Predictions for 2007: Gavin Cummiskeyrounds up usual and not-so-usual suspects to get their views on the past year and gives them a chance to get it wrong for the year ahead.
We, well actually the Sports Editor, decided to mix it up a little this year by moving away from the traditional "who will win what" questions. Our experts - we put together a pretty decent bunch this time; only Bernard Dunne survives from last year and a few Irish Timesfeature writers and columnists have been drafted in for their pearls of wisdom.
The Dark Lord of our new and improved Sports Department - thanks to the move from D'Olier to Tara Street - makes his once-yearly picture-by-line appearance (he insists on reminding us of his clairvoyant powers - among other things he predicted flaws in the promised appointment of a "world-class" Ireland manager and backed Italy to win the World Cup. We'll see if his luck holds as he goes against the grain on rugby and golf predictions).
A few old gems are retained - One to Watch, Memories of 2006 and a Sporting Wish for 2007 - but we push our journalists and sports personalities a little further this time with queries on Irish rugby's true potential, the life expectancy of Steve Staunton as Irish coach and the chances of a European ending the seven-year Major drought.
That the British Open is back at the dreaded Carnoustie links for the first time since Jean van de Velde's spectacular meltdown in 1999 supposedly bodes well for Padraig Harrington. No pressure, Padraig, but nearly all our "experts" have waded in behind you - including our esteemed golf correspondent.
The swelling national confidence in the Irish rugby team is a cause for concern. Our chief rugby writer hardly calms the delirium. A Grand Slam is expected but the Golden Generation's aspirations could go up in smoke at the Millennium Stadium on February 4th or at the hands of the Pumas on September 30th. History has taught us to err on the side of caution. What dreams may come.
And then there is Stan. The Irish soccer manager certainly provided the quote of 2006, in January, with his "I'm the Gaffer" introduction speech only for the whole charade to collapse around his ears in Nicosia. Pride was marginally restored against the Czech Republic but the knives are already sharpened for Staunton and the FAI chief executive, John Delaney, should Wales and Slovakia inflict further embarrassment in March.
The biggest sporting event of 2007? A toss-up between the Rugby World Cup in France and the World Athletics Championships in Osaka. The Leinster magicians and the Munster stormtroopers (with some Ulster seasoning) or Derval O'Rourke attempting to outsprint the world.
But the most momentous occasion will come twice as the GAA unlock the Croke Park gates to those evil garrison games. France and Wales are the first visitors in the Six Nations and European qualifiers respectively but all eyes will be on the arrival of the, hopefully still clueless, Old Enemy on February 24th.
An added irony is the new English rugby coach, Brian Ashton, had a ridiculously uncomfortable tenure as Ireland coach in the late 1990s. Pa Whelan will be sitting comfortably in the stands.
2006 memories? Naturally, anyone who attended the Heineken European Cup final on May 20th will cherish the experience forever. - even those who travelled with a watered-down Dublin brogue.
Thankfully, Mary Hannigan remembered to mention Argentina's wonder goal against Serbia and Montenegro.
The football championship ignited in patches, Kieran Donaghy overpowering the mighty Francie Bellew as Kerry felled Armagh in a vintage quarter-final, perhaps the only moment of epic quality.
Mayo reached the final but fell sadly short of their semi-final heroics against Dublin.
Derval O'Rourke has potentially hit on something by tipping Mayo, All-Ireland finalists two out of the last three years, what with the return of the prodigal son John O'Mahony and the involvement of her trainer, Jim Kilty.
Football remains an open book in 2007. The Dubs are loyally tipping Dublin, while a few sages see Tyrone making a triumphant return. There is a trend developing whereby Mickey Harte's men take 12 months to recover from an All-Ireland win. Kerry will always be in touch, despite the retirement of Séamus Moynihan and Tom O'Sullivan. Armagh, too, still breath.
Brian Cody's running battle with the media this summer ended in emphatic victory for the Village man in September. Kilkenny commanded respect and upset most pundits by mugging Cork in the All-Ireland final. That their defenders, having silenced Joe Deane and Ben O'Connor, were overlooked in the annual awards was a travesty.
