Who is Dublin’s greatest ever sportsperson? 

Dublin has long been a city of sport, where legends are made in fields, tracks, and boxing rings.   

But who stands head and shoulders above the rest as the greatest sportsperson in the capital’s history?   

In a city with a sporting heritage as rich and varied as Dublin’s, the contenders are plenty and the opinions even more so!  

Dublin has produced outstanding athletes who’ve conquered their disciplines, from Gaelic football legends to boxing world champions, soccer stars, and Olympic heroes.   

But how do you compare skill across different sports?   

How do you weigh All-Ireland titles against world titles, Olympic medals against Premier League goals?  

GAELIC FOOTBALL  

For many, the heartbeat of Dublin’s sporting identity lies in Gaelic games.

Jim Gavin, the mastermind behind Dublin football’s historic six-in-a-row All-Ireland titles, has played an extraordinary role in shaping the modern era of the sport.   

His tactical brilliance and calm leadership transformed the Dubs into a team of unprecedented dominance and skill.

The Dublin football team, in particular, has enjoyed unprecedented sucess in the modern era, and players like Stephen Cluxton (pictured), Brian Fenton, and Ciaran Kilkenny have become synonymous with that success.

Cluxton, with his ice-cool demeanor and game-changing role as a goalkeeper, revolutionized the position and led Dublin to an era of unparalleled triumph.  

But step back a generation, and the name Kevin Heffernan looms large.

A player and manager whose influence on Dublin GAA cannot be overstated, Heffernan’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of the game.

Then there’s Jimmy Keaveney, a scoring machine whose magic boots propelled the Dubs to glory in the 1970s.  

More recently, James McCarthy was a modern-day talisman for the Dubs, combining skill, leadership, and an unmatched work rate.   

His consistency and energy made him one of the most respected footballers of his generation.  

The women’s game has also brought forward stars like Sinead Aherne, a legend of Dublin Ladies’ football and one of the most influential players in the sport’s history.

Her leadership and goal-scoring prowess helped Dublin to multiple All-Ireland titles.  

BOXING  

When it comes to global recognition and individual brilliance, Dublin’s boxing pedigree is hard to ignore.

Kellie Harrington (pictured above), an Olympic gold medalist and world champion, stands as one of the finest sportspeople the city has ever produced.   

Her journey from the north inner city to the top of the boxing world is a tale of grit and determination, and her humility and pride in her roots have made her a beloved figure in Irish sport.  

Before her, there was Steve Collins, a world champion who thrilled crowds with his guts and flair.   

And we can’t forget Michael Carruth (pictured above), Ireland’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist in 1992, whose achievement remains one of the country’s most celebrated sporting moments.  

Dublin’s contribution to boxing goes even deeper with fighters like Bernard Dunne and Phil Sutcliffe Sr., whose influence on the sport at home laid the foundations for future champions.

The city’s amateur boxing clubs continue to produce world-class talent, ensuring Dublin’s legacy in the ring remains strong.  

SOCCER  

Dublin has given Ireland some of its finest soccer exports.

Johnny Giles, a midfield maestro, remains one of the greatest Irish players of all time.

Liam Brady, with his left foot like a wand, brought elegance and brilliance to Arsenal and Juventus.

Paul McGrath (pictured above), a defensive colossus, earned adulation for his performances at Italia ’90 and his imperious club career.  

And then there’s Robbie Keane, Ireland’s record goal-scorer and one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards.  

Let’s not overlook Paddy Moore, Ireland’s first soccer superstar.   

In February 1934 Moore scored four goals for the FAI XI in a World Cup qualifier against Belgium.   

As a result, he became the first player ever to score four goals in a World Cup game.   

The women’s game has also produced some outstanding Dubliners.

One of Ireland’s most high-profile female footballers, Stephanie Zambra is celebrated for her skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability.

Her stunning goal in the 2014 Puskás Award nomination catapulted her into the international spotlight.  

Louise Quinn is a stalwart of the Irish national team and a consistent performer at club level, her leadership and defensive prowess have made her one of Ireland’s best-ever players.   

Katie McCabe has quickly become one of Ireland’s most talented and well-known footballers.  Playing for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League, she is an influential figure on both the club and international stage.  

RUGBY  

The Irish rugby team is currently one of the most respected and successful sides in international rugby, renowned for its skill, determination, and resilience.   

However, one player who consistently stands out when talking about great Irish rugby players is Brian O’Driscoll (pictured above).

Widely regarded as one of rugby’s greatest-ever players, O’Driscoll spent his career as a symbol of excellence, leadership, and class.   

A product of Dublin’s vibrant rugby culture, O’Driscoll became the face of Irish rugby for over a decade.

As captain of both Leinster and the Irish national team, his skills, vision, and ability to read the game elevated him to legendary status.

Under his leadership, Ireland secured their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009, and he remains a celebrated figure in both Irish and world rugby.

His longevity, performances in key moments, and impact on the game have left an indelible mark on Dublin’s sporting legacy.  

OLYMPIANS AND BEYOND  

Ronnie Delany’s 1500m gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics is one of Ireland’s greatest sporting achievements.

His name still conjures images of that perfect race, his burst of speed down the final straight securing his place in history.  

Eamonn Coghlan is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest-ever athletes, his greatest achievement came in 1983 when he became the first Irish man to win a World Championship gold in athletics.   

In golf, Padraig Harrington’s three major championships have cemented his place among the sport’s greats. 

Ken Doherty is one of Ireland’s greatest ever snooker players, known for his skill, precision, and calm demeanor under pressure.   

He made history in 1997 when he won the World Snooker Championship, becoming the first player from the Republic of Ireland to claim the prestigious title.  

Annalise Murphy gained international recognition for her performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won a silver medal, becoming Ireland’s first-ever Olympic sailing medalist.  

So how do you decide? Is it about medals and titles? Longevity and consistency?

Or is it about moments — those unforgettable flashes of brilliance that stay with us forever?   

Cluxton’s winning point in the 2011 All-Ireland final, Delany’s sprint for glory, Harrington’s gold in Tokyo — these are the moments that shape legacies.  

Maybe greatness is about impact, or who made you believe.   

Who made you jump out of your seat, made your heart race. That’s a measure no medal count can capture.  

So, who’s your pick?   

In a city of giants, choosing just one is a near-impossible task, but maybe that’s what makes the debate so thrilling.   

Now, it’s over to you dear readers…