TOP 10 IRISH MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN SPORT

I won't list 10 of them right now, but one of my favourites was Sean Kelly's performance in the 1992 Milan-San Remo.
The man himself said that he basically risked his life to catch Moreno Argentin on the descent. He barely touched the brakes(I'm paraphrasing).

Witness the Great Man here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL3jQmkj3uI

A golfer prob deserves a mention imo

Rugby v Wales for the Grand Slam

Ronnie Delaney high stepping it to 1956 1500 metrs title  , in a class field .

Our 4 recent major winners in golf ( Fred Daly's from the forties is not well recorded visually ).

Tour De france exploits ( on basis that they are all at it so winners stand ) .

Kerry's ( nearly ) 5 in a row performances .

Kilkenny's recent prowess in lots of superb buckles .

Unlimited number of superb performances by beast and man in the horse racing scene , probably started by M V O'B in the fifties .

10 not enough , too much variety and brilliant occasions over the years for a small nation on the fringe of Europe .

Michelle Smith winning 7 Golds at the 1996 Olympics has to be up there

Rugby: Ireland v England Six Nations 2007. Ireland win 43-13. The build up, emotion and passion- Never seen anything like it. One of the most memorable moments in Irish Sport/ History.

Shamrock Rovers setting a European record for the longest time without scoring in all European competitions

I'm not a rugby fan at all but for the general population the grand slam would have to be up there

Alex Higgins break of 69 in the world semi of 1982 v Jimmy White.

Nicky English scoring 2-12 against Antrim in the 1989 Hurling final.

gotta have robbie keanes goal against germany in the world cup. kahn was a colossus and when keane scored ireland went crazy

Great job stamford.

Not a cricket man and wouldn't have a clue about it but didnt we beat England in the Rugby and the Cricket on the same weekend?

-How could we forget Sea The Stars.. 'Perfection in equine form, the horse of a lifetime'- the very words of Jim McGrath. Hard to single out one of his races but for me it has to be his Arc win- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f824CU-F3rc . The turn of foot he showed was phenomenal. Amazing horse.

-Yeats' feat of 4 Ascot Gold Cups. First ever horse to win four consecutive Gold Cups, this must make him the best stayer of all time.

-Meath v Dublin 3 game saga 1991- It took 3 epic battles to seperate the sides, one of the biggest occasions in Gaelic football. Just when Soccer was at the top after Italia 90 the year before, this proved to be a massive winner for Gaelic Games.

Ray Houghton's goal in New York against Italy in the World Cup.
Eammon Coughlan's look at the Russian in the European/ World championships, not sure which one it was.
Steve Collins beating Chrith Eubankth

Arkle winning everything
L`Escargot winning the Grand National
Golden Cygnet winning the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Would have to throw in the Special Olympics we hosted a few years back. Forget what year it was but it was a wonderful occasion. Remember watching the opening and closing ceremonies in Croke Park. Fantastic showcase for our nation and communities across the country.

Forgot about Sonia o' Sullivan, many great moments .World Championships, European , Olympics a great athlete.

barry mcguigan winning the world title at loftus road,lifted irish boxing to a new level

1. Easter Cup Final Apr 04 - Premier Fantasy smashes Priceless Rebel's track record clocking 28.08 which still stands to this day, the minute the traps opened you just knew he was going to break it. Still the best i've ever seen (although there is one at the moment who could be his match or better in time).

2. English Derby Final May 08 - Loyal Honcho finally lands Seamus Graham the English Derby after so much heartache, having had Premier Fantasy break down in the semi final previously when all but certain to win the event he then had Mineola Farloe and Blue Majestic make the final only to do each other on the bend, then Mineola Farloe got caught on the line by the great Westmead Hawk the next year and Loyal Honcho was an unlucky loser the next year. It all went right this time as he led throughout for a great victory that everyone in greyhound racing was pleased about.

3. Irish Derby Aug/Sept 09 - College Causeway goes through the Derby unbeaten. In round 1 he leads from trap 6 and smashes Bypass Byways track record clocking a brilliant 29.21 which still stands. However it was his wins from off the pace that he is remembered for and the final was no different. He looked in a hopeless position going into the back until Belvedere Champ moved off at the 2nd leaving a gap that College Causeway flew through on the inside but was still 6 to 7 lenghts behind Oran Classic but the writing was already on the wall. He flew from here and took it up in the straight to spark wild celebrations in Shelbourne Park.

