Month: September 2021

FROM ROBBIE BRADY to Rio de Janeiro, 2016 has been another busy year for Irish sport.

But how well do you remember those big moments and the people who were at the heart of it all?

We tested some of Ireland’s top sports stars with 10 questions in The42’s first-ever Christmas quiz.

Kerry footballer Colm Cooper leads the way on seven out of 10, one clear of Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh.

Today, it’s the turn of former Cork camogie captain and All-Star Anna Geary.

If you’d like to give the quiz a go yourself before watching the video, scroll down to see the questions below.

Source: The42.ie/YouTube

The42 Christmas Quiz – Questions

1. How many goals did Ireland score at Euro 2016?

2. Who scored Ireland’s final try in the Chicago win against the All Blacks?

3. Ann Downey managed which county to the All-Ireland camogie title?

4. How many UFC fights did Conor McGregor win in 2016?

5. Who won this year’s Connacht football championship?

6. Name the Irish sailor who won Olympic silver in Rio this summer.

7. Who won the 2016 FAI Cup?

8. How many All-Ireland football titles have the Cork Ladies now won in a row?

9. Who was named 2016 Hurler of the Year?

10. How many games did Ireland win in the 2016 Six Nations?

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Click Here: Russia soccer tracksuit

MAYO STAR DIARMUID O’Connor was honoured with a second successive Young Footballer of the Year gong in November.

O’Connor scooped the individual award after showing some really consistent form through the All-Ireland qualifiers – and his absence was keenly felt against Galway when Mayo suffered a shock Connacht semi-final defeat.

The Ballintubber clubman is one of the finest young players in the game but this was a year that saw many other up and coming, and already established, stars make big impacts for their respective counties.

We’ve grouped them into different categories and, as always, we’re looking for your feedback on our selections.

U23

Brendan Harrison (Mayo)

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

2016 was Harrison’s first full season as a senior inter-county player but he performed like a seasoned veteran.

Had some nervy moments in the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Tipp but Harrison was still one of Mayo’s most consistent performers across the campaign.

A tight-marking, no nonsense corner back, Harrison is an accomplished man marker and looks set for a lengthy career at senior level in the green and red.

John Small (Dublin)

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Fortunate to escape a black card in the All-Ireland final replay against Mayo but Small can reflect upon 2016 with some degree of satisfaction.

Dublin lost the services of key defenders Rory O’Carroll and Jack McCaffrey, while James McCarthy had his injury worries, and Small put his hand up for inclusion in the team.

Small slotted into the half-back line alongside Ballymun Kickhams clubmate McCarthy and Cian O’Sullivan – and produced a man-of-the-match display in the drawn All-Ireland final.

Brian Fenton (Dublin)

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Two full seasons as a Dublin senior footballer has yielded two All-Ireland medals and an incredible unbeaten streak for Fenton.

It’s truly been a meteoric rise for the Raheny high-fielder who was man-of-the-match in the 2015 All-Ireland final – and he was nominated for the Footballer of the Year award in 2016.

Still just 23 years of age, Fenton has quickly emerged as arguably the best midfielder in the country and he’s still a few years away from his peak.

Michael Quinlivan (Tipperary)

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

It was a remarkable calendar year for Michael Quinlivan, who helped his club Clonmel Commercials to Tipperary and Munster senior glory in 2015.

Quinlivan rejoined the Tipp senior squad after his club’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat in February and went on to enjoy a memorable campaign.

A taker and creator of scores, Quinlivan’s exploits saw him honoured with a GAA/GPA Opel All-Star award – just the second Tipperary man in history to claim one of the individual football gongs.

Niall Sludden (Tyrone)

Source: Presseye/Andrew Paton/INPHO

In his first full season as a Tyrone senior footballer, Niall Sludden made a big impact.

The former underage star settled nicely into life at the top level and the 2010 All-Ireland minor medallist is a player capable of operating in defence or attack.

Although Tyrone bowed out of the All-Ireland series at the quarter-final stage against Mayo, Sludden was still one of the best players on show for the Red Hands, and he won an Ulster medal in his debut campaign while also earning an All-Star nomination.

Patrick McBrearty (Donegal)

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

It’s remarkable to think that Paddy McBrearty is still only 23 when you consider how much he’s already achieved.

An All-Ireland senior medallist in 2012, McBrearty’s also a three-time Ulster SFC winner and has also represented Ireland at International Rules level.

McBrearty’s 11-point haul against Cork in this year’s All-Ireland qualifier at Croke Park was one of the finest individual displays of modern times.

Ronan O’Neill (Tyrone)

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

Another All-Ireland minor medallist from 2010, O’Neill was an early menace for opposition defences in 2016.

He scored 2-25 throughout the Allianz League Division 2 campaign, as Tyrone gained promotion back to the top flight, and crowned his spring campaign with 1-3 against Cavan in the divisional showpiece at Croke Park.

O’Neill scored 2-2 in the Ulster opener against Derry and 0-5 in the draw with Cavan, after which his scoring tallies dropped considerably.

U22

Cormac Costello (Dublin)

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Costello was prolific during the early stages of the Allianz League campaign but found his chances more limited come championship time.

The Whitehall Colmcille forward would have his say on the biggest day of all, however, coming off the bench to score three points in the All-Ireland final replay victory over Mayo.

Costello, 22, will hope to nail down a regular place in the 2017 championship team and did his chances no harm at all with that October cameo.

David Byrne (Dublin)

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Rory O’Carroll’s exit from the Dublin scene left a void for Jim Gavin to fill in his full-back line.

And with Jonny Cooper shunted across to the central position, Byrne took his chance to nail down a slot in the left corner.

At 22 years of age, the Naomh Olaf clubman is already a three-time All-Ireland senior medallist, with the promise of more to come.

Patrick Durcan (Mayo)

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Durcan was Mayo’s senior club championship player of the year in 2015 and he carried that brilliant form into this year.

Durcan was introduced into the Mayo set-up in 2015 and he was unlucky to be squeezed out of the recent All-Star selection in a highly-competitive half-back line.

The Castlebar Mitchels player was excellent all season for the Westerners and he scored three points over the course of the two All-Ireland final clashes with Dublin.

Evan Comerford (Tipperary)

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Comerford’s kick-outs were rated in the Stephen Cluxton class as Tipperary progressed to an historic All-Ireland semi-final appearance.

A former Republic of Ireland junior soccer international, Comerford won an All-Ireland minor medal with Tipp in 2011 and a Munster U21 crown last year.

He was nominated for an All-Star award alongside winner David Clarke and Cluxton after excelling in 2016.

Ryan McHugh (Donegal)

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

Kilcar’s Ryan McHugh was named at left-half-back on the 2016 GAA/GPA Opel All-Star team.

He was selected in a line that contained plenty of classy nominees but McHugh’s credentials were impossible to ignore.

A stand-out player for the Ulster runners-up, McHugh netted Donegal’s goal as they exited the All-Ireland series against champions Dublin, and he scored two goals in the opening League match of the campaign against Down.

Damien Comer (Galway)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Over the course of two Connacht final clashes with Roscommon, Comer helped himself to five points from play.

And while Connacht champions Galway were dumped out of the All-Ireland series by Tipperary at the quarter-final stage, Comer still lit up Croke Park with a superb goal for the Tribesmen.

As Galway look ahead to 2017, Annaghdown clubman Comer is a player that manager Kevin Walsh will look to build his attack around.

