jack Crowley would be a running theme in 2025.
4. Sean Dyche sacked by Everton, Seamus Coleman takes temporary charge
Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines took temporary charge of Everton for their FA Cup clash against Peterborough United, after manager Sean Dyche was sacked by the club hours before kick-off.
5. Open book Andrew Porter happy to show the human side of rugby
Speaking to Neil Treacy ahead of the Six Nations, Ireland prop Andrew Porter explained why he is so happy to share his personal story - firstly in Netflix documentary and later in his award-winning memoir.
6. First Ireland Six Nations squad under Simon Easterby along expected lines
With Andy Farrell on a Lions sabbatical until the end of summer, interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby did not rock the boat with his first squad announcement.
7. Can Ireland qualify for the World Cup?
Ed Leahy, formerly of this parish, asked this question last January. We still don't know the answer, but the country was gripped by the rollercoaster Boys in Green journey this autumn. Roll on Prague in March.
8. Luke Littler sets sights on Phil Taylor's record after claiming first world title
Then 17-year-old Luke Littler said he can hunt down Phil Taylor's record of 16 world titles after becoming the youngest ever champion. He is favourite to make it back-to-back titles at the Ally Pally.
9. Leinster hang on for impressive win at La Rochelle
Leinster escaped from France with a seriously hard-earned Investec Champions Cup victory as they held on to beat La Rochelle 16-14.
10. Munster set for O'Gara reunion in Champions Cup last 16
Munster were set for a showdown with club legend and former out-half Ronan O'Gara as they will drawn to face La Rochelle in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.
The Air Dome was destroyed during Storm Éowyn
February
1. Boxer John Cooney dies a week after suffering brain injury in Belfast bout
Irish boxer John Cooney died following his bout against Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast. The 28-year-old was placed in intensive care after the fight at the Ulster Hall, with promoter Mark Dunlop of MHD Promotions announcing his passing.
2. Former Galway star Michael Coleman dies in accident
Former All-Star hurler Michael Coleman died in an accident on a Friday evening clearing up storm damage near his home. Coleman, an All-Ireland winner with Galway in 1988, died following the accident at his home in Crumlin, Ballyglunin.
3. Brian O'Driscoll: Some Irish rugby fans need to 'take hard look' at themselves
Brian O'Driscoll was in no doubt that arrogance is creeping into the Irish rugby fanbase and that many supporters need "to have a good hard look" at themselves. "I hear that from my [ITV] work colleagues over in the UK, there's not much love for Leinster and there's less and less love for Ireland around being good winners." Might not be a problem for long!
4. Tadhg Beirne: Some Irish media didn't help
A trend developing... Star forward Tadhg Beirne said Ireland's cause wasn't helped by certain cocky comments made in Irish media in the build-up to the hard-fought 27-18 Six Nations win over Wales.
5. Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony and Cian Healy set to retire from Ireland action
Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony and Cian Healy confirmed their international careers would end after the conclusion of the Six Nations.
The departed: (L-R) Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray all hung up their boots at the end of last season
6. Former Dublin goalkeeper and manager Paddy Cullen dies aged 80
Former Dublin goalkeeper and manager Paddy Cullen died at the age of 80 after a long illness. One of the best-known figures in the game, the O'Connell Boys clubman enjoyed 13 years between the sticks for the Boys in Blue after making his debut in 1966.
7. Grand Slam dream alive as Ireland survive Wales scare
Report on the aforementioned hard-fought win that some Irish media predicted would be less hard-fought.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Croke Park as first NFL game in Ireland confirmed
The NFL confirmed in February that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the home team for the league's first regular-season game in Dublin. The Minnesota Vikings would be confirmed as their opponents later in the year.
9. Dan Sheehan named captain as Ireland make seven changes for Six Nations trip to Wales
The team news for the twice aforementioned hard-fought win that some Irish media predicted would be less hard-fought.
10. 'It's hard to know what vibe I'm giving off' - Sam Prendergast after Six Nations bow
After a winning Six Nations debut, where he took a fair amount of punishment from English opponents, Sam Prendergast suggested trying to read his demeanour on the pitch was a waste of time. "It's hard to know what vibe I'm giving off. At times, I get a little bit flustered."
March
1. Former F1 owner Eddie Jordan dies aged 76
Former Formula One team owner and TV pundit Eddie Jordan died at the age of 76. The Dubliner founded Jordan Grand Prix, a team that raced from 1991 to 2005 and secured four F1 victories in that time.
