Sport and news became one in the domestic story of the year – the clash between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy which left the team without its captain on the eve of the World Cup, forever branded the name of Saipan into the Irish psyche. and led to an outbreak of verbal Civil War the length and breadth of the land.

But the fall-out didn’t end there: longer-term consequences included three books, busted friendships, Roy Keane and Jason McAteer clashing in the Premiership, the departures of Mick McCarthy and Brendan Menton, and an independent report which called for major changes in the running of the FAI. No-one is holding their breath…

Lest we forget, the Irish team rallied bravely to go unbeaten – except on penalties – in the World Cup itself, in the process giving supporters in Japan and fans back home another night to remember, when Robbie Keane levelled against Germany with almost the last kick of the game.

It was one of many memorable moments in a tournament which had giant-killing as its theme right from the opening game when Senegal humbled champions France. South Korea and Turkey also had their moments in the sun before order was finally restored with brilliant Brazil – and a resurgent Ronaldo – beating Germany 2-0 in a quality final.

The World Cup and the Saipan affair may have dominated the sporting landscape but 2002 will also be remembered as the year in which the unlikely figure of Paul McGinley achieved hero status by sinking the putt which won the Ryder Cup for Europe over America. It was also a year which saw Crossmaglen go orange as Armagh took the Sam Maguire north and Cork go red as the county’s hurlers went on strike.

Cork men living up to their homeland’s rebel reputation? I think this is where we came in…