As 2022 draws to a close, it’s time to take a breath and look back on another year of highs, lows and memorable moments.
Newstalk Breakfast has been with you through it all – and here are some of the best bits from the show this year:
A split-screen of Henry de Bromhead and his son Jack who tragically died in September.Henry de Bromhead on the tragic death of his son Jack
The tragic death of 13-year-old Jack de Bromhead saw the nation united in grief back in September.
His father, leading horse trainer Henry de Bromhead, joined Newstalk Breakfast to thank people all over the country for their support during his family’s darkest hour.
He revealed that not one, but two races were to be named in his son’s honour – the Maher’s Novices Hurdles Cheltenham and the Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle on December 28th.
De Bromhead said the gestures, alongside the public’s support, mean a huge amount to his family.
Irish people arrive to fight with Ukraine Foreign Legion
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine gathered speed in early March, Irishman Brendan Murphy described his flight towards the Polish border with his family.
He told Newstalk Breakfast his family had been “fortunate” on their journey, receiving help from both Irish and Ukrainian people along the way.
He said Irish soldiers were among people from all over the world arriving to fight with a new ‘Ukrainian Foreign Legion,’ complete with the Tricolour on their arms.
The businessman said the people of Ukraine remained defiant in the face of the invasion.
Cervical Cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan sitting on a bench on the quays in Dublin. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNewsVicky Phelan on being Awarded the Freedom of Limerick
The death of Vicky Phelan last month saw an outpouring of national grief the likes of which has rarely been seen.
In February, she was in high spirits as she joined Newstalk Breakfast to discuss her “deep honour” at being awarded the Freedom of Limerick.
She noted that she was one of a handful of women to be afforded the honour – adding that those that went before her were “fairly serious contenders”.
The cervical cancer campaigner noted that she now had the right to herd sheep up her adopted city’s main street – and spoke about how she was feeling well after a change in her medication.
Sean Spicer on Donald Trump's latest tilt at the US Preisdency
After Donald Trump revealed the worst-kept secret in US politics last month, Newstalk Breakfast spoke to his former advisor Seán Spicer.
He said Mr Trump’s latest run at the presidency is no surprise, noting that “anyone who didn’t think he was making this announcement was living under a rock”.
He said the former US president would not be phased about how the candidates he endorsed fared in the recent primaries.
He insisted Mr Trump remains the favourite to become the Republican candidate come the presidential election.
Alejandro Miszan who was seriously injured in the Enniscorthy dog attack. Image: Miszan family.Raul Miszan on the "devastating" Enniscorthy dog attack
One of the most heartbreaking stories of the year was the horrific dog attack on nine-year-old Alejandro Miszan in Enniscorthy last month.
His brother Raul joined Newstalk Breakfast to describe his brother’s injuries and the “devastating” impact the incident has had on his family.
He described Alejandro as a “very friendly child” who is much loved by everyone at school and around the neighbourhood.
He also thanked a neighbour who he said saved Alejandro’s life by beating the dog off with a baseball bat.
