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What about Ronnie O'Brien, he won Time Magazines Person of the Centrury - surely nobody can beat that?
O'Brien was taken out of the running, because Time officials said not enough people had heard of him. The official rules stated, "whimsical candidates will not be counted."
Good point Ash. That's why I avoided calling AOB the best Irish sportsperson. Would you agree that AOB/Coolmore, the team, are achieving far more than that grinding QF bore of Italia '90, and getting far less credit. On individual achievement I suppose I have to give it to Padraig.The thing is Aidan O'Brien needs good horses and good jockeys to be where he is. So its a combination of all three with him. So credit must go to his jockeys and horses also. Its hard to put that against say Padraig Harrington, John Treacy etc., who have to get out there and do it themselves.
AOB should be looked as a manager/coach as his role has more to do with getting the best out of his horses/jockeys. There is no doubt but that he is world class and probably Irelands best ever person in a coaching role.
For individual sportsman, it is now hard to look past Harrington as he is now a repeat winner at the highest level in a world sport.
I feel the question needs clarifying.
"On the World sports stage which Irish person has achieved the greatest success?"
AOB is the only person who can claim to be at the absolute summit of his sport on this planet, and by a country mile. All the others mentioned in this thread have done well relative to other Irish people but would not be World Best, except maybe the GAA-GAAs but surely they don't count.
Of course you can put that against harrington, do you think he trained himself. every sport consists of trainers and assistants (caddys) so he can share the glory aswell.The thing is Aidan O'Brien needs good horses and good jockeys to be where he is. So its a combination of all three with him. So credit must go to his jockeys and horses also. Its hard to put that against say Padraig Harrington, John Treacy etc., who have to get out there and do it themselves.
To be the best GAA player in Irish history still only means you are the best in a country of 4.5m people. To be a success at a global game puts you head and shoulders above billions... Therefore only international athletes could be our greatest sportsperson.
Good point Ash. That's why I avoided calling AOB the best Irish sportsperson. Would you agree that AOB/Coolmore, the team, are achieving far more than that grinding QF bore of Italia '90, and getting far less credit. On individual achievement I suppose I have to give it to Padraig.
Phelps prob best swimmer of all time. But really, these multiple golds!! On track all races are freestyle. Imagine a race with arms stretched out, a race with arms by your side, a race with arms flapping like a bird etc. etc. How many medals would Carl Lewis have won then?This is the second olympics where he has won 5 or more gold medals - in swimming terms they would be considered diverse events, many of the competitors are different and even if they aren't diverse it shouldn't in any way take away from the achievement - Michael Johnson 'only' ran, Michael Schumacher 'only' drove an F1 car, Michael Jordan 'only' played basketball well - all are considered sporting greats in a seperate league to anything Ireland has ever produced.
Phelps prob best swimmer of all time. But really, these multiple golds!! On track all races are freestyle. Imagine a race with arms stretched out, a race with arms by your side, a race with arms flapping like a bird etc. etc. How many medals would Carl Lewis have won then?
Of course you can put that against harrington, do you think he trained himself. every sport consists of trainers and assistants (caddys) so he can share the glory aswell.
I know every sport has its trainers etc, on the big day when it all matters it has to be Harrington etc has to get out there and perform and do the tough work.
With horse racing should it not be the horse that is the star of the day.
Of course you can put that against harrington, do you think he trained himself. every sport consists of trainers and assistants (caddys) so he can share the glory aswell.
I know every sport has its trainers etc, on the big day when it all matters it has to be Harrington etc has to get out there and perform and do the tough work.
With horse racing should it not be the horse that is the star of the day.
Well his caddy might argue the point with you further. And I agree about the horses
Phelps prob best swimmer of all time. But really, these multiple golds!! On track all races are freestyle. Imagine a race with arms stretched out, a race with arms by your side, a race with arms flapping like a bird etc. etc. How many medals would Carl Lewis have won then?
qwertyuiop said:I agree with you.
Horse racing isnt recognised by the Irish Sports Council, so its not officially a sport in Ireland.
Horse racing isnt recognised by the Irish Sports Council, so its not officially a sport in Ireland.
Interesting article from the Irish Times archive here
[broken link removed]
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