GRAPHIC: Paul O'Connell beats Conor McGregor as most admired Irish athlete in 2015

The phenomenal popularity of Conor McGregor among young men aged between 18 and 35 is one of the key findings in the PSG Sport and Sponsorship Sentiment Index 2015.

Though Shane Long’s crucial goal against Germany in the Euro 2016 qualifiers is the most memorable moment, and the soccer team’s qualification for ne xt year’s Euros the greatest achievement, McGregor’s recent KO of Jose Aldo for the UFC featherweight crown has boosted his profile hugely in this key demographic.