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It's official: David O'Leary's penalty at Italia '90 has been voted Ireland's Greatest Sporting Moment

A winner was chosen by the public during tonight’s episode.

Soccer - World Cup Soccer 1990 The players and coaching staff mob O'Leary after his spot kick. EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

THE NATION HAS spoken.

After weeks of debate, the final episode of Ireland’s Greatest Sporting Moments aired on RTÉ 2 tonight.

A shortlist of just four remained — Munster’s victory over the All Blacks in 1978, Ray Houghton’s goal against England at Euro ’88, Ireland’s penalty shootout win over Romania at Italia ’90 and Padraig Harrington claiming the British Open in 2008.

Did this moment transcend sport? Has it stood the test of time?” asked presenters Evanne Ni Chuilinn and Des Cahill, as viewers were voted in throughout the hour.

Many of those involved were present in the studio to relive their achievements and speak about the lasting effects they have had on their lives…

The panel of Ted Walsh, Donal Lenihan, Sonia O’Sullivan and Eamon Dunphy deliberated over the merits of each and, in the end, there was very little in it.

With a 35.6% of the votes and just a 1% advantage over runner-up Harrington, the Irish public chose Packie Bonner’s save from Daniel Timofte and David O’Leary’s winning penalty kick in Genoa.

Any excuse to watch it one more time…

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    Mute Aidan Ryan
    Favourite Aidan Ryan
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    Nov 20th 2022, 6:37 PM

    What a great match played in intercounty ferocity…very professional display fron the gunners…andthey had to go very deep

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    Mute Ultan Corcoran
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    Nov 20th 2022, 7:41 PM

    @Aidan Ryan: Unbelievable ferocity and quality is right. Some scoring for 60mins of action. Way better than that opening World Cup game too!

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    Mute David Jackman
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    Nov 20th 2022, 7:36 PM

    Ballygunner just a better team♦️♠️

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    Mute Stephen O'Byrnes
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    Nov 20th 2022, 7:07 PM

    Crazy tactics by NAP in second half. Stopped playing through full-back line & goalie rained stupid high balls down on the half-forward line. They were tailor-made for Ballygunner backs to defend, and they cleaned up & our scoring threat dried up.

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    Mute Chris Tobin
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    Nov 20th 2022, 8:42 PM

    Very good quality game, ballygunner deserved it in the end. Nap faded out of it, looks like poor Mike Caseys knee is gone again

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