Bill Maher (Tipperary)

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

When Bill Maher was trimmed from Tipperary’s senior hurling panel earlier in the year, he accepted an invitation to link up with the footballers.

And Maher, from the Kilsheelan-Kilcash club, showed what an accomplished dual player he is by enjoying a fine championship campaign.

A former dual All-Ireland minor medallist and Munster U21 football winner in 2015, Maher is an excellent footballing wing-back and can consider himself unfortunate not to have earned an All-Star nomination.

Jamie Malone (Clare)

Malone was another player to perform for Clare as they made it into the last eight of the All-Ireland series.

Comfortable in the half-back line, Corofin star Malone is a former Clare minor captain who made his senior championship debut in 2014.

Malone can also operate effectively in the half-forward line, where he was used towards the end of the 2016 season by manager Colm Collins.

Eoin Cleary (Clare)

Click Here: Belgium soccer tracksuit

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Cleary grabbed the headlines earlier this year when his late free, deep in stoppage time, sealed Allianz League Division 3 glory for Clare.

The Miltown St Joseph’s clubman went on to enjoy a solid championship campaign too, with the undoubted individual highlight coming against Roscommon in the qualifiers.

22-year-old Cleary kicked six points, including four from play, as the Banner men marched into the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

U21

Jimmy Feehan (Tipperary)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Feehan played minor football for Tipp, winning a Munster medal in 2012, before graduating to the U21 ranks.

He was a member of the team that won a famous Munster crown in 2015 and also made his senior championship debut against Louth later in the year, at corner back.

Feehan’s also comfortable in the half-back line and his performances this year earned the Killenaule clubman a Young Footballer of the Year nomination.

Conor Loftus (Mayo)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Loftus was Mayo’s matchwinner when the Connacht champions edged past Dublin by a point in the EirGrid All-Ireland U21 semi-final.

And the Crossmolina player was at his brilliant best in the final against Cork, scoring 2-2 as Mayo lifted silverware.

Loftus also made an early impression in the senior championship, replacing black-carded Cillian O’Connor against London in Ruislip, and scoring 1-2 in a comfortable victory. He looks to have a bright future ahead of him and Mayo could certainly do with bona-fide scoring forwards at senior level.

Josh Keane (Tipperary)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

A breakthrough season for Keane at senior level, who improved incrementally as the season wore on.

A nuts and bolts type of player, Keane gets through a huge amount of work that goes unnoticed and he was brilliant in the closing minutes of the qualifier victory over Derry, taking and making crucial scores as Tipp came from behind to claim an epic win at Kingspan Breffni Park.

Keane, from the Golden-Kilfeacle club, is also a dab hand at hurling and lined out for the county’s U21s as they progressed to a Munster final against provincial and All-Ireland kingpins Waterford. Like Feehan, he was nominated for the Young Player of the Year award.

Diarmuid O’Connor (Mayo)

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

O’Connor was at his brilliant best as Mayo surged to EirGrid All-Ireland U21 glory, and he was man-of-the-match in the semi-final victory over Dublin.

The Ballintubber man was also honoured with the competition’s player of the year gong and after shrugging off an injury that ruled him out of Mayo’s senior defeat to Galway in Connacht, he went on to claim a second successive Young Player of the year award.

O’Connor was exceptional in the senior qualifier victory over Kildare in particular and he was also one of Mayo’s best players in their final replay loss to Dublin.

U20

Brian O’Beaglaoich (Kerry)

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

O’Beaglaoich endured a baptism of fire against Dublin on the opening night of the Allianz League, giving away a penalty on his competitive senior debut.

But the former minor All-Ireland medallist learned from that experience and made his championship bow against Clare.

The introductions of O’Beaglaoich and Tadhg Morley added a freshness to the Kerry defence but O’Beaglaoich lost his starting place for the All-Ireland semi-final defeat against Dublin. He’ll work hard to regain his slot in the team for the 2017 season.

Colm O’Shaughnessy (Tipperary)

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

O’Shaughnessy was one of our 9 players to watch at the start of the year.

The Ardfinnan man is 20 this month but has already emerged as an automatic choice on the Tipperary senior team.

He made his senior championship debut as a substitute against Louth in 2015 but nailed down a starting position under new manager Liam Kearns. Still underage for the U21 ranks in 2017.

Keelan Sexton (Clare)

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

Keelan Sexton was a big find for Clare this year and when Kilmurry-Ibrickane stormed to county championship glory against Cratloe, he scored 1-4.

Sexton, a former international boxer who turned 19 in the summer, completed his second full season on the Clare senior panel in 2016.

He made a big contribution in the qualifier victory over Sligo, coming off the bench to kick three points, and Sexton will look to continue his upward curve as Clare prepare for life in Division 2 of the Allianz League.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

January

Source: Tommy Grealy/INPHO

In a rather dismal January, it was hard to pinpoint a standout moment for Irish sport. Rather than a high or a low, this was more of a shock, as Longford knocked holders and All-Ireland champions Dublin out of the O’Byrne Cup. Of course, it was January and Dublin did go on to fairly redeem themselves when the year was in full swing, but they still fielded a strong side, and were defeated for the first, and only time in 2016.

Meanwhile, Maggie Farrelly made GAA history as she became the first female referee to take charge of a men’s senior game – a McKenna Cup clash between Fermanagh and St Mary’s.

February

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

February saw us say goodbye to a true Irish sporting legend; former Ireland captain and Munster great Paul O’Connell retired from rugby. The 36-year-old suffered a significant hamstring injury during Ireland’s World Cup campaign, and the 108-capped second row was forced to end his career as a result.

March

Source: AP/Press Association Images

An Irish sporting low in March was undoubtedly Conor McGregor’s defeat to Nate Diaz. The 31-year-old from California submitted McGregor in the second round of their headline bout at UFC 196. It was McGregor’s first defeat in his UFC career, and at that a seismic upset with Diaz as a massive outsider.

April 

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Tipperary-based trainer Mouse Morris won the Aintree Grand National in April with 33/1 shot Rule the World. This came just days after another of his horses, Rogue Angel, won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. It came as a definite Irish sporting high, made more poignant again by the death of Morris’s son Christopher in 2015.

Click Here: vans shop

“Two in the one week, unbelievable. The lad must be doing overtime for me up above,” he said afterwards in an emotional interview.

May

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Who could look past Connacht as a highlight of Irish sport in May? 28 May 2016 was probably the province’s greatest day ever as they saw off Leinster to win the Pro12 final and their first-ever trophy.

June

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

One of the highlights of the sporting year, not just the month of June, was that Robbie Brady goal against Italy to keep Ireland in Euro 2016. The goal itself epitomised the courage, bravery and class that Ireland showed in abundance on that unforgettable night in Lille. Three passes, 10 seconds of football and that beautiful late headed finish and we were through to the last 16 against the odds.

July

Source: Presseye/William Cherry/INPHO

July saw Carl Frampton beat Leo Santa Cruz to win the WBA featherweight title lost by his manager Barry McGuigan to Steve Cruz 30 years earlier. In winning, he became only the second Irish boxer ever to simultaneously hold two different weight world titles (after Steve Collins). It was also the first time Santa Cruz was defeated in his 10 years on the professional stage.

