Gavin Cummiskeylooks ahead to a sporting year with more hope than confidence and warns punters to be wary of gift-wrapped predictions
The last 12 months provided the sporting cynic with plenty of ammo, leaving the general feeling at the dawn of 2008 that the party is finally over. The national rugby team has lost its bite, while the soccer fellas exude a depressing lack of heart, and we hold only a grain of hope for Olympic medals.
Pádraig Harrington provides the ray of light as we head into a Ryder Cup year, although this is tempered by some of his other compatriots losing their way.
Those who have been around Irish sport long enough know the collective, eventually, is prone to let you down.
That was the key word in the IRFU explanation for the damp squib that was the World Cup campaign.
"Players and the IRFU alike accept that individually and collectively we underperformed at the World Cup and fell well short of our expectations . . . "
With the same group of players largely intact, the upcoming Six Nations provides an outlet to address that malfunctioning, horrid night in Bordeaux when the Georgians almost had Ireland's number.
Looking at last year's predictions, the sports editor and racing correspondent foresaw this train wreck before it even left the station. We assume Brian O'Connor collected after stating, "Expect another Lens moment and bet accordingly."
Our leader, Malachy Logan, said, "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 the World Cup quarter-finals."
Note, however, that the sports editor's curse on a "star to watch" goes to Justin Rose in 2008 (other beneficiaries have been Luke Donald in 2007, Mark Vaughan in 2006 and US tennis player James Blake in 2005).
There were several moments of Irish sporting depression in 2007, of course, punctuated by Harrington's eventual poise to clinch the British Open in a play-off.
But we'll always remember the glazed, bemused look in Bernard Dunne's eyes after Kiko Martinez brought his career to a halt with a 90-second avalanche of blows.
Irish boxing is, however, going through a renaissance of sorts, the US-based middleweights John Duddy and Andy Lee impressing on their homecomings - albeit against dud opponents.
The GAA championship flickered but never caught fire to the standard of previous years (the Munster hurling championship being an honourable and enthralling exception). Kerry and Kilkenny won't care as they both go hunting a three-in-a-row this September. Waterford people still stare into a half empty glass. But at least they have Mary Hannigan rooting for them.
So we march into 2008 on a generally low ebb. And yet hope shows through eternal in the majority of answers offered up by our pundits and players alike.
There are the great white hopes of Irish golf (Graeme McDowell), athletics (David Gillick) and boxing (Lee), who all head into massive years in their maturing careers. Our soccer columnist Brian Kerr covers that angle.
Where do we go from here? That's pretty much the theme of the questionnaire. Is there any hope for a medal in China? Are the good times in rugby over (Munster excluded)? Can our as-yet-unidentified new football manager guide us away from the abyss? Will the Ryder Cup provide another Irish hero? Can our heroes in various disciplines rise from the ashes of 2007?
The answer is undoubtedly yes.
The great thing about sport is that new names always emerge to keep us interested. And yet glancing through last year's "One to watch" is quite depressing; apart from Rory McIlroy none of those named made a huge impact. The teenage golfer is tipped by several pundits again. He is undoubtedly a gem; maybe we should not heap pressure on him in his first full year as a professional.
Maybe we haven't learn from the great expectations placed on our rugby internationals.
Maybe we'll never learn.
Graeme McDowell Golfer
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
Manchester United beating Liverpool - not once but twice - at Anfield.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Absolutely, I've just joined a new management company that has Derval O'Rourke and David Gillick on its books, so my money is on them!
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
You don't become a bad team overnight, so no, I believe Ireland will bounce back in 2008.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
Not unless David Healy gets an Irish passport. Joking!! No, I don't see any quick way back from the Republic's current plight . . . unless, maybe, Roy Keane could be inveigled into becoming the next manager.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
If I'm honest, GAA is not my forte - but I believe Kilkenny have a good chance in the football and Kerry are worth a punt in the hurling!!??
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
I benefited from the Irish Sports Council grants as an amateur, so I believe that these players should get compensated in some way for the personal sacrifices they make. It shouldn't change anything with regards to amateurism.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
I believe two Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team by right . . . plus there is the potential for a wild card pick too from Nick Faldo. It could be three, just like at The K Club.
One to watch in 2008?
One guy . . . Rory McIlroy!!!
Sporting wish for 2008?
