More Stories
Looking Back

In Pictures: 100 images that defined Gaelic Football in 2012

The Gaelic Football narrative this year produced drama, entertainment and sadness. Here are 100 images that capture it best.
12.01pm, 25 Dec 2012
3

It was the year of Donegal and Jim McGuinness and All-Ireland glory.

The year of Colm O’Neill’s comeback, Crossmaglen Rangers triumphs and Seanie Johnston’s transfer.

A year that saw Padraic Joyce depart, Ciaran Kilkenny emerge and then depart, and Kerry lay their Tyrone hoodoo to rest.

And a year that ended in sadness with the passing of the legendary Páidí Ó Sé.

Here are 100 images that best capture the narrative of Gaelic Football 2012.

In Pictures: 100 images that defined Gaelic Football in 2012
1 / 100

  • January 15th: McGrath Cup quarter-final, Cork 2-14 Clare 0-7.

    2011 was dejecting for Cork's Colm O'Neill are he tore his cruciate ligament for the second time in four years. But 2012 began on a brighter note as he lead Cork out in their McGrath Cup opener. And in his first inter-county match in 10 months, the Ballyclough attacker shone as he struck 2-4 to help Cork to a 13-point win. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • January 18th: Dr McKenna Cup Section A, Tyrone 0-13 Fermanagh 1-7.

    Old friends were reunited in Healy Park in Omagh. Peter Canavan and Mickey Harte soldiered together for Errigal Ciaran and Tyrone, but now Canavan dons the Fermanagh bainisteoir bib. (INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry).

  • January 22nd: FBD League Group 2, Mayo 0-14 Roscommon 1-9.

    The GAA's pre-season provincial competitions sees rural clubs get the chance to hold inter-county games. Here the Michael Glavey's club in Ballinlough in Roscommon was the location for the home county's FBD League defeat to Mayo with local youngsters employed to man the scoreboard. (INPHO/James Crombie)

  • January 22nd: O'Byrne Cup semi-final, Kildare 1-11 Dublin 0-8.

    Diarmuid Connolly and James Kavanagh clash in a tempestuous affair in Newbridge for the O'Byrne Cup semi-final with 11 yellow cards flashed by referee Eddie Kinsella. Kildare eventually triumph. (INPHO/Donall Farmer)

  • January 27th: FBD League home final, Mayo 0-14 NUI Galway 0-4.

    No room for maneouvre in McHale Park. Mayo's Alan Dillon is crowded out by NUIG's Gary Sweeney, Donal O'Sullivan, Ciaran McDonald and Laurence Healy. But come the final whistle Mayo are celebrating early season silverware as they claimed victory. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • January 29th: O'Byrne Cup final, Kildare P-P DCU.

    A fixtures headache arises when the O'Byrne Cup final falls foul of the weather. The game eventually took place on February 17th in St Conleth's Park in Newbridge with DCU getting the better of Kildare by 3-7 to 1-12. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • February 11th: Allianz FL Division 1, Mayo P-P Dublin.

    Struggling to see. McHale Park is cloaked in heavy fog as Dublin's Ross McConnell and Mayo's Aidan O'Shea battle for possession. The game is eventually abandoned by referee Marty Duffy and is refixed for March 31st when Mayo stroll to a 0-20 to 0-8 success. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • February 12th: Allianz FL Division 1, Cork 4-11 Down 0-10.

    Friends before the game, foes during it. Conor Counihan and James McCartan share a joke before their league clash in Páirc Uí Chaoimh but only Counihan is smiling afterwards as Cork soundly defeat Down. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • February 15th: Sigerson Cup quarter-final, DCU 1-14 Dublin IT 0-7.

    At full stretch. DCU's Donegal goalkeeper Michael Boyle does brilliantly to deny the penalty effort of Dublin IT's Mayo forward Alan Freeman in their Sigerson Cup quarter-final. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • February 18th: All-Ireland club SFC semi-final, Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 3-8 Dr Crokes (Kerry) 2-8.

    Crossmaglen Rangers have to cope with all sorts of obstacles in their pursuit of All-Ireland glory. Here the Armagh club giants attacker Tony Kernan shakes off the challenge of Dr Crokes Keith McMahon in wretched weather conditions in Portlaoise. At the end of a tough game, they march on to another final with three points to spare. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • February 18th: All-Ireland club SFC semi-final, Garrycastle (Westmeath) 1-11 St Brigid's (Roscommon) 1-9.

    A family affair in Pearse Park in Longford. Garrycastle's James Dolan is tackled by his cousin Garvan Dolan of St Brigid's in their All-Ireland club semi-final clash. It is Garrycastle who end up celebrating qualification for their first ever All-Ireland decider. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan)

  • February 24th: Sigerson Cup semi-final, NUI Maynooth 2-11 UCC 2-8.

    Reigning Sigerson Cup champions UCC take their half time break in front of Blakes Castle at the Dangan sports ground in Galway in this year's semi-final clash. The scenic location is where they bow out of the competition against NUI Maynooth with DCU subsequently being crowned champions the following day. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • March 11th: Allianz FL Division 1, Kerry 2-16 Donegal 1-8.

    2012 was a year of glory for Donegal but they endured setbacks along the way. Here they depart the field on Fitzgerald Stadium after suffering a chastening 11-point loss to Kerry. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • March 24th: Allianz FL Division 1, Dublin 2-16 Donegal 0-13.

