Alan Rodgers / 29 December 2009 Free Bet

"The quality of Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett and company shone brightly until Kilkenny’s slightly sharper edge saw them through."

1 - All-Ireland Hurling Final

Odds of 33/1 were being offered on Tipp to trail at half-time and the hurling decider to finish level. It was looking good, too, until King Henry Shefflin and Martin Comerford goaled in quick succession during the final stages to see the Cats clinch four-in-a-row.

But the abiding memory will be of how Tipp managed to make their mark in a game that ebbed and flowed in magnificent fashion. The quality of Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett and company shone brightly until Kilkenny's slightly sharper edge saw them through.

The sense of disappointment was clear as we reflected on just how close the Premier county had come to upsetting the Cats.

But Brian Cody and his players have set new standards and won their fourth title on the trot in a manner befitting the achievement.

2 - Launch of 125 celebrations

Showpiece matches often disappoint, but this one on January 31st fulfilled its billing in rich measure as Tyrone and Dublin got the GAA's anniversary celebrations off to the perfect start both on an off the field. Under new manager, Pat Gilroy, the Dubs were anxious to prove their worth and they managed to produce a performance that made amends for their capitulation against the Red Hands the previous August.

However, at this stage of the season, it was the Tyrone men who were looking good for further All-Ireland honours. Stephen O'Neill announced his real arrival back on the big stage, Sean Cavanagh maintained his Footballer of the Year form, and a typically resounding finish saw them send out a message of intent for 2009.

3 - Leinster hurling final - Dublin v Kilkenny

There was never going to be any real doubt about the winner in this one. Instead, what mattered most was the performance of the Dubs and whether or not they would be capable of containing the much-vaunted Cats. Afterall, the previous few Leinster deciders had been painfully one-sided and we feared the worst heading into Croke Park on the first Sunday in July.

We probably shouldn't have worried as Anthony Daly orchestrated a Dubs performance that was so like many of those produced by his Clare team during the golden era of the 1990s. It was brimming with determination, tenacity and a commitment which amply compensated for whatever they conceded to Kilkenny in terms of skill, teamwork and experience.

A 2-18 to 0-18 final scoreline was a morale victory of sorts and one which brought new hope for Dublin hurling.

4 - All-Ireland football semi-final - Cork v Tyrone

Cork were a very backable 7/2 to win the Sam Maguire in May. Their demolition of my native Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final kept them on track and probably ranks as the most complete footballing display of 2009.

This is how we want to remember the Rebels from the season just passed. Their power, mixed with skill and scoretaking was a potent mix which effectively overwhelmed the reigning All-Ireland champions.

Nicholas Murphy, Graham Canty, Daniel Goulding and Michael Shields were the main players in a display that seemed to herald a new era of total football, and the end of Tyrone's decade of success.

They missed Sean Cavanagh from the starting line-up, but it's hard to see how his inclusion would have made any difference against the all-conquering Munster champs.

5 - Wicklow's All-Ireland Qualifier win over Down

Every year the All-Ireland Football Qualifiers seem to provide certain guarantees. For starters, one team always enjoys a memorable run. Then, there's the inevitable collapse of the Down challenge against one of the supposedly weaker teams.

In 2009, Wicklow under Mick O'Dwyer relished the run to remember and it climaxed with a great 1-15 to 0-17 victory over the men from the Mournes.

All the indication were that Down, would comfortably account for their less illustrious opponents. But something was stirring in Aughrim this summer and Wicklow produced the goods in magnificent fashion.

The performances of team captain, Leighten Glynn, Tony Hannon and midfielder Nicholas Walsh saw them clinch the victory in the closest of finishes. It was one of their most memorable ever wins in championship football and the highpoint of a fairytale season.

***
We've asked some betting.betfair.ie regulars to count down their top moments in their chosen sport as the year draws to a close. Click on the links to read more:

Top five National Hunt racing moments of 2009
Top five Flat racing moments of 2009
Top five soccer moments of 2009
Top five Rugby moments of the year

Tags: Croke Park, Dublin, GAA, Gaelic Football, Gaelic Games, Henry Shefflin, Hurling, Kilkenny, Wicklow