2. Sarah Healy wins gold in 3000 metres at European Indoor Athletics Championships
In a sign of things to come for Irish athletics in 2025, Sarah Healy won a gold medal in the 3000m at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in the Netherlands.
3. Bulgarian club apologises after minute's silence for ex-player who is still alive
Easily done... Bulgarian club Arda Kardzhali apologised for holding a minute's silence for a former player who is still alive. Petko Ganchev was mourned ahead of the 1-1 league draw with Levski Sofia, with both teams lining up on the centre circle and bowing their heads.
4. Pentathlete Kate O'Connor claims silver at World Indoor Championships
Ah, that's the indoors. Let's see how she gets on at the outdoor World Championships later in the year.
5. Rampant France end Irish Grand Slam hopes with emphatic win in Dublin
Ireland's Grand Slam dreams were blown to smithereens by a ruthless and emphatic France, who looked destined to win the Six Nations after this 42-27 Aviva Stadium demolition job.
6. France coach Fabien Galthie furious after 'reprehensible' Antoine Dupont incident
France head coach Fabien Galthie reacted furiously to an injury to Antoine Dupont during the above win. The former World Player of the Year jarred his knee when Tadhg Beirne collided with him at a ruck, but no action was taken by the referee Angus Gardner, or TMO Ian Tempest, who deemed it a "rugby incident".
7. Caelan Doris passed fit but Mack Hansen misses out on France clash
Team news ahead of the defeat to France.
8. St Patrick's Day delight for Rory McIlroy as he seals Players Championship win
Rory McIlroy celebrated St Patrick's Day in style by defeating JJ Spaun in a play-off to win the prestigious Players Championship for the second time. As we know, better was yet to come for the Down native.
9. FRC make tweaks as 3v3 rule altered
We weren't getting through this without mention of the Football Review Committee, who single-handedly saved football (along with David Clifford). This article related to six tweaks ahead of the final two rounds of Allianz League games.
10. Leinster semi-finals moved out of Croke Park
Leinster GAA decided to switch both provincial football semi-finals outside of Croke Park, meaning that it will be the first occasion since 1995 that both provincial last-four encounters will not be played at GAA headquarters. And, what do you know, the Dubs were beaten!
Eddie Jordan was diagnosed with an 'aggressive' type of cancer
April
1. Pádraig Harrington left stunned by 'bizarre' Bryson DeChambeau round and comments
Three-time major champion Pádraig Harrington said that Bryson DeChambeau's "ego" played a big part in a "bizarre" final round that torpedoed his US Masters hopes as he finished in a tie for fifth, four shots behind eventual champion Rory McIlroy.
2. Rory McIlroy avoiding 'rematch' narrative for duel with Bryson DeChambeau in Masters climax
If you like McIlroy winning the Masters, April is the month for you! In this article Rory McIlroy said he would try to avoid turning the final round of the Masters into a "rematch" with Bryson DeChambeau as he bids to complete the career grand slam.
3. Rory McIlroy 'can't wait to celebrate' at home with parents after historic US Masters win
An emotional Rory McIlroy fought back tears as he reflected on finally winning the Masters to complete the career grand slam. "It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time," McIlroy said before being presented with the green jacket by defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
4. Rory McIlroy wins the Masters and achieves sporting immortality
The report on his tense final-round, which concluded with a play-off victory over Justin Rose. In case you're wondering, the live blog of the final round had over 1.6m page views. The biggest sports stories in the history of RTÉ.ie.
April was a month to savour for Rory McIlroy
5. Legendary Kerry manager Mick O'Dwyer dies aged 88
Mick O'Dwyer, the legendary Kerry Gaelic football manager and player, died at the age of 88. Throughout a 57-year inter-county career as player and manager, O'Dwyer rewrote the history books and arguably changed the face of Gaelic football.
6. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry sizzle to a 61 at Zurich Classic
The team event the week after the Masters got a bump in exposure thanks to presence of McIlroy and his team-mate Shane Lowry.
7. Rory McIlroy bounces back with stunning 66 at the Masters
The report on McIlroy's second round at Augusta, which saw him bounce back from a disastrous end to his Thursday.