    Respects are paid at Croke Park. Before the clash of Dublin and Donegal, former capital footballer and AFL hero Jim Stynes is remembered after his sad passing during the week before. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • March 31st: All-Ireland club SFC final replay, Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 2-19 Garrycastle (Westmeath) 1-7.

    With plenty at stake, tempers become frayed. The Crossmaglen Rangers and Garrycastle players clash as they emerge for the team photographs in Kingspan Breffni Park. The game itself does not develop into a battle. At the second time of asking, Crossmaglen Rangers are far too strong as they rout their opponents by 15 points. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • April 8th: Allianz FL Division 2, Kildare 2-12 Galway 0-18.

    Big call. Referee Eddie Kinsella awards a late penalty to Kildare in Pearse Stadium. John Doyle puts the ball in the net from the resultant kick to grab a draw for Kildare and ensure they, rather than Galway, would progress to the Division 2 final and secure Division 1 football next year. (INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy)

  • April 15th: Allianz FL Division 1 semi-final, Mayo 2-15 Kerry 1-17.

    Measured to perfection. Mayo's Patrick Harte slots home a penalty past Kerry goalkeeper Brendan Kealy to help the Connacht side succeed in their league semi-final clash. INPHO/Ryan Byrne

  • April 28th: Allianz FL Division 4 final, Wicklow 2-16 Fermanagh 1-11.

    Well played. Leighton Glynn and Rory Finn celebrate after they shot a combined total of 0-5 to help Wicklow to success against Fermanagh in the Division 4 decider. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • April 28th: Allianz FL Division 3 final, Longford 1-12 Wexford 0-13.

    Down and out. Wexford duo Rory Quinlivan and Anthony Masterson ponder losing out against Longford in the pursuit of Division 3 league silverware. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • April 29th: Allianz FL Division 1 final, Cork 2-10 Mayo 0-11.

    Spot the ball. Mayo's Pat Harte and Barry Moran, and the Cork duo of Alan O'Connor and Fintan Goold, all rise in an attempt to collect possession. For O'Connor and Goold there is the eventual consolation of victory as Cork win their third successive Division 1 league title. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • May 6th: Cadbury's All-Ireland U21FC final, Dublin 2-12 Roscommon 0-11.

    Back in May, Ciaran Kilkenny confirmed his status as the best young star in the game when he fired 0-4 as Dublin lifted the All-Ireland U21 football crown. By November, he had departed to Melbourne to embark on an AFL career with Hawthorn. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • May 20th: Connacht SFC quarter-final, Galway 3-15 Roscommon 0-10.

    A legend enters the fray. Padraic Joyce comes on as Galway thump Roscommon in their Connacht opener. By the end of the season, Killererin player Joyce has hung up his inter-county boots. (INPHO/James Crombie)

  • May 20th: Leinster SFC first round: Louth 2-9 Westmeath 0-14.

    All rise. Westmeath's John Heslin engages in a midfield battle with h Liam Shevlin and Paddy Keenan of Louth. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).

  • May 20th: Leinster SFC first round: Longford 1-10 Laois 0-12.

    Longford manager Glenn Ryan celebrates a notable Leinster championship victory as Newstalk's sideline reporter Ciaran Murphy waits to interview him. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • May 27th: Munster SFC quarter-final, Kerry 0-16 Tipperary 0-10.

    Sizing it up. Colm Cooper gets set to start a Kerry attack in motion in their championship opener. Ciaran McDonald of Tipperary is in close attention. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • June 3rd: Ulster SFC quarter-final, Down 2-10 Fermanagh 1-8.

    The Ulster championship begins but Down's Benny Coulter is not part of it. A broken ankle in a club game leaves him sidelined for their clash with Fermanagh in Brewster Park. (INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry).

  • June 9th: Munster SFC semi-final, Clare 1-13 Limerick 0-15.

    The value of the provincial championships? It's captured here after Clare's notable victory over Limerick. Defender Laurence Healy (left) celebrates with David Tubridy, who shot the last two points of the game to seal their win. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • June 9th: Connacht SFC semi-final, Sligo 2-14 Galway 0-15.

    Sligo journey south for a successful raid of Pearse Stadium. Adrian Marren is the scoring star for the Yeats County, chalking up 2-6 overall, as he fires to the net here past Galway goalkeeper Adrian Faherty. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • June 10th: Munster SFC semi-final, Cork 0-17 Kerry 0-12.

    Aerial contest. Cork's Aidan Walsh and Johnny Buckley of Kerry battle for possession. By the finish Walsh is celebrating a five-point win. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • June 10th: Ulster SFC quarter-final, Tyrone 0-19 Armagh 1-13

    Striving for glory. Tyrone's Colm Cavanagh reaches for the ball ahead of Armagh's Kieran Toner at the the Athletic Grounds. (Russell Pritchard/Presseye).

  • June 10th: Leinster SFC quarter-final: Carlow 1-12 Meath 1-12.

    Embarcing the boss. Carlow attacker JJ Smith celebrates with his manager Luke Dempsey after Smith's late goal rescues a draw in Tullamore. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • June 10th: Leinster SFC quarter-final replay, Wexford 1-13 Longford 0-15.

    After over 140 minutes of football, Wexford and Longford are finally seperated. Wexford's Adrian Flynn tries to console Longford's Sean McCormack after the game. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • June 16th: Ulster SFC quarter-final, Donegal 2-13 Derry 0-9.