4. Irish Derby Final Sept 06 - Razldazl Billy was supposed to be carrying an injury into the final and had only broke 30 seconds once in the competition when clocking 29.91 in the semi final. He went to traps an easy to back 9/2 but when the traps opened he absolutely flew from the 4 box. Leading around the bend the Derby was over as a contest and he just powered his way to an awesome victory by 6L in a sensational 29.49

5. Irish Champion Stakes Jul 07 - Razldazl Billy was the 6/4 fav from the 6 box. However as the traps opened he looked in big trouble as he was slow away and in an awful position heading into the bend. He managed to secure a decent run around the opening bends and into the back straight. From halfway down the back straight he put in one of the biggest surges i have even seen to fly past Tyrur Bertie and then duck inside Goldstar Lee into the 3rd bend and hit the front before racing on to victory. It was a truly special performance.

6. Irish Derby Final Sept 03 - A derby that had so many good dogs in it at the start, Borna Pilot, Mobhi Gamble, Serene Rumble, World Class, Droopys Agassi, Kings Cadet, Nikita Billie, Killahara Dream, Mustang Mega, Axle Grease, Droopys Oasis, Jewel Nikita, Karma Knight, Simply Vintage it was such a good comp. Climate Control had started 8/1 fav for the comp after being heavily backed in weeks leading up to the Derby and had made the final with only 1 defeat in the quarter finals and went off 4/5 fav. In the final he didn't get one of his best breaks and was led by First Charter and Mustang Mega, however off the 2nd bend he took off to a huge cheer from the crowd and won the race with a huge run down the back. He was a brillaint early pacer.

7. Moscow Flyer 2 Tingle Creeks and 2 Champion Chases, in what was a great era for 2 mile chasers they gave us some great memories. My 2 favourites where his 2nd Tingle Creek as i remember the huge roar from the Sandown crowd as Barry hit the front and looked under his legs as they where about to turn in. Then his 2nd Champion Chase, it turned into a match with Well Chief after Azertyuiop had left his hind legs in the water but it didn't dissappoint and both ran a blinder but Moscow was unstoppable on his day.

8. Beef Or Salmon beating Best Mate in the Lexus at Leopardstown. Yes there may have been excuses for Best Mate with bad travelling etc....however this was 'The Beefs' day and how he deserved it. He was a great horse who never got the credit from across the water that he deserved but was loved by the vast majority over here.

9. Hardy Eustace / Harchibald / Brave Inca / Accordion Etoile / Macs Joy, 1st 5 home in the memorable Champion Hurdle in 2005. I'm sure everyone remember this race as it divided opinion for so long and probably still does about the Harchibald ride but what a result for the Irish!!

10. September 2011 - PF winning the GAA Tipping Competition!!

Surely Pod's first open deserves a mention, opened the flood gates for all the european major winners since. Forpady's Arkle win for money reasons.

Not if you had Poulter backed and where on the way back from holidays and not able to green up

Forpady

Oh dear Premier, before the days of I phone..

Last years penalty shoot out in the aviva will always hold a special place in my heart - but leaving personal opinions aside Ireland v Holland in Landsdowne Road Sept 2001 . Roy Keanes Tackle , McAteers Goal , Gary Kellys red Card , holding on by the skin of our teeth with a Dutch forward line of van nistelrooy , makaay , hasselbaink and bergkamp. Magical

Padraig Harringtons second shot at the par 5 seventeenth at Royal Birkdale his seventy first hole,the best shot ever in golf,also won him his second Open in a row.

Barry Mc Guigan beating Pedroza for the world title in the mid-eighties deserves a mention.
"The Masters" win in the breeders cup mile with royal academy also as a fitting finale at the very top for both him and Lester.

Stephen Roche in 1987 deserves a mention

Stephen Roche deserves a mention alright ,just after you mention Linford Christie,Michael De Browne and Ben Johnson,for Jesus sake,did ye forget Cian o Connor and Lynch

Sonia O`Sullivan was on drugs but that seems allowed on here.
It was the horse that failed the test not Cian O`Connor.
Michelle De Bruin is Irelands greatest Olympian.
Mincer calling Michelle Michael De Brown is another of his fantasies shining through.

mincer11
Stephen Roche deserves a mention alright ,just after you mention Linford Christie,Michael De Browne and Ben Johnson,for Jesus sake,did ye forget Cian o Connor and Lynch


Linford Christie and Ben Johnson aren't Irish

Who is Michael de Browne?