August

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Team Ireland were well represented at this year’s Olympics, and of course the medals must be noted as highlights. Not only did the O’Donovan brothers win an unlikely silver medal, and Ireland’s first-ever Olympic rowing medal, they also managed to charm the nation with their fantastic personalities.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Annalise Murphy’s win is the other Irish sporting highlight of August that can’t be left out. After her 2012 heartbreak in London, Murphy consistently impressed in the women’s laser radial sailing, and stepped up to take home a silver medal.

September

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

September brought much more than one highlight in Irish sport. Four jump to mind straight away: the unmissable climax of the All-Ireland football season which stretched over into the first October evening before Dublin finally vanquished Mayo to retain Sam; Tipperary toppling Kilkenny to win their first All-Ireland hurling title since 2010; the Cork Ladies sealing six in-a-row and their 11th title in 12 years; and Kilkenny ending their camogie drought with their first title since 1994.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Aside from GAA, Team Ireland were absolutely heroic at the Paralympics, bringing home 11 medals in total and exceeding expectations beyond belief. Jason Smyth retained his title as fastest Paralympian on the planet, and joined Michael McKillop, Eoghan Clifford, and cycling duo Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal in taking home gold medals. Dunlevy and McCrystal also brought home one of four silvers, as did Colin Lynch, Orla Barry and Niamh McCarthy. And three bronze medals from Clifford, Ellen Keane and Noelle Lenihan topped off an incredibly successful Paralympics for Ireland.

October

One of Ireland’s most heartbreaking sporting moments of 2016 has to be Anthony Foley’s death. It’s one of those ‘where were you when you heard?’ moments. The Munster head coach and former captain and Irish international passed away suddenly overnight, aged 42, while in Paris for a Champions Cup fixture against Racing 92.

November

Source: INPHO/Billy Stickland

On the contrary, November was a month of highs which saw one of Ireland’s most joyous and historic rugby moments. Joe Schmidt’s side traveled to Chicago for a Test match against New Zealand, one which ultimately ended their 111-year run of bad luck against the southern hemisphere superpower. They put on a momentous and dominant performance to beat the back-to-back world champions 40-29 and give the people of Ireland the result they had been longing for for so long.

Source: Tom Hogan/INPHO

November was so good, we couldn’t decide on one standout moment, and Conor McGregor surely deserves a mention. The 28-year-old UFC superstar also made history stateside as he defeated Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight belt at Madison Square Garden. By doing this, McGregor became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously – lightweight and featherweight.

December

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Katie Taylor eased to her second win as a professional as she put on a solid display in Manchester. The Bray native had a fairly comfortable 60-53 unanimous points victory over Brazillian Viviane Obenauf, making it two wins from two in her professional career. Just two weeks earlier in London, she stunned Karina Kopinska to put her name on the map as a professional boxer. After a whirlwind year, Taylor finished it fittingly, with a belly full of fire heading into 2017.

– This article has been updated to reflect that the All-Ireland football final replay between Dublin and Mayo took place on 1 October.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

THE SCRIPT COULDN’T have gone any better for the Tipperary senior hurlers in the summer of 2016.

Despite losing to Clare in the Allianz League quarter-final, the Premier County regrouped and swept all before them in the championship to claim provincial and All-Ireland honours.

Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Kilkenny were put to the sword and here, we take a look back at just some of the stunning moments that encapsulated a campaign that had a very definite blue and gold hue.

******

A sign of things to come…The Maher brothers, Ronan (left) and Pádraic back each other up against Cork in Tipp’s Munster senior hurling championship opener…

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

In his first senior championship game at the helm, Michael Ryan got off to a winning start…

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Tipp lost John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer to an early red card against Limerick in the Munster semi-final…

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

…But still managed to win comfortably. Michael Breen (pictured below) scored two goals and Seamus Callanan bagged another.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Things couldn’t have gone much better for Tipperary on Munster final Sunday. First off, their minors decimated Limerick to win the provincial crown. Brian McGrath (on-field captain) and Gavin Ryan (injured skipper) lift the trophy. 

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

The seniors made it a double with a 21-point victory over Waterford, as John McGrath scored a hat-trick of goals…

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher is one of Tipperary’s most consistent players. Here, he still manages to get a pass away despite losing his helmet…

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Brothers John, Brian and Noel McGrath enjoyed their afternoon. It wouldn’t be the last time we’d see them in celebratory mode on a big day in 2016.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Michael Ryan is pictured here with his daughters at full-time. There were two more big days to come for the Upperchurch man in his first season at the helm…

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Captain Brendan Maher accepted the provincial silverware…

Click Here: melbourne storm team jersey

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

After losing by a point against Galway in the 2015 All-Ireland semi-final, Tipperary were determined that lightning wouldn’t strike twice. Their refusal to yield was illustrated by Pádraic Maher’s colossal hit on Joe Canning, which left the Galway man needing treatment…

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

After serving a Munster final suspension, John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer was left on the bench. But he came on to score a crucial goal…

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

John McGrath scored Tipperary’s second goal and remarkably, history would repeat itself in September, ‘Bubbles’ netting first, McGrath second…

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Michael Ryan was naturally elated at full-time…

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

A memorable first Sunday in September began for Tipperary with victory in the All-Ireland minor hurling final…

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

…Before the seniors went to work against Kilkenny. Here, John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer is about to slam home his stunning second half goal.  

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

John McGrath’s goal, set up with a pass from his brother Noel, put Tipp firmly on their way to victory…

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Tipp had that winning feeling at full-time and here, elation is etched all over Pádraic Maher’s face as he celebrates with team-mate and Thurles Sarsfields colleague Michael Cahill. 

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Captain Brendan Maher became the fourth man from Borris-Ileigh to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup aloft for Tipperary, following in the footsteps of Sean Kenny, Jimmy Finn and Bobby Ryan…

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

The four wise men soon got their hands on the trophy, as manager Michael Ryan was joined by coach Declan Fanning and selectors Conor Stakelum and John Madden to hoist the silverware aloft…

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Very much a family affair as Brian (All-Ireland minor winning captain), Noel and John McGrath join family members for a snap with Liam MacCarthy…

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Tipperary players and fans perform the Icelandic Soccer clap at a rapturous Semple Stadium homecoming

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Two of the deadliest forwards in the game, Seamus Callanan (left) and John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer, pictured here with Liam MacCarthy…

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

The late Jackie Griffin’s daughters Laragh, Isabelle and Emma help Pádraic Maher accept the Dan Breen Cup on behalf of county champions Thurles Sarsfields

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Tipp were honoured with seven GAA/GPA Opel All-Star awards, having had all 15 All-Ireland final starters nominated. Here, John McGrath, Ronan Maher and Pádraic Maher are spruced up for the night…

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

THERE’S A CERTAIN irony to meeting Philly McMahon in a commercial gym in the middle of one of Dublin’s busiest business districts. This is behind enemy lines.

As lunchtime approaches, the steady stream of members coming through the doors develops into a more constant flow. The music gets a little louder and the place comes alive.

From our position in the reception area, you can see that the gym floor has become overly-populated and there’s now a queue waiting for the next bench and squat rack to become available.

“My gyms aren’t like this,” he jokes.

It’s less than a week after the 29-year-old helped Dublin to a second successive All-Ireland title and the smile is still etched on his face. Understandably so, too.

While many of his team-mates are still reveling in the achievement, McMahon has returned to reality and the daily grind associated with running two businesses.

In the last few years, McMahon has added FitFood Ireland to his portfolio and now runs it alongside his three private gyms on the north side of Dublin. Factor in his own playing and training commitments and time is very much of the essence.

Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

“I suppose a nine to five job is a little bit more secure,” he tells The42. “You can at least switch off for the weekend and not have to worry about things slipping when you’re away.

“I’m lucky I have a lot of good staff who are working for me and they’re doing really well. They help the business massively and it allows me to take that time off and not have to worry.”

McMahon has never really known security and to get a better understanding of the depths he plunged to before embarking on his journey, it’s worth rewinding ten years.

As a teenager freshly out of school, the Ballymun native didn’t care much for points and courses. To keep his parents happy, McMahon enrolled for a two-year Post Leaving Cert (PLC) course in Coláiste Íde studying Sports and Leisure Management.

At this stage, he was working his way through the Dublin football ranks and had become a regular in the minor and U21 set-up. A job as a lifeguard in Malahide’s Arena health club presented itself as part of his course and McMahon couldn’t refuse the cash.

“I was getting up at 6am and it was just something I didn’t enjoy doing, thinking that it’s what I would be doing for the rest of my life,” he explains.

“So I went and got a job in the DCU gym. I was young and stupid and had a big car and a big loan. I was surrounded by people who were in college especially in Ballymun Kickhams. There were like two communities in one there and a lot of the Glasnevin lads would have been in college and I got the bug.

“But I didn’t know how to do it but in the end I had to repeat the Leaving Cert. I spoke to my parents and they said they would support me in whatever way they could. They fed me, a long pan and a packet of ham for lunch and €2 a day for a drink.

“I was driving into school in a big Audi A4. People must have thought i was loaded but I was broke at that stage.”

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

From there, McMahon progressed into an Education and Training course in DCU — but he was still financially stricken. His parents could only feed him for so long, so he needed to do something. Anything.

And that’s when he turned a corner.

“I had an opportunity with Ballymun Kickhams,” the three-time All-Ireland winner continues. “They had a space in the clubhouse and I started training for women. At that stage the obesity levels in Ireland were massive.

“The attic upstairs was used for the teams and there was a bit of equipment in it. Over the years, everything I made I just stated to put back in to develop and build it.

“I was always looking to see what Strength and Conditioning coaches were doing with Dublin. Always upskilling myself with courses and seminars but it happened from playing sport and I got that bit of a passion. It was an opportunity, I needed money so I had to do something.

“What I was doing, boot camp-style training, very few other people were doing. It just caught fire and blew up from there.”

This was all happening when McMahon, 19 at the time, was breaking into the Dublin senior side. As a footballer with a promising future, it would have been easy for him to sit back and accept the situation; to collect social welfare every week and accept that he, having grown up in Ballymun, was not meant to own a business.

It was, if truth be told, more out of necessity than anything else. After all, he had nothing to lose so it was worth a shot.

“There was very little investment needed. I had very little to lose. So even if I started off and made a lot of money and eventually things went pear-shaped, at least then I started with nothing and ended with nothing.

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

“I didn’t understand business. I never did Business Studies in school or college and I just had to learn through practical means. I eventually got support and got business mentoring and coaching so that opened my eyes. When the market was going really bad, I then started to look at what I was not doing and I was doing an awful lot wrong.

“For me, the vision I have or where I want to get to I haven’t even taken the risk that I want to take. I’m hoping over the next year and a half that risk will come about and I get the opportunity to do it.”

From that small room in the clubhouse at Ballymun Kickhams, BeDo7 was born and McMahon now operates three gyms; two private and one for sports teams.

In a ferociously competitive industry, separating yourself from the rest is key to success and while is stature as a Dublin footballer helped along the way, McMahon says their unique model has been the main factor in the company’s growth.

In essence, his gym is everything the commercial one we’re sitting in isn’t; personalised and trainers working with clients on an individual or small group basis. Their tagline is: A fitness club for people who hate gyms.

“We’re very personalised. That’s what we’re trying to do and sell. Let them come to us, explain to them what we do and let us show you the value for money we give you.

“If you go to a mainstream gym, you’ll pay your membership, maybe not use it and the majority of those members don’t fulfill their membership or use the gym enough so probably drop off.

“We’re there to help them members to bring them and the system we use is designed to help people move better, become stronger and become leaner.

“I learn every day from my members. There’s a unique atmosphere which I don’t think you could replicate in any other gym in the country. I’m very lucky to have those people. Great atmosphere, a sense of community. Everybody knows everybody in my gyms.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

“Whether you’re big, small, fit, unfit, gay, straight, struggling with drug addiction, mental health, we cater and welcome and support everybody.”

With a membership base of over 200, McMahon’s gym business is thriving and the success of that allowed him to invest in FitFood Ireland, a seperate company which employs five people currently.

“I started my first company when I was 19 so I’ve been doing it along time,” he adds. “I’ve been through the whole ups and downs of the industry and seen how much it has been saturated.

“But we’re hoping to open up a restaurant soon enough and hopefully upscale the model for the gyms soon.

“My companies are about developing something bigger than I am as a person. I want to do things that I shouldn’t. I’m from an area in Ballymun that a lot of people would think you couldn’t open a chain of gyms or a chain of restaurants if you’re from there.

“I want to change that stigma and give back to where I grew up and give back to the area which has given so much to be. That’s the vision I want to create; something I didn’t think I could.

“I didn’t dream of it, it happened by opportunity. An opportunity came along and I needed money, I had to do. It wasn’t something that I always wanted to do. It’s funny you get a lot of people saying ‘it was my dream to open my own gym’.

“I guarantee you when you’re a kid in school and the teacher asks you what do you want to be when you grow up, you’ll never say ‘I want to open my own gym.’

“It’s not really a dream of mine but something I’m really, really passionate about and this industry is something that gives me a challenge everyday I wake up. I suppose it excites me to wonder where I can take it.

As McMahon’s stature as one of the most recognisable sportsmen in the country has grown, so too has his capacity to grow his portfolio. The two have gone hand-in-hand.

“It was difficult in the beginning because people were going to the gym possibly because of my profile being a Dublin player. As a Dublin player, you’d like to think you know your stuff, you’ve been around highly professional people and you could potentially give some of that knowledge back to clients so that’s probably why we had such a big push in terms of members.

“My target was to eventually design a model that people would go to my gym based on the gym and not me and I think that’s what has happened.”

More information on Bedo7 and FitFood Ireland can be found on their websites.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Click Here: all stars nrl merchandise

FROM ROBBIE BRADY to Rio de Janeiro, 2016 has been another busy year for Irish sport.

But how well do you remember those big moments and the people who were at the heart of it all?

We tested some of Ireland’s top sports stars with 10 questions in The42’s first-ever Christmas quiz.

Kerry footballer Colm Cooper still leads the way on seven out of 10, one clear of Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh.

Today, it’s the turn of Kilkenny’s nine-time All-Ireland hurling winner Jackie Tyrrell.

If you’d like to give the quiz a go yourself before watching the video, scroll down to see the questions below.

Source: The42.ie/YouTube

The42 Christmas Quiz – Questions

1. How many goals did Ireland score at Euro 2016?

2. Who scored Ireland’s final try in the Chicago win against the All Blacks?

3. Ann Downey managed which county to the All-Ireland camogie title?

4. How many UFC fights did Conor McGregor win in 2016?

5. Who won this year’s Connacht football championship?

6. Name the Irish sailor who won Olympic silver in Rio this summer.

7. Who won the 2016 FAI Cup?

Click Here: galway gaa jerseys

8. How many All-Ireland football titles have the Cork Ladies now won in a row?

9. Who was named 2016 Hurler of the Year?

10. How many games did Ireland win in the 2016 Six Nations?

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Seamus Kennedy, Austin Gleeson and Aaron Shanagher impressed in 2016.