Can Ger Loughnane become the Western messiah? A Cork revival? A last stand from Justin McCarthy in Waterford? The smart money remains on Henry Shefflin to lift Liam MacCarthy.
Our chief feature writer is a new contributor here and the only Gaelic Games expert on the journalists' side. St Vincent's GAA club and hurling are repeatedly championed - even when Tom Humphries tips Reading striker Shane Long, the Tipperary native formerly known as a minor hurler, to be a breakthrough artist.
If the November Tests showed anything, it was the growing greed for success in this Irish rugby team. Gerry Thornley tips a Munster prop and a Leinster scrumhalf to confirm their superior class, which would certainly strengthen areas that patently lack the depth to win seven consecutive games next autumn.
Ominously, the Sports Editor and racing correspondent fearlessly predict another Lens-type debacle at the Rugby World Cup.
Brian O'Connor distances himself from the Harrington cheerleading by backing Jose Maria Olazabal to earn a third green jacket. Malachy Logan thinks Luke Donald is worth a punt. Augusta, maybe, says Philip Reid.
Felipe Contepomi is refreshingly upbeat; O'Rourke and Dunne reach for the stars; Paul McGinley keeps our feet on the ground; Dermot Weld offers a sup from his well of knowledge; Kieran Donaghy slam dunked the GAA into the 21st century in 2006 and brings those basketball verbals to his assessments.
It certainly never gets boring around these parts.
The Pundits
Malacy Logan (Sports Editor)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?Attending the Champions League final in Paris when Barcelona beat Arsenal. Not such a great game, but you could not get a better occasion in a better stadium in a better city.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?I have an uneasy feeling about the wild optimism that abounds. Don't think we will win the Grand Slam and see us failing to get to World Cup quarter-finals.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to last another 12 months as Irish manager?For John Delaney to hang in there as his John the Baptist.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Luke Donald has the temperament and all-round game to come up trumps.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?Dublin (got to be right some year) and Cork.
One for the future?Jockey Tom O'Brien. Only 19 but if he has half the same determination and judgment as his uncle Aidan O'Brien, seems certain to go far.
Sporting wish for the coming year?That the Government stop telling us how much they have done for sport. It's taxpayers' money after all and sport is still significantly underfunded compared to other EU countries.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?Hopefully I will get to both the opening games. I will probably give my spare tickets to a fellow Northsider who needs a dig-out.
Gerry Thornley (Rugby Correspondent)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?Easy. The full-time whistle in the Millennium Stadium on May 20th.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?Munster to retain the European Cup, Ireland to win the championship/maybe the Slam, and reach the quarters or final of the World Cup.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?You'd imagine beating the Welsh at Croke Park would be an essential starting point and beyond that no revisiting the shambles of Cyprus.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Padraig Harrington.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?Kerry and Galway.
One for the future?Darragh Hurley. The ex-Irish Schools loosehead looks set for an outstanding career, fingers crossed.
Sporting wish for the coming year?European Cup, Grand Slam and World Cup reside in this country by the end of it all. Not much to ask.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?Hope to make it.
Tom Humphries (Chief Feature Writer)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?Kieran Donaghy's goal and "who's crying now?" comment against Armagh. St Vincent's v Na Fianna Dublin SFC semi-final.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?Yes. Yes. They're having a World Cup? Allez les Verts!
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?John Delaney to survive another 12 months as CEO.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?I'll stick with Padraig Harrington to save the pride of the continent.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?Tyrone and Kilkenny.
One for the future?Dermot Connolly (hurling and football Blue Star in the capital this year). Shane Long of Reading. (Is that two?)
Sporting wish for the coming year?A Leinster final appearance for the Dublin hurlers.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?Maybe. Yes. And now that you ask, yes, loads of spare tickets.
Philip Reid (Golf Correspondent)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?The Ryder Cup at The K Club, one spine-tingling moment after another . . . and a fittingly emphatic win for Europe, inside the ropes (from the players) and outside the ropes (from the fabulous galleries).
