2013 could mark final year for Irish sporting giants

IT’S hard to know which is the more rash, to make predictions or resolutions at this time of year, but invariably we all end up indulging in some crystal-ball gazing about the 12 months ahead. Just what has 2013 in store?

When this columnist sat down yesterday to look at the year ahead, we can’t say it was all done in that festive spirit of optimism.

The news that Paul O’Connell is to undergo back surgery has brought home the very real prospect that 2013 could mark the final year in the playing careers for some of the giants that have bestrode the Irish sporting landmark for over a decade.