    A sign of things to come. Donegal's Colm McFadden celebrates scoring his sides second goal against Derry along with Patrick McBrearty. (INPHO/Dan Sheridan).

  • June 24th: Connacht SFC semi-final, Mayo 4-20 Leitrim 0-10.

    Mayo's Alan Freeman scores his sides opening goal of the game as the crowd watches on and a large inflatable elephant, courtesy of supporters Elvery's, looms behind the stand in McHale Park. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • June 24th: Ulster SFC semi-final, Down 1-14 Monaghan 1-13.

    Despair at the finish. Dick Clerkin reacts to a late point attempt for Monaghan drifting wide against Down. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • June 30th: Ulster SFC semi-final, Donegal 0-12 Tyrone 0-10.

    Clones watches on as Donegal's Michael Murphy kicks a free during the second-half of their Ulster semi-final. Donegal prevail by two points. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • June 30th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round one, Longford 0-17 Derry 2-8.

    What?! Derry's Barry McGoldrick reacts after being sent-off in a game where he scored two goals but his team lost to Longford. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).

  • June 30th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round one, Wicklow 1-17 Waterford 0-15 (aet).

    Closely-fought. Wicklow and Waterford serve up a tight battle in Aughrim before the home side win after extra-time. Here Wicklow attacker John McGrath tussles for possession with Waterford's Kieran Connery. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • July 1st: Leinster SFC semi-final, Meath 1-17 Kildare 1-11.

    Half-time in a big game in Croke Park. Seamus McEnaney and Kieran McGeeney jog off the pitch to give their interval speeches. At full-time it is Banty who is celebrating after Meath's win. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • July 1st: Leinster SFC semi-final, Dublin 2-11 Wexford 1-10.

    Hitting the net. Kevin McManamon is obscured from view but the Dublin attacker's contribution is vital as he raises the green flag that decides this Leinster semi-final. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • July 1st: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round one, Roscommon 1-11 Armagh 1-9.

    Collision time in the Hyde. On home soil Roscommon claim a famous win over Armagh with the Orchard County duo of Philip McEvoy and Finian Moriarty here challenging Roscommon's Niall Daly. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • July 1st: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round one, Cavan 3-13 Fermanagh 0-15.

    Cavan celebrations. Eugene Keating celebrates striking home the Breffni county's third goal in their qualifier match with Fermanagh in Brewster Park. (Andrew Paton/Presseye.com).

  • July 8th: Munster SFC final, Cork 3-16 Clare 0-13.

    No way through. It's a notable Munster final appearance for Clare but they are decisively beaten by Cork. Here Rebels goalkeeper Alan Quirke along with the defensive pair of Noel O'Leary and Ray Carey, stop Clare's Niall Browne from finding the net. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • July 14th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round two, Leitrim 0-13 Wicklow 0-10.

    Balancing act. Leitrim's Daniel Beck keeps the ball in play despite the challenge of Dean Healy of Wicklow. The game in Carrick-on-Shannon sees Leitrim claim their first ever qualifier win. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).

  • July 14th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round two, Antrim 0-11 Galway 0-10.

    It's a big victory for Antrim in Casement Park. Galway come to town but are overturned by a point, which leads to the joyous reactions from Antrim player Conor Murray and backroom team member Gearoid Adams. (Russell Pritchard/Presseye).

  • July 14th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round two, Tipperary 1-13 Wexford 0-15.

    Eye on the ball. Wexford's Ciaran Lyng has Tipperary's Brian Mulvihill in close attention in their qualifier tie in Thurles. Wexford's season draws to a close as Tipperary sneak a famous win. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • July 15th: Connacht SFC final, Mayo 0-12 Sligo 0-10.

    Up, up and away. Mayo's Colm Boyle celebrates a late score as Sligo's Johnny Martin and Ross Donovan watch the flight of the ball. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • July 15th: Connacht SFC final, Mayo 0-12 Sligo 0-10.

    Chelsea's Champions League victory inspires Mayo fans to celebrate their provincial final win in a unique manner. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • July 15th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round two, Kildare 3-20 Cavan 1-9.

    The most famous GAA transfer of the year takes a unique swerve with Cavan drawn to face Kildare. A placard greets former Breffni and new Lilywhite attacker Seanie Johnston on his journey home. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • July 15th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round two, Kildare 3-20 Cavan 1-9.

    Debut boy. Finally Johnston makes his bow for Kildare when he comes on as a sub in the qualifier in Kingspan Breffni Park. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • July 15th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round two, Kerry 2-10 Westmeath 1-12.

    Relief and disappointment. Kerry's Jack O'Connor is glad that his side leave Mullingar with victory despite Pat Flanagan's Westmeath side having controlled a large chunk of the game. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).

  • July 21st: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round three, Tipperary 0-10 Antrim 0-8.

    Defensive agility. Antrim's Kevin O'Boyle does brilliantly to stop the ball from crossing the line in Semple Stadium. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).

  • July 21st: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round three, Tipperary 0-10 Antrim 0-8.

    Progress. It was a novel campaign for Tipperary as they moved through the qualifiers. Here manager Peter Creedon and forward Alan Maloney celebrate their latest win. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).

  • July 21st: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round three, Kerry 1-16 Tyrone 1-6.

    Shining star. Kieran Donaghy celebrates a score as Kerry lay their Tyrone hoodoo to rest in Fitzgerald Stadium. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • July 21st: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round three, Kerry 1-16 Tyrone 1-6.

