With 2026 around the corner, it’s that time of year to reflect on the past 12 months. For Irish sports fans, we’re here to celebrate what has been a monumental year for the nation with some real highs that are worth recapturing.
From record-breaking box office nights in New York to dominant European rugby nights at the Aviva, 2025 was a year that showed exactly why Ireland can compete on a global stage across an array of sports.
The football team left it late in the year to secure perhaps their biggest achievement in decades – which we will dive into later in this article. However, it wasn’t just football fans celebrating long into the night.
The Irish rugby team delivered performances across the globe – including standout displays back on home soil against some of the biggest and most highly regarded nations within the sport.
Meanwhile, boxing and MMA delivered some of the most emotional fights of the year, while once again, the Irish dominated the horse racing scene both at home and in major festivals, including Cheltenham. Ireland’s stars – regardless of the sport – made sure that the world paid attention.
After so many key moments, it only makes sense to revisit the top Irish sporting moments of 2025 and celebrate together before hoping to achieve more in 2026. And let’s be honest, there’s only one place we can start.
Football highlights of 2025: give Parrott the keys to the city
The Irish football team achieved the unthinkable during their World Cup qualifying campaign. In a group competing with European giants Portugal and Hungary, Ireland were not expected to qualify.
Having previously survived Nations League relegation by the skin of their teeth back in March, expectations were low heading into the World Cup qualifiers. And, after failing to win any of their opening three matches, Irish fans weren’t confident that their team could turn it around.
But miracles do happen – especially in football. A 1-0 win against Armenia was perhaps expected, but a 2-0 home win versus Portugal wasn’t. Cristiano Ronaldo was in the headlines, but for all the wrong reasons as he was sent off, while Troy Parrott’s brace secured a huge win.
There was still plenty of work to be done before the celebrations could begin. Ireland needed to beat Hungary in their own backyard if they were to secure that all-important second spot. At half-time, the Irish were trailing 2-1.
Once again, Parrott was on the scoresheet, but at this stage, it would be for nothing. However, with 10 minutes left on the clock, Parrott equalised – and gave his nation hope.
With 96 minutes on the clock, the unthinkable happened. Parrott scored his third with the last kick of the game, which saw Ireland fans around the world launch into wild celebrations. Second place was secured – and Ireland’s hopes of appearing at the 2026 World Cup are very much still alive.
Even Dublin Airport’s official X account posted an image showing that they had renamed it to honour Troy Parrott. Quite frankly, it was perhaps Ireland’s greatest footballing moment in almost two decades.
Domestic football also had its moments. Both Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne have been flying the Irish flag in the Conference League. Shamrock Rovers secured an impressive 1-1 draw away to Greek outfit AEK in November, showcasing their ability at this level.
Although Shelbourne didn’t win any of their opening three matches, they did draw against highly rated Swedish outfit Häcken. A step in the right direction for these football clubs.
In Gaelic football, Kerry reminded everyone of their pedigree when they claimed their 39th All-Ireland title, overpowering Donegal in the final. There were no miracle moments here, just relentless excellence from a team that has become the best within the sport by quite some distance.
Who’s winning the World Cup? Check out the odds here.
Rugby highlights of 2025: Ireland continue to impress
If there’s one area in which Ireland has solidified a global reputation over the years, it is without doubt the world of rugby – and, of course, 2025 was no different, especially for the national team.
The men’s Six Nations served up one of the most entertaining tournaments – and performances – in years.
With Peter O’Mahony captaining the side for a final campaign, Ireland’s experienced backbone delivered one last show of resilience and class, and the fans embraced some quite emotional moments on the field and at the full-time whistle.
A memorable triumph over Wales was perhaps the highlight, as was their narrow victory over the Italians a few weeks prior. Ireland scored big (27) against the French but fell to defeat – however, they showed what they were made of against some of the finest nations in the world.
Ireland didn’t capture the Grand Slam this time, suffering a hard-fought defeat versus England. However, a second-place finish for a team that produced plenty of young talent meant that they could walk away with their heads held high – and with hope for the future.
The Irish women’s rugby team continued their upward trajectory, helped significantly by the increased investment within the team as well as a clear identity under a new coaching team.
Their stunning home win over Wales in the Six Nations, featuring an inspired hat-trick by Aoife Wafer, was one of their standout achievements in 2025. Perhaps more importantly, Ireland secured qualification for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, capping off a campaign that showcased their growth and why expectations are starting to rise.
Boxing and MMA highlights of 2025: Taylor ‘the icon’
Katie Taylor’s trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden was already branded as a historic event before the first round. It was the first all-female headline boxing event that was streamed globally on Netflix – a huge moment for Taylor, Ireland and the sport as a whole.
Taylor, at 38, faced numerous questions about her age and longevity, but ended up producing one of the best technical performances of her entire career to edge Serrano and retain her undisputed super-lightweight titles.
The atmosphere was off the charts – both at the event and back in Ireland – as Taylor’s hand was lifted and her winning status was announced to the world.
However, shortly after the fight, Taylor announced that she would take time away from the sport. She was named ‘champion in recess’ by the WBC, which may have been expected, but still tugged at the heartstrings. Whether or not she returns for one final bout, her legacy was cemented.
On the MMA front, Irish presence in the UFC continues to grow. Ian Machado Garry continued his ascent in the welterweight division, extending his unbeaten streak in emphatic style, while Shauna Bannon’s gritty performances showed that there was more Irish talent emerging beyond the familiar names.
Horse racing highlights of 2025: Mullins the star once more
Year on year, Irish trainers and horses dominate the world of horse racing, and in 2025 that tradition has continued across the jumps and flats.
Willie Mullins is a serial winner at the Cheltenham Festival and returned home with 10 winners back in March. Standout performances came from Kopek Des Bordes in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Lossiemouth in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, and Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase.
Paul Townend was on board for four of those winners, while Rachael Blackmore also showcased her talents in the saddle as one of the best in the game. If Mullins has one of these superstars on his horses, attention is immediately drawn to them – and for good reason after another successful season.
Rachael Blackmore, in particular, showed once again why she is one of the finest jockeys in the world during the Festival for Mullins.
Once the jump season finishes and we move across to the flat, there’s only one man who’s set to dominate the sport. That man is, of course, Aidan O’Brien. His Ballydoyle stable has continued its status as a global powerhouse, producing winners across the Irish Derby and the 2000 Guineas, and enjoying significant festival success at Royal Ascot.
These wins only reinforced what racing fans already knew. When it comes to training, breeding and tactical riding, Ireland stands alone as the best in the world – and that doesn’t look like changing anytime soon.
What’s next for Ireland in 2026?
For those looking to feel closer to the action in 2026, Tonybet is your home when it comes to finding the best odds and markets for each and every major sport.
Whether you’re backing the Irish football national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup or keen to back another Willie Mullins stable star, Tonybet has you covered.