8. Rory McIlroy can't hide relief after getting the 'monkey off his back'
Rory McIlroy told RTÉ Sport that his dramatic play-off victory at The US Masters felt just like winning his first major again, as he completed golf's grand slam to relieve more than a decade of pressure.
9. Nick Rockett wins Grand National at Aintree on special day for Mullins family
Amateur rider Patrick Mullins enjoyed his finest hour as he guided Nick Rockett to victory for his father Willie Mullins in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.
10. Shane Lowry: I'm not going to stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes
Only seven shots off the lead himself, Shane Lowry was irked at being asked bout his buddy's chances heading into the final round of the Masters, rather than his own.
May
1. Munster Camogie defers Cork v Waterford over skortsgate
Every summer needs a saga. After Dublin and Kilkenny players were forced to change out of shorts before a Leinster game, the train was in motion. The Munster senior camogie final between Cork and Waterford was deferred, with Munster Camogie taking the action after both panels confirmed that they would wear shorts in the tie, in contravention of existing rules. To be continued...
2. Jockey Rachael Blackmore announces retirement after glittering career
Rachael Blackmore announced her retirement after a 16-year career. The Tipperary rider won the Aintree Grand National in 2021 on Minella Times as well as the Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard in 2022 - the first female jockey to win either race. The 35-year-old had 18 victories in total at the Cheltenham Festival, and was also the first woman to be leading jockey at Prestbury Park in 2020.
3. Ireland women relay team impress to qualify for Worlds
The Ireland women's 4x400m relay team joined the 4x400m mixed relay quartet in qualifying for the World Athletics Championships. Having missed out on the final in the qualifiers at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, Ireland took full advantage of the backdoor route by romping to victory in their repechage on Sunday.
4. Ireland mixed relay team power into World Championships
Report on Conor Kelly, Rhasidat Adeleke, Cillín Greene and Sharlene Mawdsley qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo, finishing second in their heat at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China.
5. Camogie Assocation give green light to wearing of shorts after special congress
Following a special congress at Croke Park, the Camogie Association voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing shorts to become part of the official kit for the code. The ballot of the 133 delegates saw 98% vote in favour of change.
6. Davy Fitzgerald says he will go to Croke Park over officials
Antrim manager Davy Fitzgerald lashed out at the match officials following his side's Leinster SHC defeat to Galway, pledging to "go to Croke Park" after Declan McCloskey was sent off just before half-time.
7. Allegations of abuse campaign dominate Mayo meeting
GAA president Jarlath Burns criticised what he described as "bullying, intimidation and threats" directed at officers of the Mayo county board. At a special meeting of the Mayo GAA board in Westport, delegates were shown examples of emails sent to board officers, which were described by Burns as "toxic" and "way beyond what is normal".
8. Special congress called to vote on Camogie skorts issue
Within six days of the controversy blowing up in Dublin, the Camogie Association took steps to rewrite their own rulebook. Calling a special congress did not prevent the postponement of the Munster final (see above).
9. Maro Itoje named captain as injured Caelan Doris to miss Lions tour
Caelan Doris missed out on selection for the British and Irish Lions following shoulder surgery, with head coach Andy Farrell naming a 38-man squad for the tour of Australia this summer. The touring party was to be captained by England lock Maro Itoje.
10. Dublin's Leinster reign over as Meath end 15-year wait for victory over neighbours
It only took a decade-and-a-half but Dublin's dominance of Leinster football was ended in Portlaoise. Just a pity for Meath they lost the final to Louth!
Skorts were a hot topic in May
June
1. Damien Duff makes shock exit from Shelbourne
After a poor start to their title defence, Shelbourne manager Damien Duff departed the club unexpectedly, despite Shels being due to play a Champions League qualifier with Linfield within weeks.
As part of a Prime Time documentary into the fall of Dublin club Parnells, it was revealed that the former Dublin goalkeeper chose to drop down a grade to protest his "frustration at the direction in which the club is being lead".
3. Dublin earn famous win over Limerick to book All-Ireland SHC semi-final spot
Fourteen-man Dublin pulled off a win for the ages at Croke Park, dumping All-Ireland SHC favourites Limerick out of the Championship with a performance just about nobody predicted. Watch the highlights below.
4. Cork seize Munster hurling crown from Limerick after historic penalty-shootout triumph
Another Limerick hurling defeat to feature prominently. This time the dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Cork in the Munster final. The Rebels won 3-2 on penalties after the match finished Limerick 2-27 Cork 1-30 after extra-time.