    One of the most iconic images of the year. Even in defeat Mickey Harte is sought out for autographs as young Kerry fans crowd around the Tyrone manager. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • July 21st: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round three, Kildare 0-19 Limerick 0-12 (aet).

    Physical struggle. Kildare's Tomas O'Connor and Stephen Lucey of Limerick in opposition in Portlaoise. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • July 22nd: Leinster SFC final, Dublin 2-13 Meath 1-13.

    Raising the green flag. Dublin's Bernard Brogan scores his sides first goal of the game. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • July 22nd: Leinster SFC final, Dublin 2-13 Meath 1-13.

    Champions. Dublin captain Bryan Cullen lifts the cup after their provincial triumph. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • July 22nd: Ulster SFC final, Donegal 2-18 Down 0-13.

    Eyes on the ball. Donegal's Rory Kavanagh concentrates on gathering possession with Aiden Branagan of Down in pursuit. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • July 22nd: Ulster SFC final, Donegal 2-18 Down 0-13.

    Hail Jim. Donegal's manager is congratulated by fans after their triumph. (INPHO/Jonathan Porter).

  • July 28th: All-Ireland SFC qualifier round four, Kildare 0-13 Sligo 0-4.

    Exhaustion. Kildare's Emmet Bolton catches his breath after getting substituted during the final moments of the match. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • August 4th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final, Mayo 3-18 Down 2-9.

    The goal that seals Mayo's passage to the All-Ireland semi-final. Andy Moran and Cillian O’Connor create the opening for Michael Conroy who palms the ball to the net. (INPHO/James Crombie)

  • August 4th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final, Mayo 3-18 Down 2-9.

    Disaster strikes. Mayo's comfortable win is overshadowed by the sight of their talismanic attacker Andy Moran leaving the field through injury. Subsequent scans reveal he has snapped his cruciate ligament and is ruled out for the rest of the season. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • August 4th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Dublin 1-12 Laois 0-12.

    Keep an eye on it. Laois goalkeeper Eoin Culliton and John O'Loughlin follow the ball as Michael Darragh MacAuley scores the only crucial goal in their match in Croke Park. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • August 4th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Dublin 1-12 Laois 0-12.

    Crash, bang, wallop! Sigerson Cup winning team-mates with DCU in February, Colm Begley of Laois and Dublin's Paul Flynn are in opposition in August. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • August 5th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Cork 2-19 Kildare 0-12.

    In safe hands. Goalkeeper Alan Quirke watches on as Cork midfielder Aidan Walsh jumps high to gather a free that drops short of the crossbar. (INPHO/Colm O'Neill).

  • August 5th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Cork 2-19 Kildare 0-12.

    Goal boost. Cork attacker Paul Kerrigan reacts after striking to the net for his team against the Lilywhites. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • August 5th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Cork 2-19 Kildare 0-12.

    Glum faces. Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney and attacker John Doyle troop off the Croke Park pitch in disappointment after their season-ending defeat to Cork. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • August 5th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Donegal 1-12 Kerry 1-10.

    Pause to remember. The Kerry players observe a minutes silence for legendary journalist Con Houlihan after his passing. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • August 5th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Donegal 1-12 Kerry 1-10.

    Opening boost. Michael Murphy turns to celebrate after Donegal grab an early goal in Croke Park. Kerry goalkeeper Brendan Kealy and defender Aidan O'Mahony can only look on. (INPHO/Colm O'Neill).

  • August 5th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Donegal 1-12 Kerry 1-10.

    Crowded out. Kerry's Paul Galvin has nowhere to go as Donegal players swarm around him. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • August 5th: All-Ireland SFC quarter-final: Donegal 1-12 Kerry 1-10.

    Final call. Jack O'Connor watches on during his side's defeat to Donegal. The loss marks the end of their 2012 campaign and a week later he brings his tenure as Kerry manager to a close. (INPHO/Colm O'Neill).

  • August 26th: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Donegal 0-16 Cork 1-11.

    Cheering them on. Donegal fan John Porter from Buncrana and Cork supporter Cyril Kavanagh from Douglas get set to roar on their heroes in Croke Park. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • August 26th: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Donegal 0-16 Cork 1-11.

    Physical combat. The nature of the Cork and Donegal clash is demonstrated here as Cork's Daniel Goulding holds onto possession as Donegal duo Eamonn McGee and Mark McHugh close in. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • August 26th: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Donegal 0-16 Cork 1-11.

    Turning point. Amidst a wave of Donegal second-half dominance, Cork come close to finding the net. Colm O'Neill, who later bags a goal in injury-time, sees his shot here cannon off the crossbar. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • August 26th: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Donegal 0-16 Cork 1-11.

    Into the final. Donegal's Michael Murphy jumps into the air at the final whistle after his side have qualified for the 2012 All-Ireland senior decider. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • September 2nd: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16.

    A simple message from the Mayo fans in Croke Park. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • September 2nd: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16.

    Who's the mystery defender? Apparently it is Mayo's Keith Higgins who is attempting to block the shot of Dublin's Diarmuid Connolly. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • September 2nd: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16.

    The pain of success. Mayo's Lee Keegan suffers a dislocation to his index finger during the Croke Park clash. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • September 2nd: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16.

    Who wants the ball? Dublin players rise to punch the ball into the net and Mayo players rise to protect their goalmouth. It's a frantic conclusion to their All-Ireland semi-final meeting. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • September 2nd: All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16.