Source: INPHO

WATERFORD STAR AUSTIN Gleeson was the choice of his peers for the two coveted individual hurling awards this year.

At the GAA/GPA Opel All-Stars bash, Gleeson went home with an All-Star award, along with the Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year gongs.

The Mount Sion player is an exceptional talent but this was a year that saw many young players emerge to make big impacts.

We’ve grouped them into different categories and, as always, we’re looking for your feedback on our selections.

U23
Jamie Barron (Waterford)

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

David Burke was considered pretty much an automatic selection on the All-Star team at midfield after a brilliant season for Galway. Partnership him in the annual selection is Jamie Barron, whose consistency for Waterford was a big part of their campaign.

The former minor and U21 star made his senior debut back in 2013 and has plenty of years of top level fare ahead of him. Barron was man of the match in the All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Wexford but caught the eye right through the summer.

Alan Cadogan (Cork)

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

It was another underwhelming season for Cork but Alan Cadogan salvaged some pride when he was named as the county’s sole All-Star hurling nominee.

Cork’s marquee forwards didn’t perform in their championship opener against Tipperary but Caodgan did well nonetheless, hitting three points from play and giving Michael Cahill plenty to think about. Cadogan scored 1-5 as Cork saw off Dublin in a thrilling qualifier and while not as prominent in the championship exit to Wexford, it was a good campaign for the Douglas man.

Seamus Kennedy (Tipperary)

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Kennedy made a big call this year when he decided to leave the Tipperary senior football panel to link up with the hurlers. A Munster club football medallist with Clonmel Commercials, hurling is Kennedy’s first love and he plays for the St Mary’s club in the town.

Kennedy was one of Tipperary’s unsung heroes in their march to All-Ireland glory, rock-solid and consistent at right-half-back.

Dan McCormack (Tipperary)

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

In the eyes of many, Dan McCormack was a surprise inclusion in the Tipperary team this year, but the Borris-Ileigh man more than justified his place. He might not have scored until the final but McCormack played a pivotal role, as this excellent piece of work from local journalist Brian McDonnell illustrates. In terms of turnovers and tackles, McCormack was a key man and his selfless work allowed others around him to profit.

Tony Kelly (Clare)

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Clare might not have gone as far in the championship as they would have liked but Tony Kelly won them a first National Hurling League title since 1978 with two late points in the final replay victory over Waterford.

Kelly’s overall form earned him an All-Star nomination and he’s been in superb form later in the year for his club, as Ballyea won a first Clare title before storming to provincial glory.

U22
John McGrath (Tipperary)

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

A magnificent full debut season for John McGrath saw him earn an All-Star award and a host of plaudits. McGrath hit the high notes in the 21-point Munster final victory over Waterford, scoring a hat-trick of goals.

The Loughmore-Castleiney man added a major in the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Galway, and another in the memorable September final win against Kilkenny. McGrath crowned a memorable year by helping his club to county senior football championship glory.

Michael Breen (Tipperary)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Click Here: sligo gaa jerseys

With Shane McGrath and James Woodlock both retiring after the 2015 campaign, Tipperary had holes to plug in midfield. Captain Brendan Maher dropped back there after playing at centre forward during Eamon O’Shea’s final year in charge and he was partnered by Michael Breen, another breakthrough star.

With Maher sitting a little deeper, Breen was afforded the licence to get forward and provide another attacking option and a scoring touch. He might not have hit the high notes in the All-Ireland final but the Ballina man was excellent until then.

Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick)

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Captain of Limerick’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 winning team in 2015, Diarmaid Byrnes continued his progress by earning an All-Star nomination at the end of the season gone by.

The Patrickswell clubman made his senior championship debut against Tipperary and he was one of the more impressive performers in the qualifier victory over Westmeath. Limerick bowed out at the hands of neighbours Clare but Byrnes managed three points from play in Thurles.

U21

Ronan Maher (Tipperary)

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Captain of Tipperary’s U21 hurlers this year, Ronan Maher made his mark more with the seniors, who won the All-Ireland title. One of the team’s best players throughout the Allianz League campaign, Maher anchored the pivotal centre half back position brilliantly.

A tower of strength in the central role, and flanked by brother Pádraic and Seamus Kennedy, this was a key line for Tipp. Maher’s consistency earned him an All-Star and a Young Hurler of the Year nomination.

Austin Gleeson (Waterford)

Source: Photosport/Donall Farmer/INPHO

We’ve run out of superlatives to describe this guy. Simply colossal for Waterford this year and could have done with a delivery van to bring home his haul of gongs from All-Star night. Gleeson might not have sparkled in the Munster final, and mixed the good with the bad against Wexford, but he was excellent in a number of key matches.

Nailing down Gleeson’s long-term home could yet remain a conundrum for Waterford as he can play equally well at centre back, centre forward or even midfield. Already one of the most complete hurlers in the game, Gleeson will feel that he can get even better with more experience.

Liam Blanchfield (Kilkenny)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

As Kilkenny manager Brian Cody tinkered with his side after the All-Ireland semi-final stalemate against Waterford, in came Liam Blanchfield for a senior championship debut. Blanchfield rewarded Cody’s faith by scoring three points from play as the Cats edged a classic rematch.

Earlier in his career, Blanchfield claimed two Croke Cup medals with St Kieran’s, an All-Ireland minor medal with Kilkenny, and he’s also won All-Ireland junior and intermediate club medals with Bennettsbridge.

Conor McDonald (Wexford)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Wexford might have been hammered by Dublin in their Leinster championship opener, but Conor McDonald and Liam Óg McGovern left Croke Park with their heads held high.

And when the Slaneysiders regrouped in the qualifiers, McDonald played a big part. He scored 11 points against Offaly and bettered that with a massive 13-point haul as the Model County claimed a first senior championship victory over Cork since 1956.

U20

Conor Gleeson (Waterford)

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Conor Gleeson is rated by former Waterford forward John Mullane as the best man-marker in the county’s current senior squad. And when Darragh Fives went off injured early against Wexford in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Conor Gleeson stepped in to produce an assured display.

With Fives still out injured for the All-Ireland semi-final, Gleeson earned a start and did extremely well against Kilkenny, retaining his place for the replay. Gleeson capped his inter-county season by winning an All-Ireland U21 medal before helping The Nire to an AIB Munster senior club football final appearance.

Patrick Curran (Waterford)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Another member of the county’s U21 set-up that stormed to All-Ireland honours, Curran also emerged as a senior force to be reckoned with, after debuting at championship level in 2015.

Curran was excellent during the Allianz League campaign and will be hoping for a more consistent championship season next year. He reserved much of his best form for the U21 grade, where Waterford were unstoppable, and the Dungarvan forward is tipped to become a consistent star into the future.

U19

Aaron Shanagher (Clare)

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Aaron Shanagher stormed to national prominence when he came off the bench to leave a trail of defenders in his wake before notching a decisive goal in the Allianz League quarter-final victory over Tipperary at Cusack Park.

In the All-Ireland senior qualifier, Shanagher made his mark with a hat-trick of goals against Laois at the Ennis venue. Shanagher, from the Wolfe Tones club, also scored a point in the qualifier victory over neighbours Limerick and will hope for an extended run in the team under new joint-managers Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor in 2017.