5. Jim McGuinness explains fiery touchline row with Ray Galligan
After both he and his Cavan counterpart were shown yellow cards, the Donegal football manager said he was frustrated with some perceived delaying tactics during his team's round robin win.
6. All-Ireland quarter-final draw on Monday with Armagh to face Kerry
Such was the football fervour that gripped the country that previews of draws were big hits - albeit this one did confirm a tasty last-eight match-up between Armagh and Kerry.
7. Tyrone canter into All-Ireland SFC semi-finals as wasteful Dublin bow out
Dublin exited the championship at the quarter-final stage for the second year running after Tyrone cantered away to victory. The result marked the end of Dessie Farrell's six-year reign as Dublin manager, the Na Fianna man confirming the news in an at times emotional press conference afterwards.
8. All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals: All You Need to Know
Our preview of the matches between Monaghan and Donegal, Tyrone and Dublin, Meath and Galway, and Armagh and Kerry.
9. Dessie Farrell steps down as Dublin manager
Dessie Farrell, an All-Ireland winner in 1995, succeeded Jim Gavin in the Dublin hotseat in January 2020. And in the Covid-affected season that followed, he guided the county to a sixth successive Sam Maguire win.
10. Tomos Williams' Lions tour is over, Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson-Park make first start
The British & Irish Lions confirmed Welsh scrum-half Tomos Williams suffered a tour-ending hamstring injury, while Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson-Park were in line to get their first starts in the match against the Queensland Reds.
July
1. Ciara Mageean reveals cancer diagnosis
European 1500m champion and Irish record holder Ciara Mageean revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer. On social media the 33-year-old confirmed she had started treatment, adding she's "ready to face this with the same fight I've always brought to the track".
2. Katie Taylor triumphant in trilogy fight against Amanda Serrano by majority decision
Katie Taylor emerged victorious from her trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden to seal a clean sweep of wins in their rivalry. The three judges scored it 95-95 97-93 97-93 in her favour as she retained her undisputed WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO women's super lightweight titles.
3. Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in car crash
More dark news in July. Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota died at the age of 28 with his brother Andre Silva, also a professional footballer. The car in which they were travelling crashed in Zamora, Spain.
4. GAA to investigate after scoreline confusion in All-Ireland hurling semi-final
This was almost the second GAA saga of the summer, if the score was closer. The GAA was awaiting the report of referee James Owens after it emerged Tipperary were 4-20 to 0-30 two-point winners over Kilkenny in today's All-Ireland hurling semi-final, one point less than the scoreboard in the stadium suggested. A Noel McGrath effort at the end of normal time was waved wide by the umpire, but given as a point on the scoreboard, apparently putting Tipp four up, 4-21 to 0-29, at the time.
5. All-Ireland hurling final: All you need to know
One of our preview pieces ahead of hurling final and, no, Conor Neville did not predict how second half would go.
6. Ben Healy takes yellow jersey at Tour de France after heroic third place in stage 10
Ben Healy became the fourth Irish cyclist to wear the famous Yellow Jersey as he led the Tour de France after 10 stages of this year's race. A monster Bastille Day stage through the Massif Central delivered the fireworks as Healy put in a huge shift in the break to maintain a sizeable gap over the chasing peloton, fighting his way to third on the stage and then counting the seconds until Tadej Pogacar crossed the line.
7. Tipperary crush Cork with second-half final masterclass to claim All-Ireland crown
"Coronation hijacked," as Eoin Ryan put it in his All-Ireland hurling final report. Tipperary famously holding Cork to two points in a shocking second-half collapse from the Leesiders.
8. Swaggering Kerry sweep past Donegal to win 39th title
Written off in mid-summer, Kerry won their 39th All-Ireland title with a bravura display of attacking football to overcome a Donegal side whose characteristic efficiency deserted them. David Clifford scored 0-09 despite having the ball for 43 seconds in total.
9. Ireland's Ben Healy storms to Tour de France stage victory
More from Healy's magical Tour de France. Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) produced an aggressive, highly impressive ride, peeling away on a solo attack to take his first victory in the famous race on the 201.5 km stage six from Bayeux to Vire Normandie.