Can I have two? I dearly want to make the Ryder Cup team for Valhalla. That's my personal wish . . . the other one is for Manchester United to win the Champions League.
Colm Begley Brisbane Lions, ex-Laois footballer
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
Losing the Laois county final to Portlaoise was a memory I won't easily forget. I loved coming home to play with Stradbally but it ended on a downer. I also thought the All-Ireland final was an anti-climax.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Always a hope but nothing springs to mind.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
I don't think so. The top-quality players are still there . . . a few young players and new coaching set up could reinvigorate the team.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
Same thing, you always hope there is some way back. All it takes is the right direction and someone bringing through fresh ideas.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Laois will win the football! Honestly, I can't see anyone beating Kerry but Dublin are the best equipped to do so. Kilkenny to also complete the three-in-a-row in hurling.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
I don't think so. I think everyone realises they are not moving towards professionalism. Players have put in so much effort that they deserve some assistance. Essentially they are playing for the jersey but it's not as if players approach it as an amateur sport anymore.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
I was watching the Australian Masters recently and everyone was raving about Rory McIlroy, so along with Harrington he could make it two.
One to watch in 2008?
Laois teenager Donie Kingston. Big lad and a good player.
Sporting wish for 2008? Three. To play regularly for the Lions and make the Grand Final. To see Laois win the Leinster title again and Stradbally win the county final.
David Gillick Athlete
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
After a bad shot, Padraig Harrington walking by himself across the tiny stone bridge (at Carnoustie), and making Garcia and his caddy wait . . . At that moment, I knew he would win.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Eileen O'Keeffe, the hammer thrower, if she can build on her outstanding performances of 2007. Also Rob Heffernan in the 20k walk - great athlete and an even greater person.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
To be honest, it's time for them to deliver . . . and hopefully they can make it count in 2008. Good times ahead I think.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
We need guidance from an experienced manager. There is a way back . . . you just need to believe and we need a manager who believes.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Football most definitely is the Dubs - yeah, I'm biased. In hurling . . Just hope to God it's not Kilkenny. I'm sick of them.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
It could be messy, as far as organising who gets what and what players qualify. As far as turning professional, hopefully when I retire from athletics and put the blue jersey on, it could be a different game altogether.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
I think three, why not?
One to watch in 2008?
Paul "Hurricane" Hession.
Sporting wish for 2008?
Being able to say "I've done well" and running to my potential at the Olympics in front of my three mates that left last September to cycle from Dublin to Beijing to cheer me on in August and raise money for charity. Happy New Year, boys, wherever you are!
Andy Lee Boxer
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
It was nice to come home, see my family and show people what I've picked up along the way. I had eight fights this year and won them all by TKO or stoppage. I made a bit of an impact in America and then finished up strongly in Ireland. I've learned my trade now.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Paddy Barnes is the only qualified Irish boxer so far. I went to Chicago and watched him fight in the World Championships. He is a very good boxer . . . he could be an outsider for a medal.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
Maybe we overestimated this Irish team but I know a few lads like Alan Quinlan and Paul O'Connell so I know they possess the strength of character to bounce back.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
At least now they have an opportunity to start again. Several young players have been bedded into the set-up so it is not all doom and gloom.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
I believe the Limerick hurlers can go one better. Sometimes you must be exposed to the highest level to learn how to win. I'm sure they'll be up for it this year.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
It will probably raise the standard of the sport.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
Don't really follow the golf but Pádraig Harrington anyway.
One to watch in 2008?
If John Duddy gets the expected world title shot against Kelly Pavlik, he has a good chance of winning. Duddy will be well up for what would be a massive fight for Ireland. He will do us proud.
Sporting wish for 2008?
Again, just build on 2007. Work my way into a contender spot.
Ross O'Carroll-Kelly Schools rugby legend
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
Trying to explain the rules of rugby to Miriam Lord in the George V in Paris during the World Cup - over six bottles of obscenely expensive champagne. Then getting the receipt made out for "laptop hire" and getting The Times to shell out for it.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Dude, if I had any interest in a big midsummer festival where people run around sweating and are on drugs, I'd go to Oxegen.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
No, I don't think so, 2007 brought tears and disappointment - but Lansdowne Road will be finished soon and we won't have to look at Ballybough ever again.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
There's no way back for soccer. Give it up. A game played by millionaires with no brains - we're pretty much cornering that morket ourselves now.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Some county where the potato remains the main staple of the diet.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
No, I think the old traditions will remain. Players with big noses, tight shorts and gelled heads. Fans from the bogs bringing sangwiches to Croke Park so as not to contribute to the local economy. Men with an odd shade of red hair. Those things will always be with us.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
I have no interest in golf. Which reminds me, are there any tickets going?
One to watch in 2008?
Luke Fitzgerald - he could be the next me.
Sporting wish for 2008?
Ronan O'Gara signs for Leinster.
Brian Kerr Former Ireland soccer manager
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
England v Ireland at Croke Park. It was a day when I felt everybody throughout Irish sport, both north and south, grew up a bit.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Our best chance is boxing. Paddy Barnes is the only current qualifier but if Darren Sutherland or Kenny Egan gets through the qualification process we have a real chance.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
Because of our playing base, it's always difficult to sustain success . . . but I think there is something left in the current group.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
Each new qualification campaign brings fresh hope. Despite the farcical process to find the next manager, he should be well bedded in by the time the competitive games start next August. Once the structures are rebuilt around the squad they are a decent team. Can't see us qualifying though, no matter who is manager.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
In hurling my head says Kilkenny over Waterford or Cork. In football my heart says Dublin.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
The rewards are minimal so it won't change player ambitions. It's still about the jersey.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
Harrington, Clarke, McGinley . . . so three.
One to watch in 2008?
Noel Haverty was one of only two home-based players on the Irish under-19s this year. He was outstanding and we expect him to break into the St Pat's first team next season.
Sporting wish for 2008?
That the Sports Council grants process is not so concentrated on the three main ball games - soccer, rugby and GAA. That a fairer piece of the cake is provided to other sports.
Ian O'Riordan Athletics correspondent
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
There's nothing like winning championship medals, and the way David Gillick defended his European Indoor 400-metre title, and then celebrated it, was a timely reminder of that.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
No, not in track and field anyway. Eileen O'Keeffe in the hammer and Rob Heffernan in the walk are the only real contenders, but they'll still need a huge improvement to make the medals. Anyone for clay-pigeon shooting?
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
No. Ireland can still be competitive, even if confidence won't be as high as in recent years.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
The right players just aren't there right now, or the right attitude, and it will take an exceptional manager to turn that around any time soon.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Paul Galvin getting the Kerry captaincy should inspire them to go on and win the three-in-a-row. In hurling, the heart still longs for Waterford, but the head still says Kilkenny.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
It already has. It's a deserving and overdue gesture, but it's also a turning point. The next step will be for the GAA themselves to contribute some grant money, and after that . . .
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
It's hard to see any more than two. But with a talent like Rory McIlroy coming down the line at least the future of Irish golf still looks bright.
One to watch in 2008?
We haven't yet seen the best of Paul Hession, Ireland's greatest sprinting talent in years.
Sporting wish for 2008?
That we come away from Beijing with some pride and respect, even if we don't win a medal. We really can't afford another poor Olympics.
Malachy Logan Sports Editor
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
Although the Croke Park victory over England was one of the great moments in Irish sport for all sorts of reasons, my abiding memory was watching events unfold in Kingston, Jamaica, on St Patrick's Day when Ireland claimed the scalp of Pakistan at the cricket World Cup. You couldn't dream of writing that script.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Don't think medals should be the sole criterion of a successful Olympics for a country the size of Ireland. Getting to an Olympic final in any discipline is quite an achievement and we can hold out some hope for Eileen O'Keeffe (hammer), David Gillick and Derval O'Rourke.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
After the disappointment of the World Cup, don't think we will ever be as optimistic again. As for the good times, wouldn't rule out Munster restoring pride in the Heineken Cup.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
The FAI should patent their ability to mess things up. They really are talented at turning what should be a simple procedure into the most convoluted and embarrassing operation.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Tyrone and Waterford, finally.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
Not in the short term but a player who joins a county panel in 2008 and spends 10 years at the top of the game will be expecting a helluva lot more than €2,500 in 2018.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
Two - Harrington and McIlroy.
One to watch in 2008?
Think Justin Rose will win his first golf major.
Sporting wish for 2008?
That terrestrial TV regain some of the big-time sport lost to satellite TV over the last few years.
Gerry Thornley Rugby correspondent
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
Ireland beating England at Croke Park, and the rugby World Cup, warts and all.
