John Fallon: Women rule the roost for Irish football in 2022

We reflect on a rollercoaster year for the national teams and in the domestic leagues. 

TRIBUTE: Amber Barrett of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Play-off match against Scotland. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

A year when a major tournament looked further away for the Ireland men's team developed into a landmark one for the women, with World Cup qualification secured. 

On the domestic front, the first season since 2019 without restrictions released pent-up demand among fans and the three best-supported teams in the country – Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Cork City – claimed the silverware. So too did Caoimhín Kelleher, even if he ended the year still back-up goalkeeper for Ireland and Liverpool. Well, we can't have it all. Here's the month-by-month chronology of 2022 for Irish football.