Do you agree with our selections? Who have we omitted? Leave your feedback in the comments section below…

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

WHEN LEICESTER CITY faced Manchester City earlier this month, it felt like a throwback at the King Power Stadium.

A high-octane start generating a raucous atmosphere, Riyad Mahrez’s deft touches slicing apart the opposition defence and Jamie Vardy smashing home goals for fun.

By the final whistle Leicester City were 4-2 winners and the home fans celebrated as the rain teemed down on a Saturday December evening.

In the context of the Premier League season, the result and performance served as a welcome respite. In the context of the 2016 sporting year, it seemed fitting.

Leicester City went from 5,000-1 outsiders in August 2015 to Premier League champions in May 2016.

Their epic triumph stands out from 2016 as one of the most remarkable and startling tales produced.

Jonathan Northcroft, Chief Football Correspondent of The Sunday Times, lives in Leicester and followed their title winning campaign closely.

In the aftermath he has written – ‘Fearless: The Amazing Underdog Story of Leicester City –  and The42 spoke to Northcroft to try to make sense of how this stunning achievement happened.

Source: Fearless

Leicester City became the kingpins of English soccer last May, but how much did they feature in your working life before that and how did the book come about?

“My start with Leicester City would be back when I was working in Scotland – Scotland on Sunday and The Sunday Times – and when Craig Brown started trying to cap everybody who had a Scottish granny.

“Matt Elliott was one of the first in that process that he capped – Martin O’Neill was Leicester manager then – and I came down to speak to Matt at Filbert Street.

Martin O’Neill and Matt Elliott after the 2000 Worthington Cup final

Source: EMPICS Sport

“I had my eye on Leicester at that point but really since I’ve worked for The Sunday Times, it was as Northern Football Correspondent – that was the Manchester and Liverpool clubs – and then as Football Correspondent, you’re covering everything.

“I wouldn’t say Leicester was off the radar but it’s one of a number of clubs you’re covering. I do have a connection with the city which is my wife’s parents live here, which is why we moved here.

“Quite a few of the lads have said, you’re the ultimate glory hunter, moving there when they’ve won the title and writing a book about it, which is kind of half true.

“It’s more that my wife’s family live here, we’ve got a couple of young kids and we moved here for family reasons.

“We started the process of talking about moving in April 2015 and that point I was just hoping Leicester could stay in the league and I could get the odd couple of local games every season.

“I never thought I’d be moving to the home of the champions. We arrived in March and because I was moving to Leicester, a literary agent that I knew quite well texted me at half-time of the Man City game last February – ‘Seeing as you’re moving there, why don’t you write a book?’.

“I kind got swept away by the magic of it all because writing a book is not a good idea when you’ve got young kids and a full time job.”

Robert Huth celebrates scoring against Man City

Source: PA Archive/PA Images

Truth time. At the start of 2015-16 season when you gazed into the crystal ball, what did you see in store for Leicester City?

“Thankfully there’s no proof of predictions in print! We used to do predictions but we don’t any more. I’d have had them battling relegation certainly.

“They were a really good team at the end of 2014-15. But I just thought they’d had a really good run to survive.

“The one thing that was obvious was that they’d a really good spirit. I do know Kasper Schmeichel quite well – I used to ghostwrite his dad Peter when he’d a column at The Sunday Times.

“I interviewed Kasper at the start when Leicester were back in the league, went down to see him at the training ground and he was raving then that this place isn’t like anywhere else. There’s a very different bunch of lads here.”

Kasper Schmeichel celebrates with Jamie Vardy

Source: PA Archive/PA Images

Were you as uninspired as everyone else by the decision to put Claudio Ranieiri in the Leicester hotseat?

“Yes I was. I think like a lot of people, I quite lazily looked at what happened him with Greece and said this guy is on the downslope as a manager.

“I thought he was good with Chelsea and harshly treated then, and he’d done really well with Juventus and Roma.

“But I thought his career was starting to peter out a little bit and his appointment was probably one of those that happens when foreign owners rely on reputation.”

So at what stage did you start to think there was something different about Leicester’s season?

“The game where Vardy broke the record against United last year. I was at that game and that was the first time I thought something really special was happening.

“The whole world had their eyes on that match because of Vardy and his record. It would have been easy for Leicester to under perform and United were doing quite well at that time.

“But they were absolutely terrific and should have beaten United. I came away thinking this was quite special what this club were doing, although I still didn’t think they were going to win the league!”

And that leads us on to when did you realise you were watching the new champions?

“After the Manchester City game (in February), I still thought Arsenal would do it, but a couple of games later after the Norwich one, I thought Leicester are going to win this league, Ulloa got a last minute goal.

Claudio Ranieri sends Leonardo Ulloa into action against Norwich City

Source: AP/Press Association Images

“But certainly after the City game, I felt if Leicester did fail it would be because of injuries and not because of mentality or anything like that. ”

You watched their games, you live in the city and you’ve written the book about them. Any wiser as to how the hell this happened?

“We’ll probably be thinking of that question for the rest of history really! I started off writing the book, thinking that I’m going to find the secret of Leicester but actually I realised it’s very shallow to think there must be a secret, there must be a formula.

“I don’t buy the others under-performed line as a reason for them winning. That created the conditions for another team to win it. But that doesn’t explain why Leicester did it.

“It could have been Southampton or West Ham or Spurs, who could have come from outside that title winning elite. Why didn’t they do it?

“You have to look at how the club was built, that starts with the dressing-room Kasper had told me about 18 months before. Then the players, it’s rare you get 10, 11 players having the season of their lives all at the same time.

“I think tactically Ranieri, where he made the difference was in refining that game plan. He freed up Mahrez.

“Ranieri has a brilliant track record with attacking players. James Rodriguez had the best season of his career under Ranieri at Monaco, his Chelsea team had Damien Duff and Joe Cole playing at their best.

“Another thing is it was a very unified club, not one pulling in different directions. That sounds simple but it doesn’t happen often in the Premier League.

“And the big thing they did was a mental trick, never to think about the consequences. It’s difficult to achieve but they stayed in the moment brilliantly.”

Source: Martin Rickett

How did you find spending time with some of the stars after Leicester’s win – Kasper Schmeichel, Marc Albrighton, Robert Huth, Wes Morgan and Andy King – players who were unheralded and had reached the summit of their sport?

“I did my main interviews for the book in between them winning the title and finishing the season because they didn’t want to speak before winning the title.

“They were in a kind of dreamworld, reality hadn’t struck. But I’ve seen them since and they’re all pretty unaffected by it.

“You’re right to say these guys were unheralded and hadn’t achieved anything like this before and when you think of the places they’d come from, a lot of them had come up against real adversity either in their lives or careers or both.

“There’s a kind of stoicism about them all. That was really nice. Most of them talked about their families, most of them talked about where they’d come from in their careers.

“That was them mentally understanding the context of what they’d done and being very mindful of that.”

Going back to the fact that you were living in Leicester in the last couple of months of the season. There must have been an amazing atmosphere at that time?

“Leicester is an unusual city. It’s the only minority white city in England. It’s got incredible multi-culturalism and it’s a real strength of the city.

“It’s got a different vibe to everywhere else because of that and that gives it a different flavour in football terms. I’ve lived in Liverpool before, I used to live in Glasgow and I’m from Aberdeen.