Surprised with your allegation there Wildman in regards Sonia,I might be totally wrong but first time i,ve heard that. Always thought it was her competitors notably Dsazbo(?)

Great thread Stamford.My own personal favourites in no particular order

1.Derry City winning the treble back in 1988-89 season was some achievement.If memory serves me right I think they are still the only loi club to achieve that.

2.The various achievements by Eddie Macken and Boomerang (what a horse he was ) in the world of showjumping were amazing.Ireland had quite a team at this time as well.

3. Ulster winning the Heineken cup which gave the munster and leinster lads the belief to do so and has ultimately led to great benefits for the national team.

4. Alex Higgins winning the world title in 1982 against Ray Reardon.Boy he was a magician with a cue also have to mention the 1983 UK Title when he came back from 7-0 down to beat steve davis in a final frame decider.

5. Vincent O Brien winning the aintree grand national in 1953,1954 & 1955 with Early Mist,Royal Tan & Quare Times. A feat that will never be equalled at a time when those fences were awesome.

6. Barry McGuigans victory over Pedroza at loftus road in 1985.

7. Irelands victory over Australia on Saturday 17 th September 2011 will surely take some beating.

8. Someone has already mentioned Ronnie Delaney which is a great shout.

9. Seamus Darbys goal was also mentioned in the 1982 All Ireland and I have to include that as it was the first All Ireland final i ever watched on tv and it was some result.

10. Christy O'Connors 2 iron in the ryder cup at the 17th or 18th hole in 1985 ?. Back in those days it was GB & Ireland and always remember what a shot under such pressure.

Have to correct you on O'Connor there Monte

It was the RC in 1989 and it was Europe. The last GB & IRE team was in 1977

Anyone mention Dennis Taylor's stupendous comeback from 8-0 down to beat Steve Davis in his prime with the last ball in the 1985 World Snooker C;ship ?
The atmosphere on the final black was indeed an electric MOMENT.

Many posters not distinguishing -predictably enough - between moments and events.

Cheers db thought my memory was playing tricks on me.

Michael De Browne is a person who was commonly known as Michelle De Bruin before she came in contact with anabolic steroids.Once she started taking those performance enhancing drugs,her appearance changed,her arms were bigger than Mike Tyson and she could swim better than any mermaid.A woman who looked more like a man at the finish,she was affectionately known as "Mickey Browne" by people who were suspicious of her performances and who believed that with her unprescribed medication aboard,had actually grown a frontal appendage.Apparently the wildman is the only believer left,he seems to be a staunch supporter,or maybe its just that he is willing to defend the indefensible in pursuit of his favourite pastime,an argument

wildmanfromborneo
20 Sep 11 12:10 Joined: 30 Nov 10 | Topic/replies: 3,051 | Blogger: wildmanfromborneo's blog
Sonia O`Sullivan was on drugs but that seems allowed on here.
It was the horse that failed the test not Cian O`Connor.
Michelle De Bruin is Irelands greatest Olympian.
Mincer calling Michelle Michael De Brown is another of his fantasies shining through.

are you a wum or just stupid? Sonia was never on drugs you muppit. and Michelle de bruin was, everyone knows that.

i think this thread should be emailed to sonia , never a massive fan , but the allegations on this thread are criminal

Flynners unbelievable hit on Brosnan on Sunday. Left him crying for help.

These Dubs are tough boys.

[:)]

It is naive to think a clean athlete could dominate middle and long distance running when all around were on drugs.Also in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympics she ran poorly and claimed to be sick but it appeared drug related.
Mincers post about Michelle De Bruin is ludicrous as any normal person would agree that she is a looker,few would say that about Sonia O`Sullivan.

Two years after the Atlanta Games, FINA banned Smith for four years for tampering with her urine sample using alcohol.[1] She appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport  (CAS). Her case was heard by a panel of three experienced sports lawyers, including Michael Beloff QC. Uniquely for a CAS hearing, De Bruin's case was heard in public, at her own lawyer's request.[6]  FINA submitted evidence from Dr Jordi Segura, head of the IOC-accredited laboratory in Barcelona, which said she took the bodybuilding drug Androstenedione, a metabolic precursor of testosterone, the night before the test. It also became known that three samples, taken between November 1997 and March 1998, had shown traces of Androstenedione.[2][7][8] The CAS upheld the ban.

She was 28 at the time, and the ban effectively ended her competitive swimming career. Although Smith lost some of her popularity and her career achievements were somewhat discredited, she was not stripped of her Olympic medals, because her doping offense was detected sometime after the games. Thus, she remains Ireland's most successful Olympian ever.

If we are talking about "moments" Christy OConnor Jnrs 2 Iron on the 18th hole at the Belfry in 1989 to break Freddie Couples heart has to be up there.

http://youtu.be/Prep4trYNj4 this wins hands down

A couple more;
Gordon Hamilton's mad dash for the line in 1991 RWC QF- Landsdowne Road shook to its foundations.
Joe Connolly's speech after the 1980 All Ireland- always brings a tear to the eye.

2.The various achievements by Eddie Macken and Boomerang (what a horse he was ) in the world of showjumping were amazing.Ireland had quite a team at this time as well.

Yeah great memories I'd forgotten the great BOOMERANG...Huge profile back then had SHOWJUMPING on TV !!!

ribellaro- Gordon Hamilton's mad dash for the line in 1991 RWC QF- Landsdowne Road shook to its foundations.

Will never forget that, then minutes later it was spoiled.!

Michael Carruths gold in 1992 is a glaring ommission!

Money,

Heard some publican in the midlands bought that 2 iron afterwards ?

ribellaro,

Especially for you......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A90Nid9ihCk

A nice piece of memorabilia to have on the pub wall alright, cmiyc

1) Ray Houghton's goal against England in European Championships
2) Dawn Run winning Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Peter O'Sullivans commentary still sends a tingle down my back.
3) Dennis Talor's last frame last ball win in the World Snooker Championships.
4) Stephen Roche winning Tour de France. Followed by Giro De Italia and World Championships. What a treble for such a minority sport in this country.
5) Michael Kiernan's drop goal to win the triple crown. Another one where the commentary still gives me goose bumps.
6) Seamus darbys goal to win All Ireland for Offaly
7) Istabraq's 3rd Champion Hurdle.
8) Darren Clarke's win in Ryder Cup at K Club
9) Cricketers beating Pakistan in World Cup
=10) Brian O'Driscolls performance against England in Gram Slam year and Paul McGraths performance against Italy in giants stadium. By far and away imo the two best sports people this country has produced.

Plus honourable mention to the most memorable sporting moment that I actually attended. Jason McAteer's goal against Holland in World Cup Qualifier. That moment will stay with me forever.

PS Far to hard to limit it to just 10. Dozens more worthy moments mentioned above and plenty more I'm thinking of right now but not going to go re writing thread at this stage!

ronnie delaney 1500m olympic gold
stephen roche tour de france 87
darren clarke 2011 open
sonia o sullivan 1995 world athletics
ireland gland slam rugby
ray houghtons goal against england 88
dublin beating kerry in this years all ireland :)
danoli winning at cheltenham
ireland hammering england at croke park after them dem lot being allowed back in
brian o driscolls hat trick of tries in paris

Hard to distinguish between individual performances ( eg golfers most of time ) and team performances .  Plus animal performances ( Dawn Run gets a mention , and Danoli , but what about the roar that greeted Arkle putting down the "unbeatable " Mill House in 1964 Gold Cup ) . Think we need seperate categories to accomodate all our memories .

Yeah lots of different high points in soccer,horse Racing,rugby and who knows the next Week or two at the Rugby world cup could see the Ultimate highlight in Irish Sporting History...A Final appearance not Out Of The Question...Although I couldn't see us beat New Zealand -they'd bet it 1/8 NEW ZEALAND- 11/2 IRELAND...If it was IRELAND V SOUTH AFRICA they'd bet 2/7 SOUTH AFRICA- 11/4IRELAND  If it was Australia V Ireland Part 2 I'd fancy The Aussies to gain revenge yet they'd bet it tight ! 2/5 AUSTRALIA- 3/1 IRELAND

That Donkey Derby

We have come close to beating the All Blacks a few times. Maybe this might just be our time. Even my Kiwi friends are not as cocksure as normal about playing us if we meet them in the final. First let's get the game against those terrible wannabee Opera singers out of the way first before facing the tans

Sean O`Briens try stopping tackle on Sam Warburton in Wellington.
Tommy Bowes try against Wales in Wellington.
Ronan O`Garas touchline conversion.
Ronan O`Garas late drop goal.

Six more moments to come,two in the semi final against England and four in the final against the choking All Blacks.

Two things,the first wildman,take another lie down please,you are talking rubbish again as usual.Secondly it beats me how people include Stephen Roche,he was higher than the spire in O Connell St when he was cycling,if you are including him,why not put in Dermot Browne on Browns Gazette,or that toerag Fallon on Cecil's filly in the Eclipse.

You need to get your humour back as my post is a skitting post with an element of wishfulness.
Your comments on Stephen Roche conveniently forget that all cyclists from all eras took drugs.Tommy Simpson died on Mont Ventoux in 1966 and Jacques Anquetil famously said to journalists " You don`t think we go up those hills on water "
We know you hate Tom Taaffe,Ger Lyons,Michelle De Bruin,Irish Soccer,Irish Rugby and nearly everybody in racing maybe to cut down the list you will tell us who you actually like apart from Bobbybocala and ya havin that one dave.

go easy on him wildman..looking at his profile over the years and the many characters he appears to play ..i'd say he shows all the classic signs of manic depression....always in the doldrums , never speaks unless its to criticize ,all the hall marks of a disturbed mind ...nothing is ever right according to him...his constant need to prove himself ..only adds to the conviction...on reflection mincer ..i feel very sorry for you my dear man...

Wildman,i must correct you on a few of your assertions.Yes Taaffe and Lyons qualify because of their respective ego's and their airs and graces.De Bruin,i couldnt care less about,Munster rather than Irish rugby i find a touch nauseating.LOI soccer rather than Irish soccer is hard to stomach,the jackeen influence being the primary reason for any contempt that i display towards such.If you want me to nail my colours to the mast,i shall name some Irish sports people that i admire.Roy Keane,Barry Geraghty,Liam Brady,Colm Cooper,Shay Given,Rory McIlroy,Pat Smullen,Henry Shefflin,there are others that dont spring to mind.Two more of my least favourites are Gordon Elliot and Kieren Fallon.I suppose alot of people have a certain admiration for the swahbuckling high rolling gambler and thats why maybe i may have a soft spot for Bobbybocala who is probably the JP McManus of the irish forum,he seems to know the trainers and bets in big units,most of the rest of the people on here havent 2 shillings to rub together so therefore its understandable if people like yourself are a little envious of highflyers like Bobby

Not half as sorry as i feel about you wonks.You feel the need to clog up the forum with the same old tiresome rubbish every day.There are good posters who know things who wont post at all because of you,people like Bobbybocala,high rolling punters with genuine information who are willing to share it are being witch hunted by the uninformed like yourself who have to come up with phantom AW tips from the invisible man at fontwell to pretend that they are in the know,when everybody knows the only person you have any inside word from is the rent allowance officer at the Tallaght dole office.

you just confirmed everything i said about you ...get help ...i belive you need it...i take no joy in your pain son....seek help....

And i try to take no joy in your stupidity but in all honesty it isnt easy

i think i'll stop replying to you , as i only seem to be adding to your distress ...deep breaths are supposed to help ...inhale....    slowly now...1...2...3....4...thats it ...now exhale .....5...6...7...8... feeling better now.....?

There is nothing wrong with being skint,surely we have all been there sometime.You may admire money and fawn after trainers but i prefer to treat them all as one,it is nice to see that despite not knowing the highflying Bobbybocala you are now on first name terms.You admitted yourself you do not bet,Bobbybocala stated previously he didn`t bet nowadays but we will humour you and believe he only bets in five grands and only works on tips he gets from trainers but where is the skill or fun in that.I have read Bobbybocalas posts and anybody reading them would quickly realise he neither understands racing or gambling unlike your Bete noire Workrider.Now we all know Workrider is a punter because the Fontwell thread was littered with people who had raced with him before wishing him luck,we also have the evidence of posters on here who have raced with him at both horses and dogs who state the same, couple that with the length of time he is on here means he hasn`t gone skint now throw in his ability as a paddock judge and you have a good punter.One last fact during these punting days he was able to provide for his family go on countless holidays play golf all over the place,its no wonder ye are all jealous of him.
Come to think of it i am a bit envious myself but good luck to him.

Ronan O`Gara's two late-on drop goals last month (especially the one in the 84th minute - after 41 phases of play to get him into a kickable position).