One gets the feeling that James McClean will look back at 2017 with mixed feelings.
Failing to qualify for next year's World Cup in Russia will haunt him. After an impressive draw in Denmark, Ireland's capitulation in the Aviva a few days left him visibly devastated.
Yet, his commitment to the cause has never been in doubt, and, tonight he was named the 2017 RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year. Responsible for some of the most memorable moments of the ill-fated campaign, McClean captured the imagination of the voting public; selected ahead of World champions and All-Ireland winners.
While McClean's club career leaves much to be desired after falling out of fortune with his now sacked manager Tony Pulis, the Derryman will be hopeful that Alan Pardew can help him spark a revival.
It was not his performances in the green of Ireland alone however that brought him tonight's prize. A 'character' in the very best meaning of the word, McClean's year has demonstrated much about one of our most popular sports people.
Wales 0 Ireland 1 - James McClean lifts Irish hearts:
James McClean, you absolute dancer. How about that step over from Harry Arter?!? #WALIRL #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/75hDzigE9L
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2017
When Martin O'Neill's team approached this tie in Cardiff, a win was all that would suffice. When the Creggan man found himself at the end of Jeff Hendrick's whipped in cross, he struck it with the sort of conviction that would leave one doubting whether McClean wasn't actually right-footed. Spearheading "one of those nights" in Irish football, irrespective of the disappointing end to the subsequent playoff, McClean's goal assured that Ireland had again exceeded expectations, and delivered when it was required most.
Somewhat secondary to this, McClean's goal-scoring throughout the qualifying campaign was of crucial importance to Ireland. Often surprising even those who rate him so highly, an earlier goal in Vienna gave the whole nation hope that a World Cup place was ours to be gained.
Publicly Acting On The Racial Abuse Targeted Toward Cyrus Christie:
Revelations regarding the racist abuse Ireland's Cyrus Christie suffered in the wake of Ireland's playoff defeat to Denmark sickened many, and caused many more to question where the Irish sporting community stood with regards such behaviour. A player well-acquainted with abuse from fans, McClean's near-immediate public response to the disheartening, despicable act earned him many plaudits. It was a testament to McClean's character and demonstrated once more his commitment to his teammates and Ireland generally.
Showing his human side:
James McClean has rarely felt the need to hide his personal feelings. To many in England, his continual refusal to wear a remembrance poppy on his jersey tends to conjure an annual frenzy - despite McClean stating clearly his reasons for refusing. Scarcely one to shy away from where his personal and political leanings are, this video of McClean celebrating Ireland's 1-0 win over Wales in October in his own unique way demonstrated a degree of humanity - whether you agree or not with the nature of the celebrations - that is rarely seen among professional footballers.
His frank assessment of Ireland's Playoff defeat:
Although we would rarely expect platitudes from McClean, there was something slightly (ever so slightly) cathartic in seeing this broken man speaking to Tony O'Donoghue in the wake of Ireland's playoff defeat to Denmark. As one of the leaders within the Irish dressing room, his heartbreak was visceral and, perhaps, made us feel an even greater connection to this team.
"They were just better than us... I don't know what to say... I am just devastated" - Fair play to James McClean for fronting #Irlden pic.twitter.com/j2dJlQbg8g
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 14, 2017
Random displays of generosity:
While McClean is unquestionably not alone as a professional footballer who is willing to help others, his seemingly random act of generosity to help a young child in need of sight-saving surgery. Just a very class act.
"They had a 12th man":
Few deal with a negative result quite as badly as McClean, and, while referring to the referee as the opposition's 12th man will always get you in trouble, there is something captivating in McClean's ability to reflect the mood of the nations.
James McClean on the performance of the referee: "You tell me. They had a 12th man today." pic.twitter.com/f0rpxyqkja
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 11, 2017
