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…
One young man had a good reason to buy David O'Leary a pint #IrelandGreatest #rtesport pic.twitter.com/ttvaJCO1rl
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 7, 2017
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.
Ole, Ole, Ole - Italia '90 wins the popular vote for #IrelandsGreatest #rtesport #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/8k3ZRGDdbp
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 7, 2017
Any excuse to watch it one more time…
Ireland reached the quarter-final of the World Cup. Stars of that team join us for the decider of #IrelandsGreatest on @rte2 from 10pm pic.twitter.com/EaZMugUnr3
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 7, 2017
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What a great match played in intercounty ferocity…very professional display fron the gunners…andthey had to go very deep
@Aidan Ryan: Unbelievable ferocity and quality is right. Some scoring for 60mins of action. Way better than that opening World Cup game too!
Ballygunner just a better team♦️♠️
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.
Very good quality game, ballygunner deserved it in the end. Nap faded out of it, looks like poor Mike Caseys knee is gone again