FEELING IN THE YEAR

SOME years you shrug and move on.

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Others stay with you because they take your breath away.

2025 was one of those years.

Across pitches, greens, tracks and pools, this country stood up and reminded the world that talent doesn't ask permission and courage doesn't look for approval.

We had almost given up on the national soccer team.

Then, across four days in November, Troy Parrott reignited something that had almost gone out — five goals and a nation is suddenly holding its breath again.

Parrott’s hat-trick in Budapest ensured 2025 was a year that began in Augusta and ended with a World Cup playoff secured, and a country daring once more to dream.

RORY MCILROY: THE MASTERS FINALLY TAMED

AUGUSTA had been a haunting presence in Mcllroy’s career.

Every year, it sat in the corner, smiling but never letting him claim the chair at the table.

This time, Mcllroy didn't blink. He walked straight to the winners wardrobe and tried the green jacket on for size.

Turns out it fitted him perfectly. After all those years of choking at the Masters, finally here was an Irishman meeting the challenge head-on. Augusta blinked first.

SHANE LOWRY: ONE PUTT, A CONTINENT WATCHING

LOWRY (right) approached the green with a calm so absolute it made your own heartbeat feel rude.