2017 brought us Garcia’s maiden major win, Galway’s first Liam McCarthy cup in 29 years, World championship victories and more.
So, in the time-honoured internet tradition, here's a look back at some of the moments that will live long in our sporting memories after 2017 has come and gone.
Real Madrid become first team to defend the European Cup under Champions League format
“Los Blancos” became the first team in Champions League format to successfully defend their European crown.
They did so in style as well, as they comprehensively beat Juventus 4-1 in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium to claim their 12th European title, and became the first team to claim back-to-back trophies since A.C Milan in 1990.
Galway win first All-Ireland hurling title since 1988
David Burke. Image:©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
There were emotional scenes in Croke Park as the Tribesmen claimed their first All-Ireland title in 29 years. Michael Donoghue’s men defeated Waterford by 0-26 to 2-17 in an enthralling final, denying the Deise the chance to end their own barren spell without the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
Ryan Burnett wins his second World boxing title
Ryan Burnett. Image: ©INPHO/Presseye/Declan Roughan
Ryan Burnett had another sensational year, claiming his second World title. The Belfast man defeated Zhanat Zhakiyanov via unanimous decision in front of a hometown crowd at the SSE Arena to win the WBA super bantamweight title. The Irishman went 3-0 in 2017, taking his unbeaten stretch to 18-0.
Sergio Garcia breaks Major Championship duck
Sergio Garcia. Image: ©INPHO/Getty Images
Sergio Garcia finally won a major championship in 2017, becoming the first Spaniard to win the Maters since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999.
Garcia had previously finished in the top-ten of 22 major championship events, and had garnered a reputation for falling at the final hurdle. However, the 37-year-old defeated Justin Rose in the first sudden death playoff hole to claim the green jacket, in what was his 74th appearance in a major Championship.
Georges St-Pierre becomes only the fourth fighter to win two belts in multiple weight divisions
MMA legend Georges St-Pierre returned after a four-year hiatus from the sport to capture the middleweight title against Michael Bisping at UFC 217. St. Pierre finished Manchester’s Bisping via rear naked choke in the second round.
GSP became only the fourth fighter in the company’s history to become a multi-division champion, but subsequently vacated the middleweight title after just 31 days as champion.
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