It has been a memorable year for Irish sport in general, with players and coaches delivering not just on the field but off it too.
We've compiled a list of some of the funniest, most poignant, and unforgettable post-match interviews of 2021.
Natalya Coyle Speaks to RTE After Olympic Heartbreak
The showjumping section of the modern pentathlon in Tokyo 2021 was nothing shorts of a shambles. With athletes unable to choose their horse, it was a lottery whether the animal would ride well or refuse to jump.
Many of the top placed competitors were hampered by the rules, and Ireland's Coyle was one of them. A medal was well within her grasp before the showjumping, but a stubborn horse left her in 24th place after the event and out of contention.
'It's not the way I wanted to finish out my career' - @Natalyacoyle incredibly disappointed with how the showjumping transpired #Tokyo2020 #RTESport #modernpentathlon #RTESport
📺 Watch - https://t.co/lLKXNhKPkF
📱 Updates - https://t.co/rrhIHZ9LpR pic.twitter.com/iQFxefud1H— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 6, 2021
James Lowe Hits Back At Critics Following Ireland's Win Over the All Blacks
Lowe had come in for a heap of criticism following some defensive mishaps in the 2021 Six Nations. However, he had a phenomenal game against his native country, and in no uncertain terms let everyone know what he thought about it.
🗣 "Never in a million years could I have thought this day would come!"
Try scorer James Lowe speaks after the epic win over New Zealand.#C4Rugby | #IrishRugby 🍀 | #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/Wr27hevTQX— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) November 13, 2021
Kellie Harrington Reacts After Winning Gold
Ireland's boxing hero letting it all out after a legendary performance.
"This is the stuff of dreams"
An emotional and joyous @Kelly64kg has been reacting to her #Tokyo2020 gold medal win #Olympics #RTESport
📺 Watch live - https://t.co/yeoFtHU1S3
📱 Updates – https://t.co/0gOUdPX1p1 pic.twitter.com/BZigBW2MpS— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 8, 2021
Cork u20s Football Manager Keith Ricken Speaks To TG4
Following Cork's win over Kerry in the u20s Munster Championship semi-final, Ricken gave an interview that was respectful, engaging, level-headed, but also pure Cork.
Bainisteoir Peile fé 20 @OfficialCorkGAA Keith Ricken ag caint le #GAABEO tar-éis an cluiche iontach vs Ciarraí - Passionate words from Keith Ricken after their dramatic win over @Kerry_Official this evening in Páirc Uí Chaoimh #GAA pic.twitter.com/inYOmslICs
— GAA BEO TG4 (@GAA_BEO) July 15, 2021
CJ Stander After His Final Game In Green
Ireland's South African son gave an emotional interview after Ireland's victory against England in the Six Nations. He played the game as he had played his entire career, with relentless energy and passion.
"I am forever grateful. Dreams do come true."
CJ Stander speaking to @sineadkissane after his final game in an Ireland jersey.
An Irish legend. 💚#IREvENG #GuinnessSixNations #VMTVRugby pic.twitter.com/HtyWUCWXT0— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 20, 2021
Ronan O'Gara On His Aims With La Rochelle
ROG has not only become one of the most sought-after coaches in the world, but also one of the most sought-after pundits. This interview following La Rochelle's defeat of Gloucester in the Champions Cup displayed O'Gara's knack for insightful and intelligent commentary on the game.
𝙆𝘽𝘼 - 𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚
Fascinating to speak to La Rochelle coach @RonanOGara10 🟡
He discusses mindset, style of play and coaching the likes of Levani Botia ✨#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/5aI2t3euXL— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 2, 2021
Down's Ruairí O'Hare Shows That There Are More Important Things In Life
Following Down's victory over Monaghan in the Ulster U20 final, their captain Ruairí O'Hare gave a heartbreaking interview to TG4.
He offered his condolences to Monaghan after their captain Brendan Óg Duffy had been killed in a car crash two weeks previously, and also dedicated the win to his club mate and best friend Niall Laverty who passed away last year.
#DWNvMON Lán Ama
Comghairdeas le Ruairi O’Hare, is é Laoch na hImeartha inniu 👏 @OfficialDownGAA @EirGrid @GAA_BEO #GAA #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/2d4fpCiNCo— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) July 30, 2021
See Also: The Best Sporting Achievement From Every County In 2021