    Brotherly love. The O'Shea brothers, Seamus and Aidan, from Breaffy rejoice at the final whistle after Mayo's victory. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13

    There's plenty colour outside Croke Park before the All-Ireland final. Tom Farrell gets in on the act with his donkey, Daisy Brolly. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    Strike One. Michael Murphy of Donegal unleashes a thunderbolt to the net after only four minutes of the showdown for Sam Maguire. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    Strike Two. Colm McFadden fires home another goal in the 12th minute. Donegal are flying, Mayo are reeling. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    Rising high. Aidan O'Shea tries to inspire Mayo by fetching the ball above Donegal's Rory Kavanagh. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13

    Keeping guard. Donegal netminder Paul Durcan saves the ball in the dying minutes of the game. With that Mayo hopes are extinguished and Donegal are closing in on success. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    Tough day at the office. Mayo manager James Horan reacts in disappointment during the finale as the prize of Sam Maguire slips away. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    Champions. Paul Durcan, Neil Gallagher, Michael Murphy, Eamon McGee and Dermot Molloy celebrate after the final whistle sounds to confirm their All-Ireland win. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    Michael meets Sam. The Donegal captain hoists the most famous trophy in Gaelic Football into the air. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    A different picture. Mayo defender Lee Keegan is crestfallen after losing out on All-Ireland glory. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland SFC final, Donegal 2-11 Mayo 0-13.

    Father and son. The dust has barely settled on his marvellous achievement of managing Donegal to All-Ireland glory. Jim McGuinness is able to bask in the glow of that success as he watches his son Mark Anthony kick a point into the Davin End. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • September 23rd: All-Ireland MFC final, Dublin 0-14 Meath 1-5.

    Snap happy. The Dublin minor footballers celebrate winning the All-Ireland final. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • October 7th: TG4 All-Ireland Ladies SFC final, Cork 0-16 Kerry 0-7.

    Acrobatics show. Cork's Breige Corkery, Roisin O'Sullivan and Grace Kearney celebrate in style after beating Kerry in Croke Park. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).

  • November 4th: Munster club SFC quarter-final, Castlehaven (Cork) 1-15 Drom-Broadford (Limerick) 0-7.

    Bouncing back. Last March, Castlehaven goalkeeper Paudie Hurley (left) was told by doctors to stop playing Gaelic football. Here he is in action in the Munster quarter-final, a week after winning a Cork senior medal with his club. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).

  • November 25th: Connacht club SFC final, St Brigid's (Roscommon) 1-12 Ballaghdereen (Mayo) 0-6.

    Landing the Holy Grail. St Brigid's charismatic goalkeeper Shane Curran embraces manager Kevin McStay after winning his first Connacht medla on the field of play at 41 years of age. (INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy).

  • November 26th: Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Primary School Football Finals

    Kicking away. Eoghan Mac Laighean of Scoil Oilibheir (An Chul Mhin) loses his boot when tackled by Adam Gregg of Scoil Mhearnog (Portmarnock) in Croke Park.

  • December 2nd: Munster club SFC final, Dr Crokes (Kerry) 0-19 Castlehaven (Cork) 0-12.

    Well done. Dr Crokes captain Kieran O'Leary is congratulated by his mother Joanne after they win their second successive Munster title. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).

  • December 2nd: Ulster club SFC final, Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 3-9 Kilcoo (Down) 1-9.

    Feel-good factor. Even after all their trophies, Crossmaglen Rangers sense of joy at winning is not diluted. Here captain David McKenna lifts the Ulster cup for the 10th time in the club's history. (INPHO/Presseye/Andrew Paton).

  • December 9th: Leinster club SFC final, Ballymun Kickhams (Dublin) 0-11 Portlaoise (Laois) 0-8.

    Celebration time. Ballymun Kickhams manager Paul Curran (centre) with his players after they claim their first ever provincial senior crown. (INPHO/James Crombie).

