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.
Fair play to ya Chris,don’t be afraid to fail , hope Wales go all the way.
They need to scrap that poxy yellow card rule , to many players are missing huge games for silly yellow cards . That ref was trigger happy with his cards , poor Ramsey gonna miss this biggest game of gis life for an accidental handball ,bullshit
Considering the length of this tournament, should have been an amnesty by the semi’s….. Stupid rules….
Crazy that there’s no amnesty.
Yellow Cards in consecutive games should result in a one match ban….. Other than that they shouldn’t count. Very harsh. He was brilliant today…..
Agree Ryan,he should at least be able to appeal it.
Totally agree. No way should you miss a semi or final..carry it forward and maybe make it a 2 game ban for next qualifying tournament? ??-
Belgium : A country that bottles great beer and big tournaments. Fair play to Wales.
England to sign up Colman in £10 million deal.
Emotional Cookie-monster motivates an entire country. Sports people of all grades appreciate the hard work that goes into creating the winning team effort. That was a proud moment for our Celtic comrades!!
Bale vs Ronaldo Semi-final… can’t wait
Team player v me feiner
I really hope they go all the way
Portugal have really rode their luck in their last 2 games and have not been at all impressive…. Wales have every chance….. could they repeat Denmark and Greece as being underdog champions? Either way I fancy them against Portugal.
Amazing amazing achievement by Wales which kind of puts were we are as a football team into perspective. Look at how they beat Belgium- playing football & not in anyway hanging on. We on the other hand seem to have this slight sense of euphoria about the euros yet we literally can’t play football. Still long ball rubbish. The sense is that we are on the right track – we’re not. And the media is still on about how great our fans are. Some joke.
Fair play to Wales. We have vastly improved since the last tournament. no disrespect to Brady but she’s a not Bail.
damn autocorrect. Brady is not Bail
Well england were you watching…??.I rest my case!!
What case is that?