While 2023 had no shortage of tragic events, there were also plenty of moments to celebrate this year, according to Newstalk’s own Eamonn Torsney. 

“There’s been an emphasis on doom and gloom but there’s plenty of good news out there,” he told Lunchtime Live. 

“One of the most outstanding stories of the year has to be the Irish women’s soccer team over the summertime. 

“What they achieved; we sometimes gloss over it – but it was historic.” 

After the Irish women’s soccer team qualified for the World Cup, 75,000 people watched the team play against Australia. 

“There would have been plenty of Irish people living [in Australia] as well so it was a great opportunity for the Irish abroad to fly the flag,” Eamonn said. 

“It’s a foundation for the future as well – unlike the men’s team, who went off a cliff’s edge after their success in the 80s and 90s, hopefully, the women will build up.” 

Republic of Ireland supporters during homecoming event on O'Connell Street in Dublin following the FIFA Women's World Cup, 03/08/2023.

Eamon also thought U2’s residency in the Sphere in Las Vegas was a big win for Ireland. 

“I have to say, that’s a phenomenal venue that’s been launched, and U2 launched it,” he said. 

“It’s a huge success.” 

Biden visits 'home'

While Bono went to the US, the US came to Ireland as President Joe Biden visited “home”. 

“Remember the ‘State of the Nation’ type address he gave?” host Andrea Gilligan asked. “I think he called himself the Son of Ballina.” 

Eamonn recalled the extravagant opening the US President received in Co Mayo, which others have described as a “WWE entrance”. 

He also noted the big scoop Irish people received. 

“On the tarmac at Knock, he indicated for the first time he was going to run for president, so a big scoop for the Irish,” he said. 

“And the heartwarming story from that period was that he met the chaplain on his visit to Knock who had tended to his son while he was battling cancer. 

“For all the high politics moments we got involved in, and he may not be in the good books at the moment, but at the end of the day we’re all human.” 

Portmarnock Beach

While we got a visit from the US, one place we didn’t get a visit from was outer space creatures, despite the hopes of a space enthusiast in Portmarnock. 

“It’s the most Irish story of the year,” Andrea said. 

Eamonn agreed, saying it was “extraordinary” that a hole in the beach could have been mistaken for the remains of a meteorite landing. 

“The idea that a meteorite would hit one of the busiest suburbs in Dublin and no one would really notice?” he said. 

“The [space enthusiast on Virgin Media] was very convincing, but then a video emerged of just a group of lads digging a hole. 

“I don’t think people are going to be visiting Portmarnock.” 

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