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?Grand Slam: yes. World Cup: no. Wales could be the trickiest assignment in achieving the Grand Slam. I don't think anybody will match the All Blacks in the World Cup.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?Dismissing him before his contract is up would cause too many problems for the FAI hierarchy.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?The best chance could be Padraig Harrington at Carnoustie ( this year's British Open). He has twice won the Dunhill Links, part of which is staged there, in the past four years.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?The heart (if not the head) says Dublin for the Sam Maguire. Ger Loughnane to work the oracle for Galway.
One for the future?Rory McIlroy is an outstanding talent, yet he has managed to keep his feet firmly on the ground.
Sporting wish for the coming year?That Leeds and Shels find financial saviours.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?I'm on the look-out for tickets to the Ireland-France rugby match . . . no luck yet.
Brian O'Connor (Racing Correspondent)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?Every time Roger Federer went on court - the world's greatest sporting talent.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?The "collars-up" brigade really expect this year - so No. Expect another Lens moment, and bet accordingly.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?He must manage to say "gaff-awr" without everyone peeing themselves.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Jose Maria Olazabal at Augusta.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?Kerry for the football and Cork for the hurling - as it should be.
One for the future?How Holy Roman Emperor lost the Dewhurst Stakes in October is still beyond me. Expect Aidan O'Brien's horse to get it right in the 2,000 Guineas.
Sporting wish for the coming year?That Roger Federer wins the Grand Slam. It would be the supreme sports story of all - and proof you don't have to have your head up your backside to be the very best.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?Maybe the soccer - if Dermot Weld organises a ticket.
Mary Hannigan (Feature Writer, Columnist)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?Argentina's second goal against Serbia and Montenegro at the World Cup, and the 24 passes that led to it.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?Acquaintances tell me world domination is unavoidable. I have a feeling that class of talk will guarantee disappointment.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?Anything less than nine points from the first three games of the year and the Gaffer could be under pressure again. The key could be keeping Shay Given swathed in cotton wool.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Heart says Padraig Harrington, but that Paul Casey has the look of a fella who could win a Major or three.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?Would Kerry and Cork be too obvious? Yes? Well, in an attempt to live dangerously: Donegal and Ger Loughnane's Galway. And Cork for a third double in a row in football and camogie.
One for the future?At the risk of ruining his career: Ipswich striker Billy Clarke, the Cork teenager.
Sporting wish for the coming year?That mandatory life sentences be brought in for footballers who dive.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?Hopefully the football and no. But you'll probably find 20,000 on eBay nearer the day.
The Players
Dermot Weld (Horse Trainer)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?On a personal basis, winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh with my mother's horse, Nightime. Outside of that, Munster winning the Heineken European Cup.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?I'm very confident Ireland can win the Grand Slam and, given luck with injuries, I believe they can reach the World Cup final against New Zealand.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?Better results.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Hopefully Padraig Harrington, maybe at Carnoustie (British Open).
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?I would love Kildare to win the football but Kerry look very professional and they're more likely. A few years ago, I said Waterford would win an All-Ireland and I still think they can.
One for the future?Some years ago I tipped Keith Gleeson to play for Ireland and I think the Munster prop Darragh Hurley can do the same.
Sporting wish for the coming year?That my horses remain healthy.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?I will definitely attend the rugby, and possibly the soccer. And of course I have spare tickets.
Felipe Contepomi (Rugby, Leinster and Argentina)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?Beating England in Twickenham. It was the first time Argentina ever beat England in England. One of the great moments in our rugby history.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?I would certainly like Ireland to take the next step and win the Grand Slam. Regarding the World Cup, why can't Ireland and Argentina come out of the pool? France are probably the second-best team in the world right now but we only lost to them by one point in November.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?Ireland have some good players but they must be willing to play for the coach.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Padraig Harrington is playing his best golf at the moment but it would probably still have to be the British Open as the Americans are too strong at home.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?I would like to see the Dubs go all the way in football and I will stick with Kilkenny to retain their title in the hurling.
One for the future?Leinster's Luke Fitzgerald.
