IRISH SPORT HAS been on quite the run over the last couple of years, but 2020 could conceivably top the lot.
There will be an Olympics — we know that much. We don’t yet know who will represent Ireland in Tokyo across the myriad of sports, but the form of Irish rowers, a promising 2019 for the boxers, and the emergence of genuine international-class talent in various other pursuits would suggest — tentatively, for now — that it could transpire to be a special summer for sport on this island.
Add to those summer festivities the fact that there may yet be Irish involvement at the Euros, including a couple of home games for Mick McCarthy’s men should they navigate a difficult-looking, two-game playoff run — and the year looks to be the most tantalising since, well, 2016, anyway. Even if they don’t get there, autumn will see Stephen Kenny rise to the helm — a new dawn for the national setup and, in the eyes of many Irish football fans, hope on the horizon regardless of the sport currently entrenched in off-field disgrace.
At home, can anyone challenge Dundalk? Shamrock Rovers will hope their FAI Cup victory this year can springboard them towards league success, while Bohs will seek to build upon their impressive 2019 resurgence.
There is also the beginning of a new era in Irish rugby, where Andy Farrell will seek to point his ship back on course having taken the wheel from Joe Schmidt ahead of the Six Nations, which rolls around again in February. The Irish provinces, too, will look to have their say both in the Pro14 and in Europe.
And after some of the greatest horseplay of all time last April, can Tiger Roll do the unthinkable and become the first-ever horse to achieve a Grand National three-peat on his return to Aintree in just over four months’ time?
What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
Let us know in the comments section below.
Zeebs; the flick up against Wales was no fluke.
Yes. And over running his position was no mistake either. Hang on a second.
I believe he is good at making a mess on Conor Murray.
Larry. Being a perverse creep suits you.
Wasn’t too skillful at making the Lions Test team last summer. Had more joy with his scrum half mate a few weeks later back in Dublin.
He who trolleth too obviously gets ignordedeth.
Any naught players make the lions lately?? EVER!
The little green man at work in Leinster mr keano.
For the Love of God Robson you’re just boring at this stage.
Sources tell me that he’s crap at pitch and toss ;-)
Me hole!
I heard he’s crap at not thinking alot of himself.
Jeeeze Eugene you really dislike the guy don’t you?
Paddy he is just a Leinster boy
Get picked in November Zeebs!
Zeebs!!!!!
All that skill but can’t defend and poor work rate.. Pity
Bit like Robnoxious Kearney so!
Flash is it quite possible you are obsessed with Kearney?
Get a grip lad! He is Ireland’s best 15 by a mile!
Personality wise I can think of other players for notable mention!
Should have been at Toulon game in H.Cup semi unreal try saving tackle from Zebo! The lad can tackle!
He can’t tackle – simples – j Payne will give him a good run for no 15 !
Joe Schmidt doesn’t rate Zebo and that’s good enough for me.
At my club last week joe Schmidt made it very clear that Zeebs is a player who is in strong contention for November…wouldn see joe as a guy to include some lad he doesn rate!
He is more than boring I’d say he wouldn’t know a rugby ball from a Hurley , probally drinks in an all Leinster pub.
Still can’t tackle
Ending up playing football for ireland must be about 50 times harder to do than end up playing rugby for ireland .. And for countries where rugby is barely played it must be 1000s of times easier .. And yet, the media rarely gives stick about any irish rugby player but gives out about the irish footballers all the time .. What gives? The Irish rugby players can’t *all* be great all the time? Also, a lot of lads who end up playing for ireland knew each other in secondary school .. This isn’t the case for the soccer team and gives an indication of what a small circle of the population are ever likely to contribute players to the rugby team …
So yeah .. Better comment on the video now … It was a good video
How can playing roundy ball be harder than rugby? Is there one Irish player playing at champions league level?
Where are Ireland ranked at falling over sorry I ment soccer?
Go back to your mammy and try not hurt yourself
Only one. Plays for Nicosia.