WHAT DO YOU think was the most memorable Irish sporting moment of 2017?
In one annual survey Conor McGregor’s fight against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last August has come out on top.
The fight received 26% of the vote in the annual Teneo Sports’ Sponsorship Index.
James McClean’s goal against Wales is second on 13% with the Women’s Rugby World Cup final third on 11% followed by Joe Canning’s winning point in the All-Ireland semi-final on 10% and Dean Rock’s winning free for Dublin in the All-Ireland final on 8%.
The greatest Irish sporting achievement was voted as Katie Taylor winning the WBA Lightweight world title (16%), Galway’s hurling league and championship double (9%), Dublin’s All-Ireland football triumph (8%), Ireland’s rugby victory over South Africa and Ireland’s soccer success against Wales (both 7%).
Soccer was voted as Ireland’s favourite sport with 20% of the vote, Katie Taylor is Ireland’s most admired sports star after claiming 21% of votes and then the GAA championships (25%) is the sports event people are most looking forward to in 2018.
“This is the eighth year of this research amongst the general public and every year it throws up some very interesting findings which generate plenty of debate and I expect this year to be no different,” stated Kelli O’Keeffe, MD of Teneo Sports.
What is clear, is that the popularity of the big three – soccer, Gaelic games and rugby – shows no signs of abating.
Gaelic games has had a big year and it has certainly stoked the nations’ interest and excitement levels ahead of 2018.
“In a lot of people’s opinions female sports in this country crossed the Rubicon in the last twelve months. Katie Taylor has always been to the fore in this research but this year we’re seeing the impact that the Women’s Rugby World Cup had on the nations’ consciousness and the appeal of the Dublin ladies football team for example.
“It’s also clear that the phenomenon that is Conor McGregor is growing and bridging age divides. His fight with Mayweather was met with a wide variety of opinions but one thing is for sure, it was definitely memorable.”
The Teneo Sports’ Sponsorship Index is a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults carried out between 6-13 December.
Here’s some of the key findings (top 5 only):
What is your favourite sport?
- Soccer 20%
- Gaelic games 17%
- Rugby 15%
- Horse racing 5%
- Tennis 5%
- Swimming 5%
Which of the following sports stars do you most admire?
- Katie Taylor 21%
- Conor McGregor 8%
- Jonathan Sexton 5%
- Joe Canning 4%
- Aidan O’Brien 4%
What was the most memorable Irish sporting moment of 2017?
- Conor McGregor v Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas 26%
- James McClean’s goal v Wales 13%
- Women’s Rugby World Cup final 11%
- Joe Canning point v Tipperary to win All-Ireland semi-final 10%
- Dean’s Rock’s free v Mayo to win All-Ireland final 8%
What was the greatest Irish sporting achievement of 2017?
- Katie Taylor winning WBA Lightweight world title 16%
- Galway’s league and championship double 9%
- Dublin footballer’s All-Ireland win 8%
- Ireland rugby team’s record win against South Africa 7%
- Republic of Ireland win away to Wales 7%
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
- Gaelic games championships 25%
- FIFA World Cup 23%
- Natwest 6 Nations 13%
- Cheltenham Festival 7%
- European Rugby Champions Cup 7%
– First published 00.05
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