Peamount's League title a highlight for Mohill's Dearbhaile Beirne

After some fascinating insights into the 2023 sporting year in Leitrim, we’ve come to the end of our 2023 Sports Review of the Year with three final contributions this week.

The Observer invited some of the county's outstanding sports people and journalists to look back over 2023 and it was an illuminating look back over an action packed year that featured some incredible highs and some equally disappointing lows. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts   

Here is the final part of our look back on an exciting and action packed year, Mohill’s Dearbhaile Beirne looks back on an incredible year that saw her claim a SSE Airtricity Women’s National League winners medal with Peamount, naturally one of her highlights while casting a wide eye on the sporting stories of 2023.

New York defeat a "harsh blow" for Donal Wrynn as Leitrim captain looks back over 2023

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

From my own perspective, it would have to be winning the Women’s National League with Peamount United. After losing a couple of high profile players in the off season, we were written off by pretty much everyone bar ourselves. We kept training away behind the scenes and putting the performances in on a weekly basis. There was no better feeling than getting our hands on that trophy in November at home in Peamount in front of our family and friends. Now we get to play in the Champions League as a reward and look forward to defending our title in 2024. 

LOWLIGHT OF THE YEAR

I think the Leitrim senior men's team’s loss in New York was a tough one for everyone to swallow - even if it was a great trip. Hopefully the team can kick on next year and get promotion from division 4 alongside the ladies team. I understand the disappointment of losing out on a penalty shootout after being knocked out of the FAI cup by Athlone Town, who then went on to win the cup final on penalties. 

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Katie Taylor has always been one of my sporting heroes and someone that I’ve looked up to for years. The success that she has had throughout her career is just amazing. I think she really showed everyone the true grit and determination that forms an important part of her character this year when she bounced back from her first professional defeat in May to claim her titles in November. 

TEAM OF THE YEAR

I think the Limerick hurling team would be my team of the year. The fact that they were on the verge of being knocked out of the All Ireland Championship at the Munster stage this year and came through to not only win but dominate the All Ireland final was amazing. They always seem to find an extra gear that their opposition can’t match. Any team defending a title has a target on their back for the next year but this Limerick team seems to relish in the challenge!

Hurling highs and low reflected in Leitrim captain Martin Feeney's review of 2023

PERSON OR EVENT THAT MADE YOU GO WOW IN 2023

The Women’s World Cup really caught the eye of everyone. An event that in the past would have come and gone without many even knowing it was on. Obviously, the Irish team being involved this year meant that there was a lot more national interest but I have to say that the amount of people talking about games and watching games even when Ireland were knocked out was amazing. I think I have to give my three cousins a shout out here also with Ciara, Laura and Eilish all playing in Croke Park this year and making the family very proud!

ONE THING I’D DO TO MAKE SPORT BETTER IN 2024

Coverage and exposure, especially in the women's game - this is essential. We saw how well the national team performed this year and in particular in the Nations League - winning six out of their six games. They played in a packed Aviva stadium in front of over 35,000 supporters for the first time this year and you could see how the atmosphere and supporters willed on the players on the pitch. Hopefully, the game continues to get increased support and more and more people become involved. 

WHAT ARE THE BIG CHALLENGES FACING LEITRIM SPORT IN 2024? 

Funding is always the first one I think that always comes to mind. However, from a GAA perspective that has been greatly aided by JP McManus’ recent donation - which is amazing. The fact that the clubs are all getting an equal amount allows for the individual needs of each club to be met. Hopefully that money helps in the development of players from grassroots level and up. 

World Cup disappointment and hope for Ireland's rugby future features in Gerard Murtagh's sporting review of 2023

ONE TO WATCH IN 2024

Rhasidat Adeleke is still only 20 years of age. She’s brought a lot of excitement to the Irish athletics scene and has already raced in a world 400m final, finishing fourth. Hopefully, we’ll get to see her bringing back a medal to Ireland in the Paris Olympics next year!