  • December 19th: The funeral of Páidí Ó Sé

    The year ends on a sad note with the sudden passing of Kerry football legend Páidí Ó Sé. Hundreds gather in Ventry to pay their respects. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis. (Don MacMonagle).
  • 2011 was dejecting for Cork's Colm O'Neill are he tore his cruciate ligament for the second time in four years. But 2012 began on a brighter note as he lead Cork out in their McGrath Cup opener. And in his first inter-county match in 10 months, the Ballyclough attacker shone as he struck 2-4 to help Cork to a 13-point win. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Old friends were reunited in Healy Park in Omagh. Peter Canavan and Mickey Harte soldiered together for Errigal Ciaran and Tyrone, but now Canavan dons the Fermanagh bainisteoir bib. (INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry).
  • The GAA's pre-season provincial competitions sees rural clubs get the chance to hold inter-county games. Here the Michael Glavey's club in Ballinlough in Roscommon was the location for the home county's FBD League defeat to Mayo with local youngsters employed to man the scoreboard. (INPHO/James Crombie)
  • Diarmuid Connolly and James Kavanagh clash in a tempestuous affair in Newbridge for the O'Byrne Cup semi-final with 11 yellow cards flashed by referee Eddie Kinsella. Kildare eventually triumph. (INPHO/Donall Farmer)
  • No room for maneouvre in McHale Park. Mayo's Alan Dillon is crowded out by NUIG's Gary Sweeney, Donal O'Sullivan, Ciaran McDonald and Laurence Healy. But come the final whistle Mayo are celebrating early season silverware as they claimed victory. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • A fixtures headache arises when the O'Byrne Cup final falls foul of the weather. The game eventually took place on February 17th in St Conleth's Park in Newbridge with DCU getting the better of Kildare by 3-7 to 1-12. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Struggling to see. McHale Park is cloaked in heavy fog as Dublin's Ross McConnell and Mayo's Aidan O'Shea battle for possession. The game is eventually abandoned by referee Marty Duffy and is refixed for March 31st when Mayo stroll to a 0-20 to 0-8 success. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Friends before the game, foes during it. Conor Counihan and James McCartan share a joke before their league clash in Páirc Uí Chaoimh but only Counihan is smiling afterwards as Cork soundly defeat Down. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • At full stretch. DCU's Donegal goalkeeper Michael Boyle does brilliantly to deny the penalty effort of Dublin IT's Mayo forward Alan Freeman in their Sigerson Cup quarter-final. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Crossmaglen Rangers have to cope with all sorts of obstacles in their pursuit of All-Ireland glory. Here the Armagh club giants attacker Tony Kernan shakes off the challenge of Dr Crokes Keith McMahon in wretched weather conditions in Portlaoise. At the end of a tough game, they march on to another final with three points to spare. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • A family affair in Pearse Park in Longford. Garrycastle's James Dolan is tackled by his cousin Garvan Dolan of St Brigid's in their All-Ireland club semi-final clash. It is Garrycastle who end up celebrating qualification for their first ever All-Ireland decider. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan)
  • Reigning Sigerson Cup champions UCC take their half time break in front of Blakes Castle at the Dangan sports ground in Galway in this year's semi-final clash. The scenic location is where they bow out of the competition against NUI Maynooth with DCU subsequently being crowned champions the following day. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • 2012 was a year of glory for Donegal but they endured setbacks along the way. Here they depart the field on Fitzgerald Stadium after suffering a chastening 11-point loss to Kerry. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Respects are paid at Croke Park. Before the clash of Dublin and Donegal, former capital footballer and AFL hero Jim Stynes is remembered after his sad passing during the week before. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • With plenty at stake, tempers become frayed. The Crossmaglen Rangers and Garrycastle players clash as they emerge for the team photographs in Kingspan Breffni Park. The game itself does not develop into a battle. At the second time of asking, Crossmaglen Rangers are far too strong as they rout their opponents by 15 points. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Big call. Referee Eddie Kinsella awards a late penalty to Kildare in Pearse Stadium. John Doyle puts the ball in the net from the resultant kick to grab a draw for Kildare and ensure they, rather than Galway, would progress to the Division 2 final and secure Division 1 football next year. (INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy)
  • Measured to perfection. Mayo's Patrick Harte slots home a penalty past Kerry goalkeeper Brendan Kealy to help the Connacht side succeed in their league semi-final clash. INPHO/Ryan Byrne
  • Well played. Leighton Glynn and Rory Finn celebrate after they shot a combined total of 0-5 to help Wicklow to success against Fermanagh in the Division 4 decider. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Down and out. Wexford duo Rory Quinlivan and Anthony Masterson ponder losing out against Longford in the pursuit of Division 3 league silverware. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Spot the ball. Mayo's Pat Harte and Barry Moran, and the Cork duo of Alan O'Connor and Fintan Goold, all rise in an attempt to collect possession. For O'Connor and Goold there is the eventual consolation of victory as Cork win their third successive Division 1 league title. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Back in May, Ciaran Kilkenny confirmed his status as the best young star in the game when he fired 0-4 as Dublin lifted the All-Ireland U21 football crown. By November, he had departed to Melbourne to embark on an AFL career with Hawthorn. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • A legend enters the fray. Padraic Joyce comes on as Galway thump Roscommon in their Connacht opener. By the end of the season, Killererin player Joyce has hung up his inter-county boots. (INPHO/James Crombie)
  • All rise. Westmeath's John Heslin engages in a midfield battle with h Liam Shevlin and Paddy Keenan of Louth. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).
  • Longford manager Glenn Ryan celebrates a notable Leinster championship victory as Newstalk's sideline reporter Ciaran Murphy waits to interview him. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Sizing it up. Colm Cooper gets set to start a Kerry attack in motion in their championship opener. Ciaran McDonald of Tipperary is in close attention. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • The Ulster championship begins but Down's Benny Coulter is not part of it. A broken ankle in a club game leaves him sidelined for their clash with Fermanagh in Brewster Park. (INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry).