“Now certainly Glasgow and Liverpool are real football cities. It is on everyone’s mind. Aberdeen to a lesser extent but still the football club is a thing people do talk about.

“Leicester’s not like that. There’s a lot of people who aren’t into football. What I find with some of my Asian friends, are quite often Liverpool, Man U or Chelsea fans because basically their Mums or Dads supported those teams before they arrived in Britain.

“The city was enjoying itself but I lived in Liverpool when they won (the Champions League) in 2005 and that was just bedlam, sheer madness.

“Leicester was a lot more gentle than that but also really nice because it was people enjoying it in a very innocent way.

“The two things I remember most were the night they won it, being down at the King Power and seeing different scenes to what I’d seen in Liverpool in 2005.

“A lot more families, a lot less drinking because quite a lot of the Asian population don’t drink.

Leicester City fans celebrate after Chelsea drew with Tottenham to hand them the league title

Source: Nigel French

“A really sort of good natured celebration but also you could see in people’s faces they didn’t really know what to do. They’d never been in anything like that before.

“And then the parade was incredible because the King Power only holds 30,000 and tickets are limited so not everyone can go but everybody can go to the parade, which was much more inclusive of the different cultures and people in the city.

“People that maybe hadn’t been to a football stadium before but wanted to see what the parade was going to be like. That was an incredible day, you just saw everybody of all ages.

“Women wearing blue hijabs and old Caribbean guys watching the parade, that was a really special day. I’ll remember that for a long time.”

Leicester City fans celebrate their glory

Source: Nick Potts

Looking at Leicester’s form this season seems to confirm how incredible it was what they achieved last May. Does it seem more special to you now and will we ever something like it again?

“It was like stepping out of a time machine a couple weeks ago against City and being back there. They’ve reverted to something a bit more like what you’d call normality this season.

“I was speaking to a friend of mine recently who’s a Leicester fan. It was after they drew with Middlesbrough where there were a few boos of the team. He was laughing and saying, ‘Look, a draw against Middlesbrough, that’s actually historically a good result for Leicester. That’s kind of what we do’.

“People are kind of forgetting that. I’m surprised how quickly they’ve fallen back to what you’d call normal Leicester because I did expect them to have a bit more momentum.

“There’s been the difficulty of coping with new found success and I don’t think they’ve recruited very well. I agree that it seems more special now. I think Ranieri himself said these things happen once every 50 years. He’s probably right.

“I wouldn’t say it’ll never happen again because the fact it happened once shows it could happen. As I’ve said the big clubs under-performing created the conditions for it to happen and it’s hard to see those conditions available again for a long, long time.

“It’s definitely shocked the big clubs into acting. Look at their recruitment. I think the bigger clubs will be stronger in their planning from now on.

“But what I do know is that I will be looking back on what Leicester did at the end of my football reporting days and thinking how being there is one of my career highlights.”

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Click Here: cheap warriors rugby jersey

1. Walter Walsh

2. Darren Rovell

3. Eamonn Coghlan

4. Carl Frampton

5. Richard Brush

6. Joe Sheridan

7. Daria Gavrilova

8. Joey Barton

9. TJ Reid and Kieran Joyce

10. Ciaran Kilkenny

11. Shamrock Rovers

12. Berwick Rangers

13. Per Mertesacker

14. Alan O’Mara

15. Mike Tyson

16. Eamon McGee

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Click Here: Warriors Rugby Jersey

2016 WAS UNDOUBTEDLY one of the busiest, and best, sporting years we’ve had in  a long time.

From the Euros to the Olympics, never-mind domestic competitions and other events and matches worldwide, it’s a sporting year that threw up a ridiculous amount of highlights that we wont be forgetting for a very long time.

Here’s 42 of the best bits, in no particular order of course.

1. Connacht winning the Pro12

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Pat Lam’s troops silenced any doubters from over the years as they stormed to Pro12 victory over Leinster in Murrayfield, winning their first ever major trophy.

2. Annalise Murphy wins silver

Murphy buried her London 2012 demons as she took home a silver medal in the women’s laser radial sailing in Rio. She put in a magnificent performance to claim Team Ireland’s second medal in Brazil, and first sailing medal since 1980.

3. McGregor becomes the “champ champ”

Source: Tom Hogan/INPHO

The RTÉ sportsperson of the year had one of the best nights of his life in November as he beat Eddie Alvarez to win the UFC lightweight belt. The “champ champ” as he calls himself made history that night in New York as he became the first fighter in the 23-year history of the UFC to hold two titles simultaneously.

4. Leicester being crowned Premier League champions

Complete underdogs Leicester City sent waves around the world as they cleared the table by ten points to claim Premier League glory.

Minutes after Ranieri’s side were crowned champions, fellow Leicester man Mark Selby won the World Championship snooker final at the Crucible.

5. Historic win over the All Blacks

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

The Irish rugby team took Chicago by storm as they ended a 111-year wait for victory over New Zealand. And they did it in style too, running in five tries to beat the world champions on their 29th time of asking 40-29.

6. Team Ireland at the Paralympics

Team Ireland returned home from Rio with 11 medals – gold for Jason Smyth , Michael McKillop, Eoghan Clifford, and cycling duo Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal. Dunlevy and McCrystal also brought home one of four silvers, as did Colin Lynch, Orla Barry and Niamh McCarthy. And three bronze medals from Clifford, Ellen Keane and Noelle Lenihan topped off an incredibly successful Paralympics for Ireland.

7. Dublin and Mayo’s All-Ireland battles

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

It has to be said, Mayo pushed Dublin to the limit in the replay and were unlucky not to take home the goods on the first occasion. The first outing was a remarkable game of football with a dramatic conclusion as Cillian O’Connor nailed a last-gasp point from play to rescue a draw after a late Mayo comeback.

8. O’Donovans win silver

Gary and Paul O’Donovan stormed to second in the men’s lightweight double sculls final in Rio, to make history and win Ireland’s first-ever medal in rowing. It was all the more monumental as it was Ireland’s first medal at the 2016 Games, and of course the brother’s stole the hearts of the nation.

9. That Robbie Brady goal

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Many Irish people’s standout sporting moment from 2016, Robbie Brady kept Ireland’s Euro dream alive as he headed past the Azzuri to earn his side a spot in the knockout stages.

10. Katie goes professional

Taylor made the switch to professional boxing following a tough few months, and of course the risk paid off. She kicked off her pro career in London and saw off Karina Kopinsk before defeating Viviane Obenauf just two weeks later in Manchester.

11. Mc Gregor’s revenge

The Dubliner bounced back from his March loss to Nate Diaz with revenge in Vegas in August.

12. Ireland make history in Cape Town

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Ireland had another historic win back in June over South Africa in Cape Town. At the eighth time of asking, Ireland won a Test against the Springboks on South African soil.

13. Rory McIlroy’s first Irish Open title

McIlroy finished with a flourish to secure a maiden Irish Open title and claim his first victory of the year at The K Club in May. He then went on to win the Tour Championship, and the $10 million FedEx Cup bonus in September.

14. Cork ladies take the honours again

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Ephie Fitzerald had big boots to fill as he stepped in as Eamonn Ryan’s successor to manage one of the most successful teams the country has seen over the past decade and more. It was same old story for the Cork ladies however, as they won their 11th All-Ireland crown in 12 years and their sixth in-a-row.

