IRISH sports stars have been involved in their fair share of scandals over the years.
But amidst all of the bust-ups and controversial moments on and off the field, there have also been some incredible sporting conquests.
Here, we’ve put together our list of Ireland’s most shocking moments in sport.
Manager Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane pass each other during training ahead of his exit from the tournament (Photo: ©INPHO/Andrew Paton)1. Roy Keane Saipan, 2002
Often regarded as the most controversial of his outbursts, Roy Keane's hasty departure from the 2002 World Cup is still a talking point.
After coming to verbal blows with the Ireland team’s coaches and then manager Mick McCarthy, he left his teammates in Japan and made a dramatic exit from the tournament.
When heading to board his flight home to Manchester, he told reporters “there’s more important things to worry about.”
An Irish fan is helped by stewards after a missile is launched as England fans riot at Lansdowne Road in 1995 (Photo: INPHO)2. Ireland v England at Lansdowne Road, 1995
A friendly football match between Ireland and England in Dublin on February 15, 1995 turned into a full-blown riot.
Seats were ripped up, missiles were thrown and some England supporters invaded the pitch, fighting with Irish police during the first half at Lansdowne Road.
The trouble sparked in the West Stand as David Kelly sent Ireland into the lead in the 22nd minute, before the match was eventually abandoned.
Kelly later recalled the events as a “sad day for sport".
Kevin O'Brien with brother Niall after beating England (Image: Inpho.ie/Barry Chambers/Cricket Ireland )3. Kevin O’Brien scores fastest century in World Cup history
Irish cricketer Kevin O’Brien will forever have his name etched into the World Cup hall of fame.
In 2011, he stunned England with the fastest hundred in the tournament’s history in Bangalore.
Ireland went on to secure one of their greatest victories with an impressive three-wicket triumph.
Sporting pink hair for charity, O’Brien made history in what he’ll no doubt remember as the greatest innings of his life.
Michelle Smith celebrates her win in the women's individual 400 metre medley at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta (Photo: Michael Cooper /Allsport)4. The rise and fall of Olympic swimmer Michelle Smith de Bruin
Once regarded as a national heroine, de Bruin was Ireland’s first woman to win an Olympic gold medal.
Her career was poised for greatness, and she went on to claim three gold medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
But her fall from grace shocked Ireland as she became embroiled in a drug scandal.
In 1998, she was banned by swimming's world governing from competing for four years after she was found guilty of tampering with a drug test.
Despite continually denying her involvement with performance enhancing drugs, her career was effectively over and she exited the sport as quickly as she came into it.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland faces the media alongside captain Brian O'Driscoll in Australia in 2013 (Photo: Getty Images)5. Brian O’Driscoll dropped by Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland’s decision to drop Brian O’Driscoll for the British and Irish Lions crucial series decider against Australia in 2013 shocked the Irish centre as much as it did rugby fans.
Having played the first two tests, O’Driscoll’s omission for the third and final test in Sydney brought Gatland much criticism.
Although the loss of O’Driscoll’s vast experience worried supporters, Gatland stuck by his decision.
Luckily for him, the Lions demolished Australia in the final test to secure a series win.
6. Thierry Henry’s ‘hand of God’ incident against Ireland in World Cup play-off
Ireland were just 16 minutes away from penalties for a spot in the 2010 World Cup when France’s Thierry Henry delivered a crucial blow in their journey to South Africa.
The Frenchman handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas's extra-time equaliser in the second leg of the play-off in Paris.
The 2-1 aggregate win sent France to the World Cup, but they were knocked out of the group stages after a player strike.
Stephen Roche celebrates winning the Tour de France in 1987 (Photo: INPHO)7. Stephen Roche becomes first Irishman to win Tour de France
The only Irishman to have won the most prestigious race of the cycling calendar, Stephen Roche remains a legend.
One of the most physically gruelling and mentally testing challenges for even the fittest of athletes, Roche won the Tour de France in 1987.
Often pinpointed as the finest cyclist of his generation, he boasts a remarkable career.
Offaly fans protest at the end of the match against Clare when the referee blew the match up early (Photo: INPHO)8. Offaly v Clare famous sit-down protest
In the summer of 1998, the two sides controversially met three times in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship semi-finals.
After the first encounter ended in a draw, the teams faced each other in a replay.
But, in a shock move for Offaly supporters the referee ended the game five minutes before full-time with Clare leading.
This sparked a sit-down protest from Offaly fans, which eventually resulted in another replay at Semple Stadium a week later.
Much to Clare’s dismay, Offaly came out on top and went on to claim the championship.