  • The value of the provincial championships? It's captured here after Clare's notable victory over Limerick. Defender Laurence Healy (left) celebrates with David Tubridy, who shot the last two points of the game to seal their win. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Sligo journey south for a successful raid of Pearse Stadium. Adrian Marren is the scoring star for the Yeats County, chalking up 2-6 overall, as he fires to the net here past Galway goalkeeper Adrian Faherty. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Aerial contest. Cork's Aidan Walsh and Johnny Buckley of Kerry battle for possession. By the finish Walsh is celebrating a five-point win. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Striving for glory. Tyrone's Colm Cavanagh reaches for the ball ahead of Armagh's Kieran Toner at the the Athletic Grounds. (Russell Pritchard/Presseye).
  • Embarcing the boss. Carlow attacker JJ Smith celebrates with his manager Luke Dempsey after Smith's late goal rescues a draw in Tullamore. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • After over 140 minutes of football, Wexford and Longford are finally seperated. Wexford's Adrian Flynn tries to console Longford's Sean McCormack after the game. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • A sign of things to come. Donegal's Colm McFadden celebrates scoring his sides second goal against Derry along with Patrick McBrearty. (INPHO/Dan Sheridan).
  • Mayo's Alan Freeman scores his sides opening goal of the game as the crowd watches on and a large inflatable elephant, courtesy of supporters Elvery's, looms behind the stand in McHale Park. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Despair at the finish. Dick Clerkin reacts to a late point attempt for Monaghan drifting wide against Down. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Clones watches on as Donegal's Michael Murphy kicks a free during the second-half of their Ulster semi-final. Donegal prevail by two points. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • What?! Derry's Barry McGoldrick reacts after being sent-off in a game where he scored two goals but his team lost to Longford. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).
  • Closely-fought. Wicklow and Waterford serve up a tight battle in Aughrim before the home side win after extra-time. Here Wicklow attacker John McGrath tussles for possession with Waterford's Kieran Connery. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Half-time in a big game in Croke Park. Seamus McEnaney and Kieran McGeeney jog off the pitch to give their interval speeches. At full-time it is Banty who is celebrating after Meath's win. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Hitting the net. Kevin McManamon is obscured from view but the Dublin attacker's contribution is vital as he raises the green flag that decides this Leinster semi-final. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Collision time in the Hyde. On home soil Roscommon claim a famous win over Armagh with the Orchard County duo of Philip McEvoy and Finian Moriarty here challenging Roscommon's Niall Daly. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Cavan celebrations. Eugene Keating celebrates striking home the Breffni county's third goal in their qualifier match with Fermanagh in Brewster Park. (Andrew Paton/Presseye.com).
  • No way through. It's a notable Munster final appearance for Clare but they are decisively beaten by Cork. Here Rebels goalkeeper Alan Quirke along with the defensive pair of Noel O'Leary and Ray Carey, stop Clare's Niall Browne from finding the net. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Balancing act. Leitrim's Daniel Beck keeps the ball in play despite the challenge of Dean Healy of Wicklow. The game in Carrick-on-Shannon sees Leitrim claim their first ever qualifier win. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).
  • It's a big victory for Antrim in Casement Park. Galway come to town but are overturned by a point, which leads to the joyous reactions from Antrim player Conor Murray and backroom team member Gearoid Adams. (Russell Pritchard/Presseye).
  • Eye on the ball. Wexford's Ciaran Lyng has Tipperary's Brian Mulvihill in close attention in their qualifier tie in Thurles. Wexford's season draws to a close as Tipperary sneak a famous win. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Up, up and away. Mayo's Colm Boyle celebrates a late score as Sligo's Johnny Martin and Ross Donovan watch the flight of the ball. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Chelsea's Champions League victory inspires Mayo fans to celebrate their provincial final win in a unique manner. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • The most famous GAA transfer of the year takes a unique swerve with Cavan drawn to face Kildare. A placard greets former Breffni and new Lilywhite attacker Seanie Johnston on his journey home. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Debut boy. Finally Johnston makes his bow for Kildare when he comes on as a sub in the qualifier in Kingspan Breffni Park. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Relief and disappointment. Kerry's Jack O'Connor is glad that his side leave Mullingar with victory despite Pat Flanagan's Westmeath side having controlled a large chunk of the game. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).
  • Defensive agility. Antrim's Kevin O'Boyle does brilliantly to stop the ball from crossing the line in Semple Stadium. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).
  • Progress. It was a novel campaign for Tipperary as they moved through the qualifiers. Here manager Peter Creedon and forward Alan Maloney celebrate their latest win. (INPHO/Ryan Byrne).
  • Shining star. Kieran Donaghy celebrates a score as Kerry lay their Tyrone hoodoo to rest in Fitzgerald Stadium. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • One of the most iconic images of the year. Even in defeat Mickey Harte is sought out for autographs as young Kerry fans crowd around the Tyrone manager. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Physical struggle. Kildare's Tomas O'Connor and Stephen Lucey of Limerick in opposition in Portlaoise. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Raising the green flag. Dublin's Bernard Brogan scores his sides first goal of the game. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Champions. Dublin captain Bryan Cullen lifts the cup after their provincial triumph. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Eyes on the ball. Donegal's Rory Kavanagh concentrates on gathering possession with Aiden Branagan of Down in pursuit. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Hail Jim. Donegal's manager is congratulated by fans after their triumph. (INPHO/Jonathan Porter).
  • Exhaustion. Kildare's Emmet Bolton catches his breath after getting substituted during the final moments of the match. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • The goal that seals Mayo's passage to the All-Ireland semi-final. Andy Moran and Cillian O’Connor create the opening for Michael Conroy who palms the ball to the net. (INPHO/James Crombie)
