The disappointment of Denmark will forever haunt Irish footballing memories of 2017. However, don't despair for the year completely.
With one obvious exception from the national side, Irish footballers, domestically and abroad, were in serious goal-scoring form this year.
With the League of Ireland conjuring up the majority of the eleven goals selected, your last footballing memory of 2017 doesn't have to be that Nicklas Bendtner penalty in the Aviva.
Starting with a happier time in Cardiff, have a look at some of the best Irish goals from 2017.
James McClean (Ireland) vs Wales:
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
Although it may not be the most extravagant goal on this list, James McClean's winner against Wales has certainly gone down as one of the most memorable sporting moments in 2017. While the playoff this win propelled Ireland into hardly went according to plan, for a few weeks at least, McClean's wonderful finish gave us reasons to be cheerful.
Conan Byrne (St. Patrick's Athletic) vs Derry City:
Not the last time Byrne will appear on this list, this finish was pure Eric Cantona. After some close control from Lee Desmond, the touch into Byrne's path wouldn't have left that Derry defence feeling overly vulnerable. Yet, from seemingly nothing, Byrne lofts the ball with delightful finesse.
Clare Shine (Cork City WFC) vs UCD Waves
The through-ball from Katie McCarthy, the touch beyond a flailing defender, Shine's wherewithal to take the ball round the UCD keeper and finish from an increasingly tight angle - not a bad way to win a cup final really.
Conan Byrne (St. Patrick's Athletic) vs Bohemians:
Right out of that 1990s Manchester United copybook once again, this time it was David Beckham that Conan Byrne was channeling. Shooting from well within his own half, with hardly any time to consider his options, it was pure intuition from the Pats man once again.
Patrick McEleney (Dundalk) vs St. Patrick's Athletic
It's little wonder that McEleney found himself a wanted man in England. Joining League One's Oldham Athletic, McEleney's close control and deft finish left the Pats defence in ribbons here. Finished with the outside of his right boot, that slow-motion movement of the ball through the air is something to behold.
Patrick McEleney (Dundalk) vs Drogheda United:
Right foot, left foot, McEleney is happy enough to indulge either. Showing a Gareth Bale-esque turn of pace to keep the loose ball from going for a throw, it didn't really appear like McEleney knew where he was going at first. With nothing apparent on, the Dundalk man just effortlessly chips the keeper and gives us one of the outstanding hits on this list.
Sean Russell (Drogheda United) vs Sligo Rovers:
This one stayed hit. On the volley, half-volley, however you want to describe it, Russell absolutely smashed it past a helpless 'keeper in the Showgrounds. Over the shoulder and hit with incredible precision, this list would be meaningless without a few big hits like this.
Paddy McCourt (Finn Harps) vs Sligo Rovers:
Sligo Rovers once again on the unfortunate end of a bit of magic, McCourt showed something of the ability that saw Celtic prise the "Derry Pele" away from the League of Ireland in 2008. Back in the league this year, this mazy run through the middle of the Rovers defence was only matched by the audacity of McCourt's finish.
Robbie Benson (Dundalk) vs Shamrock Rovers:
It might not have been a vintage year for Dundalk by their own vaunted standards, but, this goal provided evidence of what they could do when working at maximum capacity. From zero to one-hundred in the blink of an eye, Shamrock Rovers were left chasing shadows as Dundalk managed to work past them with ease - the finish from Benson wasn't too shabby either.
Sean Maguire (Preston North End) vs Barnsley:
Maybe not the most consequential goal on the list, or necessarily the most skillful, there was a good deal of good will surrounding Sean Maguire's debut goal for Preston. After such a memorable spell with Cork City, Maguire's interplay here and the headed finish were indicative of what League of Ireland fans knew he was capable of.
