From the Euros to the Olympics, 2016 was a bumper year for sports across the globe, as well at here at home in Ireland.
There were amazing wins and heartbreaking losses, once again highlighting just how important a role sport plays in all our lives.
2016 had its fair share of ups and downs, so here are some of the best images from the last 12 months that go some way to capturing just how big a year it was.
Galway’s Finian Hanley with his daughter Freya (5 months) Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Roscommon’s Niall McInerney and Sean McDermott with Alan Dillon of Mayo Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Eoghan Rua and Glemore players battle for the ball. Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Mayo's Andy Moran with his daughter Charlotte at the end of the game
Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Dublin’s Philip McMahon and the Dublin celebrate with the Sam Maguire cup after the match
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Tipperary’s Padraic Maher celebrates after the game with Michael Cahill
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
3 year old Anna Crombie rides her bike as the An Post Rás passes through Rahugh
Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Connacht's captain John Muldoon celebrates with Eric Elwood. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Ireland's Paul O'Donovan celebrates winning gold
Image: ©INPHO/Herman Dingler
Ireland's Ashleigh Baxter with chen Keyi and Yang Min of China. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Ireland's Conor Murray celebrates Robbie Henshaw's try. Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
A view of Thomond Park as the two teams stand for a minutes silence in memory of Anthony Foley
Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Ireland manager Martin O'Neill celebrates at the final whistle
Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Dundalk's Stephen O'Donnell celebrates winning the SSE Airtricity League trophy.
Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Ireland's Thomas Barr during his race. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Detention of OCI president Pat Hickey in Rio Olympics
Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Ireland's Gary and Paul O'Donovan celebrate winning silver medals. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Ireland's Annalise Murphy celebrates receiving her silver medal. Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Ireland's Michael Conlan following his defeat to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia.
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Ireland's Katie Taylor dejected after losing her fight. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Katie Taylor celebrates her win. Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Conor McGregor celebrates winning. Image: ©INPHO/Tom Hogan
The fanzone at the Eiffel Tower. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Ireland's Robbie Brady celebrates scoring his sides first goal. Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane. Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
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