15. Dundalk’s European run

Stephen Kenny’s side were heroic in the Europa League and had a remarkable 2016. Having just missed out on Champions League qualification, the Lilywhites became the first Irish club to earn a Europa League point in their with AZ Alkmaar. They went on to beat M. Tel-Aviv, before three consecutive losses more than likely due to fatigue at the end of a hectic League of Ireland season.

16. Jason Smyth is still the fastest Paralympian on the planet

Source: Dan Behr/INPHO

Jason Smyth retained his title as fastest Paralympian on the planet when he won the 100m sprint in the T13 class. The 29-year-old ran a time of 10.64 to win his third consecutive gold in the event.

17. Usain Bolt in Rio

Bolt brought the curtain down on his Olympic career in style with a record-equalling ninth gold medal. In Rio, he became the first man to win a hat-trick of 100m gold medals, followed it up with a 200m gold and completed the triple as he anchored Jamaica to relay glory. Not bad.

18. Dublin historically retain their title

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Dublin wrote their names into history in October, and confirmed their status as one of the game’s greatest ever teams. Jim Gavin’s men showed their class to defend their title and join Kerry as the only side to retain the Sam Maguire since 1991. Clinching their fourth All-Ireland title in six years,

19. Iceland at the Euros

The surprise package of the Euros, they brought a breath of fresh air to the competition pulling off some major shocks and sending England home. And there was also the thunder-clap, of course.

20. Carl Frampton wins WBA featherweight world title

Source: Presseye/William Cherry/INPHO

Frampton became only the second Irish boxer ever to simultaneously hold two different weight world titles (after Steve Collins) when he defeated the previously unbeaten and three-weight world champion Leo Santa Cruz of Mexico in a pulsating July bout in New York. It was the first time Santa Cruz was defeated in his 10 years on the professional stage. He also prevailed against a previously unbeaten opponent in February, as he beat Scott Quigg to the world super-bantamweight title.

21. November Test win over the Wallabies

Joe Schmidt’s side finished their brilliant November series to hold on and clinch victory over Australia in the Aviva.

22. Michael Phelps in Rio

Source: ©Inpho/Photosport/Marty Melville

The Olympics said goodbye to another legend this year, as Michael Phelps bowed out as he won his 23rd gold. In Rio, he took home titles in the 200m butterfly, the 200m medley, both the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays, and the 4x100m freestyle. Phelps may consider silver in the 100m butterfly a blot in his copybook, but we have to disagree.

23. Tipperary shell-shock Kilkenny

The Premier county finally broke he stranglehold Kilkenny had on them in recent times as they lifted Liam MacCarthy for the first time since 2010.

24. Go Cubs Go!

Source: David J. Phillip

Against the odds, the Chicago Cubs came from behind to beat the Cleveland Indians and end their 108-year wait for the World Series title. What makes it all the more memorable is that it was the same week the Irish rugby team made history in their hometown.

25. Ronaldo shines in Europe

Cristiano Ronaldo helped both Portugal and Real Madrid secure the two most revered titles in European football.  He scored 16 goals to help Real Madrid win their second Champions League title in three years, nailing the last penalty in the final shoot-out. The Euro 2016 title had been a long time coming for Portugal, their first ever major trophy.

26. Fiji sevens

Source: Themba Hadebe

The Fiji sevens team brought a breath of fresh air to the Rio Olympics, winning their nation’s first ever Olympic medal, and a gold one at that. The Pacific islanders were ruthless against Britain in the final, winning 43-7.

27. Jennifer Malone warms our hearts

This summer’s championship brought a phenomenal story of friendship between Pauric Mahony and ‘Kildare’s biggest fan’ Jennifer Malone. She consoled the Waterford hurler as they were defeated by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final replay.

Again, she was at hand in September to celebrate with Kildare captain Aisling Holton and help her lift the All-Ireland intermediate title.

28. Ireland taking the lead over France

Robbie Brady sent Irish hearts racing again as he put his side one up from the penalty spot against the Euro 2016 hosts. Antoine Griezmann ended the dream however, as he scored a brace to send Martin O’Neill’s side home.

29. Ann Downey leads Kilkenny to glory

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Manager Ann Downey captained Kilkenny to the All-Ireland senior camogie title 22 years ago, before the county faced a drought. She managed them to success this year, for the first time since 1994.

30. LeBron helps end Cleveland’s title drought

The city of Cleveland had been starved of success in any sport for 52 years before the Cavaliers won their debut NBA Championship. Lead by star LeBron James, the Cavs topped the Golden State Warriors, coming from behind against the odds.

31. Thomas Barr’s Olympic semi-final

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Having suffered several injury problems in the lead up, not much was expected of the Waterford native. However,he managed to defy the odds winning his 400m hurdles semi-final in emphatic fashion before missing out on a medal position by just 0.05 seconds.

32. Annie Power winning the double

The Willie Mullins-Ruby Walsh partnership stormed to victory in both Cheltenham and Aintree earlier this year, becoming the first mare since Dawn Run to win the Champion Hurdle and Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle in the same season.

33. Katie-George Dunlevy & Eve McCrystal’s haul

On a truly memorable afternoon in Rio, the tandem pair claimed road cycling gold as they obliterated the field and stormed home in first place by over half a minute. Three days later, they produced another incredible ride to add Road Race silver to their collection.

34. Leanne Kiernan lights up the Aviva

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

The 17-year-old Shelbourne striker stole the show as her side dismissed Wexford Youths to win the Women’s FAI Cup. She scored a hat-trick as Shels won 5-0.

35. Mouse Morris’ Grand National double

Tipperary-based trainer Mouse Morris won the Aintree Grand National in April with 33/1 shot Rule the World. This came just days after another horse he trains, Rogue Angel, won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. It is an emotional affair for Morris after his son Christopher’s death in 2015.

36. Simone Biles in Rio

A new star was born in Rio as 19-year-old gymnast wowed on the world’s biggest stage, bringing home four golds and one bronze.

37. Westmeath cause a huge upset in the Leinster u21 hurling championship

Back in May, the midlanders knocked hot-shots Kilkenny out of the competition in the quarter-final. It’s worth noting that as recently as 2012, Westmeath were actually competing in the province’s second tier.

38. Kellie Harrington medals at the World Championships

Source: AIBA/INPHO

The Dubliner became only the second Irish woman to win a medal at the worlds, as she took home silver following an astounding run to get to the final.

39. Shane Lowry’s hole-in-one at the Masters

In April’s Augusta National, the Clara man hit the 16th hole-in-one on the 16th hole in Masters history. It was also his first career hole-in-one in the United States.

40. Anderson retains his title in the Ally Pally

Throwing it right back to January, Gary Anderson defeated Adrian Lewis 7 – 5 in the PDC world darts championship final to win the title for the second year running. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ threw a superb 170 checkout on his way to victory, deflating Lewis’ hopes.

41. The Broncos

The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl 50 title in February. The Broncos booked their date with the Carolina Panthers in January as they won their two play-off games, convincingly beat both the Patriots and the Steelers. Perhaps the Superbowl itself wasn’t the best bit of the NFL season, but the year itself was a remarkable one especially for the Broncos.

42. Ireland’s 1-0 win in Vienna

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Ireland ended 53 years of hurt in November with a long-awaited win over Austria. James McClean’s away goal was enough to secure three points, and to send Martin O’Neill’s men top of World Cup 2018 qualifying Group D.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Click Here: France Rugby Shop