A selection of images from 2008's sporting events, including a top shoice from Eric Luke.
ERIC LUKEexplains his choice: "WHAT AN EVENT. Munster facing the All Blacks. A new stadium, an official opening, a capacity crowd and an atmosphere you could cut with a knife. Supporters gathered at the gates, due to open at 5pm for a 7.30pm kick-off. Where else could you be but Thomond Park? The build-up to this clash was gaining momentum, and the action moved to the pitch where the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, declared the stadium open. With pictures of the opening ceremony in the bag, I still needed a news picture with a difference to mark the occasion. Then it happened - as Munster Kiwis Rua Tipoki, Jeremy Manning, Doug Howlett and Lifeimi Mafi engaged in the haka, with teammates lined up behind, red shirts blazing, we had a rare image from an historic encounter. Other than a Munster victory - and it was close - this had to be the news picture from the match.
A 500mm telephoto lens allowed me emphasise the red-shirted haka of Tipoki and Manning. I sent my haka picture at half-time, and covered the nail-biting second-half, ending with a slim 18-16 New Zealand victory. The pace was frantic and pictures had to be transmitted against a close deadline because of the late evening match. The reward: a front-page picture in news and a front page in the sports section.
So many claim to have been at that famous 1978 encounter and Munster victory. I wasn't there - but I made it this time, and have a photograph to prove it.