Looking back at the very first Sporting World column of 2018, we came far too close to the ‘sporting year of nightmares’ that had been predicted. Thankfully, secret Man United fan Loris Karius saved us all in the Champions League Final and England ran out of steam in Russia!
2018 taught us many things but we’ve gone for our Top 5 lessons of the sporting year for the week that’s in it.
1. Miracles do happen!
Whether you’re a soccer player with Ballybrack, a Mullinalaghta footballer, an Irish Women’s hockey player, a floored Tyson Furey or a washed up Tiger Woods, never, ever give up! Anything is possible in the world of sport.
2. Hurlers are the greatest showmen
Ok so some of us probably already knew this but when the game of hurling is played in the right manner, there is no better team sport to watch in the world. The entire hurling championship was full of thrills and spills with Limerick worthy champions.
3. It’s Liverpool’s year!
The manner of the goal against Everton, the deflections against United and the sense of momentum building…the ‘Scousers’ are finally going to end their long wait for a league title – I swear.
4. Don’t outstay your welcome
José Mourinho, Martin O’Neill, Roy Keane, John Delaney, Conor McGregor, Shane Ross etc. There have been plenty of figures in the world of sport getting on fans’ nerves this year!
5. 2019 could be the best yet!
Whisper it…but as it stands we’ll be sending our best ever team to a Rugby World Cup! Add that to the fact that the senior hurling championship could be anyone’s and the Champions League looks wide open and next year promises so much!
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all!
