Why she’s on the list: Was Ireland’s top points scorer at the Rugby World Cup and earned a nomination for IRB Women’s World Player of the Year in the process.
Why she’s on the list: Made it on to the final list of three players up for the Puskas Award, alongside footballing superstars Robin van Persie and James Rodriguez.
Why he’s on the list: Became the IBF Super Bantamweight Champion of the World on a memorable night in Belfast.
8. Andy Lee
Raymond Spencer / INPHO
Raymond Spencer / INPHO / INPHO
Why he’s on the list: Was crowned champion of the world, becoming the first Irishman to win the title in the US since 1934 after defeating Matt Korobov in Las Vegas.
Why he’s on the list: Scored Ireland’s all-important equaliser against Germany in the sides’ World Cup qualifier, while he also captained a Sunderland side that memorably avoided relegation with a series of impressive late-season victories.
12. James O’Donoghue
Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
Why he’s on the list: Played an integral role in Kerry’s All-Ireland-winning triumph, securing Footballer of the Year in the process.
13. Jonathan Sexton
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Why he’s on the list: Was nominated for IRB Men’s world player of the year and was pivotal part of an exceptional year for Irish rugby.
14. Jason Smyth
Tommy Grealy / INPHO
Tommy Grealy / INPHO / INPHO
Why he’s on the list: Claimed a fantastic double gold at the IPC European Championships.
Why she’s on the list: Won her fifth world title and sixth European title to consolidate her status as an Irish sporting icon.
17. Fiona Coghlan
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Why she’s on the list: Retired on a high, as the Ireland Women enjoyed a memorable World Cup campaign, exceeding expectations with a fourth-place finish.
Why he’s on the list:Spoke out bravely about the physical and mental battles he’s faced after a freak accident left him without power in his legs.
22. Bill O’Herlihy
Steve Langan / INPHO
Steve Langan / INPHO / INPHO
Why he’s on the list: The legendary broadcaster retired earlier this year following several years at the heart of RTÉ’s sporting coverage.
23. Katie McCabe
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Why she’s on the list: Featured in the Ireland under-19 women’s memorable run to the semi-finals of the European Championships and also lit up the FAI Cup final with a fabulous free kick.
24. Richie Towell
Why he’s on the list: Played a highly influential role in Dundalk’s title win and gained a PFAI Player of the Year nomination in the process.
25. Stephanie Meadow
Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO
Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO / William Cherry/INPHO
25 sports personalities who made us glad to be Irish in 2014
1. Niamh Briggs
Why she’s on the list: Was Ireland’s top points scorer at the Rugby World Cup and earned a nomination for IRB Women’s World Player of the Year in the process.
2. Stephanie Roche
Why she’s on the list: Made it on to the final list of three players up for the Puskas Award, alongside footballing superstars Robin van Persie and James Rodriguez.
3. Seamus Coleman
Why he’s on the list: Was named as Everton’s Player of the Season in addition to being named on the Premier League’s PFA Team of the Season.
4. Conor McGregor
Why he’s on the list: Made a successful return to MMA following a long absence through injury, triumphing at UFC Dublin in the process.
5. Briege Corkery
Why she’s on the list: Helped Cork to triumph in both ladies football and camogie.
6. Mark English
Why he’s on the list: Became the first-ever Irishman to win a bronze medal at the European Athletics Championship.
7. Carl Frampton
Why he’s on the list: Became the IBF Super Bantamweight Champion of the World on a memorable night in Belfast.
8. Andy Lee
Why he’s on the list: Was crowned champion of the world, becoming the first Irishman to win the title in the US since 1934 after defeating Matt Korobov in Las Vegas.
9. Rory McIlroy
Why he’s on the list: Won the British Open and USPGA titles, in addition to being part of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team.
10. Michael McKillop
Why he’s on the list: Had another hugely successful year in which he became the Double European Paralympic Gold Medallist.
11. John O’Shea
Why he’s on the list: Scored Ireland’s all-important equaliser against Germany in the sides’ World Cup qualifier, while he also captained a Sunderland side that memorably avoided relegation with a series of impressive late-season victories.
12. James O’Donoghue
Why he’s on the list: Played an integral role in Kerry’s All-Ireland-winning triumph, securing Footballer of the Year in the process.
13. Jonathan Sexton
Why he’s on the list: Was nominated for IRB Men’s world player of the year and was pivotal part of an exceptional year for Irish rugby.
14. Jason Smyth
Why he’s on the list: Claimed a fantastic double gold at the IPC European Championships.
15. Richie Hogan
Why he’s on the list: Inspired Kilkenny to yet another All-Ireland triumph and won Hurler of the Year as a result.
16. Katie Taylor
Why she’s on the list: Won her fifth world title and sixth European title to consolidate her status as an Irish sporting icon.
17. Fiona Coghlan
Why she’s on the list: Retired on a high, as the Ireland Women enjoyed a memorable World Cup campaign, exceeding expectations with a fourth-place finish.
18. Annalise Murphy
Why she’s on the list: Managed to book her spot at the 2016 Olympics in Rio despite having to perform in extremely difficult conditions.
19. Christy Fagan
Why he’s on the list: Was named PFAI Player of the Year as St Pat’s ended a long wait for FAI Cup glory.
20. Graeme McDowell
Why he’s on the list: Was part of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team and retained the French Open title.
21. Jamie Wall
Why he’s on the list: Spoke out bravely about the physical and mental battles he’s faced after a freak accident left him without power in his legs.
22. Bill O’Herlihy
Why he’s on the list: The legendary broadcaster retired earlier this year following several years at the heart of RTÉ’s sporting coverage.
23. Katie McCabe
Why she’s on the list: Featured in the Ireland under-19 women’s memorable run to the semi-finals of the European Championships and also lit up the FAI Cup final with a fabulous free kick.
24. Richie Towell
Why he’s on the list: Played a highly influential role in Dundalk’s title win and gained a PFAI Player of the Year nomination in the process.
25. Stephanie Meadow
Why she’s on the list: The Antrim native finished in an incredible third place at the US Open, having only just turned professional.
Which sports personalities made you glad to be Irish in 2014?
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Briege Corkery Carl Frampton Conor McGregor Katie McCabe mark english niamh briggs Seamus coleman sports personalities Stephanie Roche winners