10. Tadhg Beirne starts among eight Irish for Lions Test opener
Team news ahead of the British & Irish Lions' opening Test win over Australia, with the XV set to feature a record eight Irish players, as head coach Andy Farrell put faith in his Ireland and Leinster core.
Katie Taylor once more got the better of Amanda Serrano
August
1. Thurles racecourse closes with immediate effect
Thurles racecourse, Ireland's only privately owned racecourse, closed suddenly with immediate effect. The Molony family having owned the Tipperary track for over a century. By the end of August it was announced it would stay open.
2. Former Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan dies aged 57
Galway United assistant manager Ollie Horgan died at the age of 57. Horgan had worked within the League of Ireland since 2013, best known for his nine-year spell with Finn Harps as he twice took the club to the Premier Division and maintained their top-flight status against the odds.
3. Pat Ryan steps down as Cork hurling manager
Pat Ryan stepped down as Cork hurling manager after opting against seeking a new term in charge. The 49-year-old brought the curtain down on three years in which he led the Rebels to two All-Ireland finals, both ending in defeat.
4. 'I'm unable to finish out this season' - Rhasidat Adeleke to miss world championships
Rhasidat Adeleke confirmed she would not compete in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after announcing that her 2025 season is over after recent unspecified injury setbacks. It was only this month when she confirmed a hamstring injury was the cause.
5. Media mishap sparks Daniil Medvedev meltdown and early US Open exit
The US Open descended into chaos when a photographer came on to the court as Daniil Medvedev faced match point, bringing the first-round match to a standstill and sparking a spectacular meltdown from the volatile Russian. Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi won the match, but not before his opponent screamed at the umpire repeatedly.
Angry, angry man: Daniil Medvedev takes his frustrations out on his racket
6. Wallabies avoid Lions whitewash in tense Sydney washout
If there were any fears for the future of tours in Australia, they were washed away in Sydney as the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions played out an enthralling final Test, one which the hosts deservedly took 22-12.
7. Paul O'Donovan out of World Rowing Championships as Ireland confirm team
Work commitments at the Mater Hospital in Dublin meant triple Olympic medallist Paul O'Donovan could not compete at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai.
8. Ger Brennan appointed as new Dublin football manager on three-year term
Former Louth manager Ger Brennan succeeded Dessie Farrell as Dublin manager, the All-Ireland winning defender taking over on a three-year term.
9. Shamrock Rovers stun Santa Clara in Conference League first leg
Shamrock Rovers found themselves firmly in the driving seat in their Conference League play-off joust with Santa Clara, following a famous 2-1 defeat of the Portuguese side at the Estadio de Sao Miguel at Ponta Delgada, in the Azores.
10. Pat Ryan hits out at 'disrespectful' dressing room bust-up rumours
You can't lose a final as spectacularly as the Cork hurlers did without the WhatsApp rumours going into overdrive. Pat Ryan flatly denied all rumours of a dressing-room bust-up during the All-Ireland Hurling Championship final, describing the speculation as "disrespectful".
September
1. Ricky Hatton found dead at home aged 46
Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton died at the age of 46. Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde. Greater Manchester Police did not treat the death as suspicious.
2. 'Grateful he's in my life' - Cup hero Shane Lowry is Rory McIlroy's hero
After Shane Lowry sunk the putt that clinched the Ryder Cup for Europe, he was lauded by his good friend Rory McIlroy, who was also on the victorious side that beat their hosts around Bethpage Black.
3. Ryder Cup announcer steps down over Rory McIlroy expletive-filled chant
It wasn't all sunshine, lollipops and rainbows in New York. The Europeans had to ensure some pretty hostile conditions. A crowd announcer called Heather McMahan stood down after urging fans at the first tee to shout "f***you Rory" together after players were introduced to the crowd.
4. Shane Lowry holes crucial putt as Europe win Ryder Cup and fend off stunning US comeback
Our report as Shane Lowry holed the decisive putt to retain the Ryder Cup for Europe before the team went on to win the tournament outright by a 15-13 margin after holding off a dramatic fightback from the United States at Bethpage Black.
5. Gold for Ireland as Aoife O'Rourke crowned world champion in Liverpool
Boxer Aoife O'Rourke defeated Busra Isildar of Turkey to win gold in the 75kg division at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool.