Olympics any hope of an Irish medal?
No idea.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
You get that horrible feeling that Ireland peaked and are now heading downwards, a feeling not helped by the lack of transparency, accountability and leadership from the top, though as long as Munster remain in the Heineken Cup there's hope.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
There's talent, but again the soccer team are in a downward spiral with a lack of leadership, and one only has to look at the case histories of Northern Ireland and Scotland to see how difficult this would be to address. Terry Venables would not inspire confidence . . . Somebody like Roy Hodgson looks a far more credible option, if less of a "name".
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Kerry and Kilkenny.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
You'd have thought it had to, and the players appear to be fed up and genuinely militant about their treatment over the years, especially in some old-school counties.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
Two - Harrington and Clarke.
One to watch in 2008?
Duncan Williams, the 22-year-old Cork Constitution scrumhalf, is back from two years of injuries and of all the fine crop of young scrumhalves coming up looks to have a very complete game: quick, strong and a good pass off both hands.
Sporting wish for 2008?
Arsenal to win everything.
Mary Hannigan Columnist and feature writer
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
Television-less on holidays, listening to the closing stages of the British Open on RTÉ Radio. Not being able to see Pádraig Harrington's brush with Barry Burn was probably a good thing, but Greg Allen's quite wonderful commentary made us feel we were drowning in that blasted stream. But Harrington gave us the most blissful of endings, and we saluted that radio like it was the Claret Jug itself.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
We could all be hammer-throwing aficionados come August if Eileen O'Keeffe can build on her sixth place at the World Championships.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
Noticed Ireland jerseys reduced by 25 per cent in a shop the other day, so, alas, it seems so.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
The only way, surely, is up? Even if the FAI appointed Podge and Rodge as managers they should be able to do something with a team that has a core of Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff (if fit) and Stephen Ireland (if, eh, available).
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
We'll boldly go for . . . Kerry and Kilkenny.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
Hopefully not.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
Well, for services rendered Harrington, Clarke and McGinley should by now have selection exemptions, and Rory McIlroy looks absurdly gifted for one so young. So, four would be nice - but we fear just the one: Harrington.
One to watch in 2008?
Owen Garvan, the Ipswich and Republic of Ireland under-21 footballer.
Sporting wish for 2008?
That Waterford win the hurling All-Ireland.Tom Humphries Columnist and feature writer
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
The Leinster Club Football Championship.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Sorry. No hope.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
There were good times?
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
No. The lack of ambition and imagination is terminal. Next manager? Somebody from the rinky-dink catalogue.
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Three in a row for Kilkenny and Kerry.
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
No more so than sponsorship on jerseys, funding from supporters clubs, players taking endorsement money, etc.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
Ehm. Two?
One to watch in 2008?
Ger Brennan, Dublin footballer.
Sporting wish for 2008?
For somebody to show some vision/a happy St Patrick's Day.
Philip Reid Golf correspondent
Lasting sports memory from 2007?
No question about it: the trials and tribulations of Padraig Harrington on the 18th at Carnoustie. Twice in the water, head reeling . . . and still having the fortitude to go on and win the Claret Jug. Priceless.
Olympics - any hope of an Irish medal?
Not from the mainstream track and field, unfortunately . . . if we are to sneak one, it could be someone like the canoeist Eoin Rheinisch.
Rugby - are the good times finally over?
Missing out on the Grand Slam in 2007 and the disaster that was the World Cup could have a longer-term effect on the Ireland team than that Genesis/IRFU report would have us believe. Too many players are past their best . . . it could be a few years before Ireland gets back to its pre-World Cup standing.
Soccer - is there a way out of the present mess?
Maybe the next manager can coax Kieran Donaghy to play? Seriously, it's time for the players to do the talking on the pitch . . . and for someone with no FAI baggage and his own strong personality to take over as manager. Why not Gerard Houllier to bring French panache and order to affairs?
Football and hurling All-Ireland winners?
Dublin to capture Sam. Kilkenny to retain Liam!
Will player grants change the GAA landscape?
The amounts are quite small and hardly going to break the bank. It won't herald a semi-pro game.
How many Irish will make the Ryder Cup team?
Two: Pádraig Harrington and one from Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
One to watch in 2008?
Rory McIlroy is the next big thing in world golf.
Sporting wish for 2008?
That the Olympics in Beijing are free of pollution and drugs.
