The defining moments of world sport have been imaginatively captured in The Irish Times Sporting Year 2001, which was launched in Dublin last night.

The book looks back on both Irish and international sporting achievements of the year, as seen through the words and eyes of Irish Times writers and photographers.

Present to launch the book last night was victorious Galway football manager John O'Mahony, whose own success with the county forms one of the many elements of the publication.

"This book obviously contains only a small fraction of our coverage," said Malachy Logan, sports editor of The Irish Times. "But it allows us showcase some of the best sports writing and photographs you will find here or anywhere else in the world."

It retails at £17.99.