  • Disaster strikes. Mayo's comfortable win is overshadowed by the sight of their talismanic attacker Andy Moran leaving the field through injury. Subsequent scans reveal he has snapped his cruciate ligament and is ruled out for the rest of the season. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Keep an eye on it. Laois goalkeeper Eoin Culliton and John O'Loughlin follow the ball as Michael Darragh MacAuley scores the only crucial goal in their match in Croke Park. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Crash, bang, wallop! Sigerson Cup winning team-mates with DCU in February, Colm Begley of Laois and Dublin's Paul Flynn are in opposition in August. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • In safe hands. Goalkeeper Alan Quirke watches on as Cork midfielder Aidan Walsh jumps high to gather a free that drops short of the crossbar. (INPHO/Colm O'Neill).
  • Goal boost. Cork attacker Paul Kerrigan reacts after striking to the net for his team against the Lilywhites. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Glum faces. Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney and attacker John Doyle troop off the Croke Park pitch in disappointment after their season-ending defeat to Cork. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Pause to remember. The Kerry players observe a minutes silence for legendary journalist Con Houlihan after his passing. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Opening boost. Michael Murphy turns to celebrate after Donegal grab an early goal in Croke Park. Kerry goalkeeper Brendan Kealy and defender Aidan O'Mahony can only look on. (INPHO/Colm O'Neill).
  • Crowded out. Kerry's Paul Galvin has nowhere to go as Donegal players swarm around him. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Final call. Jack O'Connor watches on during his side's defeat to Donegal. The loss marks the end of their 2012 campaign and a week later he brings his tenure as Kerry manager to a close. (INPHO/Colm O'Neill).
  • Cheering them on. Donegal fan John Porter from Buncrana and Cork supporter Cyril Kavanagh from Douglas get set to roar on their heroes in Croke Park. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Physical combat. The nature of the Cork and Donegal clash is demonstrated here as Cork's Daniel Goulding holds onto possession as Donegal duo Eamonn McGee and Mark McHugh close in. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Turning point. Amidst a wave of Donegal second-half dominance, Cork come close to finding the net. Colm O'Neill, who later bags a goal in injury-time, sees his shot here cannon off the crossbar. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Into the final. Donegal's Michael Murphy jumps into the air at the final whistle after his side have qualified for the 2012 All-Ireland senior decider. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • A simple message from the Mayo fans in Croke Park. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Who's the mystery defender? Apparently it is Mayo's Keith Higgins who is attempting to block the shot of Dublin's Diarmuid Connolly. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • The pain of success. Mayo's Lee Keegan suffers a dislocation to his index finger during the Croke Park clash. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Who wants the ball? Dublin players rise to punch the ball into the net and Mayo players rise to protect their goalmouth. It's a frantic conclusion to their All-Ireland semi-final meeting. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Brotherly love. The O'Shea brothers, Seamus and Aidan, from Breaffy rejoice at the final whistle after Mayo's victory. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • There's plenty colour outside Croke Park before the All-Ireland final. Tom Farrell gets in on the act with his donkey, Daisy Brolly. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Strike One. Michael Murphy of Donegal unleashes a thunderbolt to the net after only four minutes of the showdown for Sam Maguire. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Strike Two. Colm McFadden fires home another goal in the 12th minute. Donegal are flying, Mayo are reeling. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Rising high. Aidan O'Shea tries to inspire Mayo by fetching the ball above Donegal's Rory Kavanagh. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Keeping guard. Donegal netminder Paul Durcan saves the ball in the dying minutes of the game. With that Mayo hopes are extinguished and Donegal are closing in on success. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Tough day at the office. Mayo manager James Horan reacts in disappointment during the finale as the prize of Sam Maguire slips away. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Champions. Paul Durcan, Neil Gallagher, Michael Murphy, Eamon McGee and Dermot Molloy celebrate after the final whistle sounds to confirm their All-Ireland win. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Michael meets Sam. The Donegal captain hoists the most famous trophy in Gaelic Football into the air. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • A different picture. Mayo defender Lee Keegan is crestfallen after losing out on All-Ireland glory. (INPHO/Donall Farmer).
  • Father and son. The dust has barely settled on his marvellous achievement of managing Donegal to All-Ireland glory. Jim McGuinness is able to bask in the glow of that success as he watches his son Mark Anthony kick a point into the Davin End. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • Snap happy. The Dublin minor footballers celebrate winning the All-Ireland final. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Acrobatics show. Cork's Breige Corkery, Roisin O'Sullivan and Grace Kearney celebrate in style after beating Kerry in Croke Park. (INPHO/Morgan Treacy).
  • Bouncing back. Last March, Castlehaven goalkeeper Paudie Hurley (left) was told by doctors to stop playing Gaelic football. Here he is in action in the Munster quarter-final, a week after winning a Cork senior medal with his club. (INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan).
  • Landing the Holy Grail. St Brigid's charismatic goalkeeper Shane Curran embraces manager Kevin McStay after winning his first Connacht medla on the field of play at 41 years of age. (INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy).
  • Kicking away. Eoghan Mac Laighean of Scoil Oilibheir (An Chul Mhin) loses his boot when tackled by Adam Gregg of Scoil Mhearnog (Portmarnock) in Croke Park.
  • Well done. Dr Crokes captain Kieran O'Leary is congratulated by his mother Joanne after they win their second successive Munster title. (INPHO/Cathal Noonan).
  • Feel-good factor. Even after all their trophies, Crossmaglen Rangers sense of joy at winning is not diluted. Here captain David McKenna lifts the Ulster cup for the 10th time in the club's history. (INPHO/Presseye/Andrew Paton).
  • Celebration time. Ballymun Kickhams manager Paul Curran (centre) with his players after they claim their first ever provincial senior crown. (INPHO/James Crombie).
  • The year ends on a sad note with the sudden passing of Kerry football legend Páidí Ó Sé. Hundreds gather in Ventry to pay their respects. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis. (Don MacMonagle).

Author
View 3 comments
Send Tip or Correction
Close
3 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie