The year in review: from Rory to Rachael, from Hampden to Wellington, 2022 gave us moments for the ages

Sport had been affected by the flu pandemic. Leopardstown Racecourse was forced to close its doors to the public after a Covid outbreak. Sport had to be re-stressed for a week before the start of the Allianz Leagues and a fortnight before Six Nations. But sport has been reinvigorated and the year ended with world champions in boxing, rowing, gymnastics, paracycling, world number one golfer and world rugby player. Katie Taylor sold out Madison Square Garden. Ireland women's football team qualified for the World Cup. All Blacks were beaten in a series in New Zealand. Irish sprinters won European finals.

They are grouching, grumbling, shivering, sighing, and swearing again.

Paul O'Donovan has won gold at the last five world championships. Rory McIlroy won three times and finished top of the tree on both tours. Shane Lowry and Seamus Power are in the top 30 in golf. Leona Maguire finishes the year in 11th spot on the women's world rankings. The world stage is dotted with Irish sportsmen and women. On a given weekend you can go from watching at least one of them to seeing the best of Irish racing. The most exciting time for Irish rugby is in an age. It's never been a better time to be a sports watcher in Ireland. There are many Irish athletes competing on world stages.

The year in review includes moments for the ages. Rachael Blackmore won the Gold Cup in Cheltenham. Amber Barrett scored to qualify Ireland for a World Cup. Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O'Rourke won 40% of the world gold medals in the history of Irish boxing in 15 minutes. Rhys McClenaghan avenged Rhyms McCleny in 2021. i.e. the first ever female jockey to win jump racing’s most prestigious race. iReport.com: 2018 in Review. The year is in reviews. It includes: Rory, Rochford, Amber, Rob Herring, Ciara Mageean, Gearóid Hegarty, Michael Obafemi, Tony Kelly, Shane Walsh and David Clifford, Rhyls McClhenaghan, Amy, Lisa, and Rhyrs.