6. Rory McIlroy hails K Club fans and toasts 'a pretty cool year'
Rory McIlroy savoured "a pretty cool year" after adding a second Irish Open title to his Masters win, thanks to a thrilling play-off victory over Joakim Lagergren. McIlroy had to eagle the 72nd hole just to take it to a play-off after Lagergren's own stunning eagle at the 16th. After the first two extra holes were tied, Lagergren found the water hazard third time around to allow McIlroy to win.
7. 'Disappointed' Michael Darragh Macauley part of NFL Croke Park protest
Eight-time All-Ireland winner Michael Darragh Macauley announced his intention to protest outside the Pittsburgh Steelers v Minnesota Vikings game, saying he was "disappointed" NFL action would take place in Croke Park.
8. Kate O'Connor wins World Championship silver in heptathlon following fifth personal best
Backing up her indoor effort at start of the year, Kate O'Connor won the silver medal in the heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships following an incredible fifth personal best from seven events, as she clocked two minutes 9.56 seconds in the decisive 800m.
9. Double gold for Irish rowers at World Championships
There was double gold joy for Ireland at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai as Fiona Murtagh in the women's singles and Fintan McCarthy and Mags Cremen in the mixed double sculls both assumed top place on their respective podiums.
10. World Cup hopes shattered as Ireland shocked by Armenia
Listen, we could alter this headline in light of later events, but that wouldn't be honest. At the time, this did a seem a catastophic result. Ireland's World Cup dream turned into a nightmare as Heimir Hallgrimsson's side were shocked in Yerevan, losing 2-1 to bottom seed Armenia at the Republican Stadium.
Seventh heaven: Heptathlon hero Kate O'Connor won silver in Tokyo
October
1. Tipperary senior football manager Philly Ryan dies aged 56
Tipperary GAA said it was "deeply saddened" to announce football manager Philly Ryan's "very untimely death" at the age of 56, decribing him as "a stalwart of Tipperary football, both as a player and in his later role as manager and coach".
2. How 'Tony Goal' rejuvenated his career in France
Ahead of an RTÉ documentary on Tony Cascarino's time in France, Conor Neville explored this incredibly successful but tumultuous time in the Republic of Ireland striker's career.
3. Sport Ireland 'deeply disappointed' as Shane Ryan joins Enhanced Games
Sport Ireland said it was "deeply disappointed" with the decision of Irish swimmer Shane Ryan to join the Enhanced Games, a controversial competition that permits athletes to take banned performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision.
4. Referee showed Portugal too much respect - Heimir Hallgrimsson
Following a narrow, last-gasp defeat in Lisbon, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson criticised the referee for favouring the illustrious hosts. It was a conversation that would continue ahead of Dublin rematch, with potentially era-changing results.
5. Statement Munster performance downs Leinster at Croke Park
Munster's Clayton McMillan era roared into life at Croke Park, as his side produced a statement win, and a performance to match, to maintain their 100% start to the season - thumping an off-colour Leinster 31-14 at GAA headquarters.
6. Club scene hit by 48 hours of seismic shocks
The club GAA season exploded into life with shocks across Armagh, Tyrone, Galway and Kerry.
7. Caelan Doris returns on bench as Dan Sheehan captains Ireland against New Zealand
Big news ahead of All Blacks clash in Chicago as Caelan Doris set to return from injury, with the Leinster number 8 named on the bench by head coach Andy Farrell.
8. Five-time All-Ireland winning captain Declan Hannon retires from inter-county hurling
Limerick's five-time All-Ireland-winning captain Declan Hannon retired from inter-county hurling. After 15 seasons with the Treaty County, the 32-year-old three-time All-Star called time on a stellar career.
9. Thousands line streets of Manchester as Ricky Hatton laid to rest
The death of the boxer continued to reverberate, almost a month on, with the occasion of his funeral.
10. 'Huge mistake' - Nick O'Hare on Shane Ryan's decision to join controversial Enhanced Games
More reaction to Shane Ryan's decision, with former Olympian Nick O'Hare saying the Irish swimmer would be making a "huge mistake" if he goes through with his intention to join the Enhanced Games.
November
1. Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off draw explained
Says something about the COYBIG fever that gripped the nation in November, that this World Cup play-off draw explainer was our biggest non live blog story of the year.
2. Irish Under-19 women's team sing Amhrán na bhFiann after God Save the King blunder in Bulgaria
It wasn't all plain sailing for Irish international teams last month. Clearly, the organisers in Bulgaria didn't have a copy of the Rose of Tralee to hand (check out Ireland's first Rugby World Cup appearance if reference makes no sense).