Sporting wish for the coming year?My wish is to win everything with Leinster and reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup with Argentina. Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets? Yeah, I will probably go. Ireland will be seen with different eyes around the world when France and England come to this great stadium.
Paul McGinley (Golf)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?The Ryder Cup. Not just because we won, but because we, as a country, put on a fabulous show.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?Absolutely. I have great confidence in what Eddie O'Sullivan has done and there's a lot of momentum with the team.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?He needs to find more strength in depth in the squad. The current depth doesn't match what Jack Charlton or Mick McCarthy had.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Padraig Harrington can do it, but if I didn't believe I could win a Major myself, I wouldn't be playing professional golf.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?I think Dublin will win the football, but we probably need one or two changes to the team. The Cork hurlers, having missed out in 2006, will bounce back in 2007.
One for the future?Rory McIlroy.
Sporting wish for the coming year?Celtic to win the Champions League - and then to move to play in the English Premier League.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?I'll be at the Ireland-Wales soccer match. My son, Killian, and his two cousins will be mascots, so even though there will be a World Golf Championship event that week, I will be in Croke Park.
Bernard Dunne (Boxing)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?Lifting the European Belt in front of 7,000 people in the Point.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?I'd expect them to at least get to the World Cup semi-final.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?Steve came in to develop young players with one eye on the World Cup qualifying campaign. He should be allowed do that but if he doesn't produce the results the public may not be so patient. Also, I believe it's 50 per cent the players' responsibility to perform.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?I will be throwing a few quid on Padraig Harrington for every Major.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?Dublin, if they are mentally right, and Kilkenny.
One for the future?I think this will be a good year for the amateur boxers as qualification for the Olympics begins. Kenneth Egan, in particular, can make an impression.
Sporting wish for the coming year?Retain my belt, stay undefeated and move up the rankings.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?Spare tickets! I have about 50 guys waiting in a queue. I will be attending. Who would want to miss the Brits getting beaten in Croke Park?
Derval O'Rourke (Athletics)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?The European championships in August. Winning the world indoor title earlier was fantastic, but I went to Gothenburg under a lot more pressure. My confidence was very low going and then for the first time all summer I felt like myself again, and just nailed it on the day to win the silver.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?I think it will. The fact Munster are coming off the European Cup victory is still a big factor. Ireland will be hard to beat in Six Nations and they can make the latter stages of World Cup.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?I sense the Irish team are on a bit of a downturn at the moment, which is too bad.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?For Padraig Harrington, it's not just about talent, it's about thinking things through and working on his weaknesses. That's why I would love to see him win a major.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?In football I'll be cheering for Mayo, mainly because my coach Jim Kilty is involved with them. In hurling it will have to be Cork.
One for the future?I have a suspicion sprinter Paul Hession is going to have a big year.
Sporting wish for the coming year?The gold medal in the 100-metre hurdles at the World Championships in Osaka next August.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?Would love to attend either. Spare tickets - no.
Kieran Donaghy (Gaelic Football, basketball)
Favourite sporting moment from 2006?The Gooch (Colm Cooper) and Declan O'Sullivan lifting Sam Maguire. Considering Declan had been dropped and the Gooch had to come through a bad period, watching them lift it together meant a lot to me.
Will 2007 be a great year for Irish rugby?I don't see why we can't win the Six Nations. Also, I'll be following Munster wherever they go.
What must be achieved for Steve Staunton to survive another 12 months as Irish manager?A respectable place in the group should be enough. Who knows? Someone might produce a quare hawk of a result with the Germans and we could still finish second.
Most likely European golfer to end the Major drought?Padraig Harrington at the British Open. To win a Major you need a steady golfer and that's what he is.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?Pass on the football. Waterford have it in them to win the hurling - if they can just keep it together mentally.
One for the future?Darren O'Sullivan can step up to the plate this year.
Sporting wish for the coming year?To have a good go at winning back-to-back championships.
Will you attend the rugby or soccer at Croke Park and do you have any spare tickets?If I have no league game I'd love to get up for the rugby and the first soccer match. They're going to be great occasions and a sign of the times.
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