THE FINALE OF Ireland’s Greatest Sporting Moment airs on RTÉ tonight with four of the most iconic and celebrated days in our nation’s sporting history in the running for the title.
Over the last four weeks, the public have voted for their favourite moments from the half-century between 1962 and 2012, picking one winner each week to progress to tonight’s grand final.
Munster’s historic win over the All Blacks in 1978 was chosen as the highlight of the 60s and 70s.
Ray Houghton putting the ball in the English net at Euro 88 in Stuttgart was voted best of the 80s.
Ireland’s unforgettable adventure at Italia 90, represented by the penalty shootout against Romania when the nation held its breath, was the pick of the 90s.
And finally, Pádraig Harrington’s first Open Championship in 2007 was selected as the outstanding moment from 2000-2012, holding off some stiff competition.
Harrington, Houghton, Ronnie Whelan, David O’Leary, Packie Bonner, Tony Ward and Jimmy Bowen will all appear on tonight’s programme, which airs on RTÉ 2 at 10pm.
What is Ireland’s Greatest Sporting Moment?
Poll Results:
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Hooper is somewhat of an anomaly in that he’s a world class 7 that’s basically never been injured for any notable length of time. Not even 29 and nearly a test centurion. Remarkable when you consider how brutal the game is physically these days.
Hopefully, someone will pick up the broadcast rights over here. The quality in the Top League has been “mixed” in recent years with some big name players on the downswing of their careers chasing a last big payday but there seems to be a real uptick in the quality of players & coaches heading there for next season, so it could make for interesting viewing.
@Del McG: yuuuuuuuppppaaaaa
Why, what is the point of playing in Japan. Its understandable in your mid 30s at the end of your career but in his prime why wouldn’t he move to England or France. Probably get the same money and will play a very competitive level of rugby, rather than just collect a pay check and play in a mickey mouse league
@s mc: you answered your own question there chief
@s mc: Big bucks, not as far from home, can basically stay match fit for a return to Super Rugby and the Wallabies when this passes. Will likely get a big contract in France for a couple of years when he calls it quits on his Wallaby career if he still wants to play at a high level.
@s mc: Even though he has had a break, in Japan he can earn the same money as he would in England and France, and its a lot easier on his body. Who wouldn’t take the easier money?
@Kingshu: I would rather look back on career and have won another meaningful tournament than protecting myself.
@s mc: It may beca longer career to look back on, by taking the Japan option
@s mc: Lad, it’s not that hard. He’s not retiring. He’ll be closer to 29 than 30 when this finishes. Consider it a gap year type arrangement. Still opportunities to win trophies but he’s filling the rugby career dead space with a bit of pick up ball that he gets paid really well for. He’ll do the 6 months, pocket a pay check and slot back in as a world class operator with 4-5 years at the top left in him when it’s done. It’s the smart decision for a guy who’s been playing elite back row rugby for 11 years already.
@s mc: yes