3. Remarkable Troy Parrott hat-trick secures World Cup play-off perch on magical night in Budapest
Report on a truly bonkers game of football, which kept alive Ireland's World Cup dreams and gave the country something to cheer in dreary November.
That draw everybody wanted explained? It went quite well. Just how well we won't know until March.
5. Ireland placed in Pot 3 for World Cup qualifier draw
Look, everyone was really into this draw, OK?
6. How the world reacted to Ireland's unlikely victory
They enjoyed Ireland's win over Hungary. Not as much as us, but they did enjoy it.
7. World Cup dream alive as brave Ireland shock Portugal
Before Budapest there was Portugal in Dublin, Ronaldo's red card and that man Parrott scoring a brace as Heimir Hallgrmisson's men recorded a 2-0 win.
8. Ireland count cost of cards as Springboks power to win
South Africa's 13-year wait for a win in Dublin ended as the world champions proving their credentials with a 24-13 win against Ireland after a remarkable game at Aviva Stadium.
9. 'I probably went over that edge' - Jack Crowley frustrated by 'costly' error in chaotic defeat
Jack Crowley spoke to Neil Treacy after that defeat, which saw Ireland issued with five cards - including a 20-minute red for James Ryan.
10. 'It's lovely' - Cristino Ronaldo charms Irish fans on Dublin return
Fair to say, relations between CR7 and the locals went downhill somewhat about 24 after he uttered these words.
People could not get enough Troy Parrott content on their phones in November
December*
(*up to 17 December)
1. Ireland drawn with Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal in 2027 Rugby World Cup Pool D
The rugby draw did get a look in after all the soccer excitement. Ireland once more drawn against Scotland, along with Uruguay and Portugal, in Pool D at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
2. Ellen Walshe wins sensational gold at European Championships
Ellen Walshe won a sensational 200m butterfly gold at the European Short Course Championships in Lublin, Poland.
3. Presenter Laura Woods 'OK' after collapsing live on air
Television presenter Laura Woods confirmed she was "OK" after collapsing live on air during ITV's build-up to England's friendly against Ghana on Tuesday evening.
4. Ireland to face Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they qualify for 2026 World Cup
More draw excitement as a draw occurred for the 2026 World Cup, after a lot of Gianni Infantino 'bits' in Washington. The Republic of Ireland learned they will face co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they qualify via the play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
5. Mohamed Salah says he's been "thrown under the bus" by Arne Slot in astonishing outburst
Liverpool and Egypt superstar Mo Salah cast doubt on his Anfield future with a sensational (and rare) interview after being left on the bench against Leeds - his third straight game being named as a sub. He subsequently returned to the team but his future at the club remains uncertain.
6. 'Dream scenario' - Charlie Smyth revels in game-winning heroics for New Orleans Saints
Charlie Smyth capped off his first home NFL regular season game in style, kicking a 47-yard field goal with six seconds left on the clock, which gave the New Orleans Saints the win over their NFC South rival Carolina Panthers.
Former Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth (39) is forging an NFL career for himself
7. Alan Mahon leaves Republic of Ireland role for 'personal reasons'
Republic of Ireland women's assistant head coach Alan Mahon stepped away from the post with immediate effect. Having forged a strong reputation in the women's game as an assistant boss at Manchester City, Mahon came on board with head coach Carla Ward last January after she was named Eileen Gleeson's successor.
8. 2027 Rugby World Cup pool draw: All you need to know
Ireland will get drawn against Scotland, again. That was one thing we needed to know. Preview of the RWC draw.
9. RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year nominees revealed
Ahead of the RTÉ Sport Awards, the 12 nominees for the RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year award were named, with Aoife O'Rourke, Ben Healy, David Clifford, Fiona Murtagh, Katie McCabe, Kate O'Connor, Lara Gillespie, Orla Comerford, Rory McIlroy, Roisín Ní Riain, Sarah Healy and Troy Parrott all in the running to lift the prestigious accolade.
10. Ronan O'Gara sent to the stands after repeatedly arguing with referee
Ronan O'Gara was sent to the stands as his La Rochelle side lost out to Pau in a high-scoring Top 14 match at the Stade du Hameau. O'Gara twice remonstrated with officials before being ordered off the sideline by referee Jeremy Rozier.
