Ladies and gentlemen, we give to you our second annual beard bracket for the best beard in Irish sport. Who wins? You decide!
The race for who would challenge for 2013 winner John Muldoon's crown started in earnest this time last year as our judging panel began casting an eye for potential new additions to our shortlist.
After much deliberation, we've narrowed it down to 16 entrants – four from soccer, rugby and GAA, along with four from other sports too. They were then organised into their respective sections and first round match-ups were drawn. Readers can vote in each match-up for the first round today, with the winners qualifying for the quarter finals tomorrow.
So without further ado....
GAA Section - Tie 1
Colm Parkinson vs Paul Galvin
In our opening bout it's the clash of Laois v Kerry. It's journalist v writer, as two of the greatest beards in the GAA face off for a place in the quarter-final.
The case for Galvin's beard is a strong one but while the no sideburns look can work for some, there are beard aficionados out there who would argue that Galvin's chin furniture has grown too long to be fit to pull off such a look.
Meanwhile Colm Parkinson's is not as dramatic – a style favoured by most beard wearers – but it's hard to vote for a man who has been know not to wear socks with shoes ... Although Galvin has probably been guilty of that at some stage too.
[polldaddy poll="8473043"]
Rugby Section - Tie 1
John Muldoon v Aled Walters
The reigning, defending champion John Muldoon has his work cut out this year in what is perhaps the toughest section of the whole bracket. His first opponent is a fierce one; Munster strength and conditioning coach Aled Walters.
Muldoon's case is made all the worse by the fact that he actually shaved his beard off at the end of last year.
Meanwhile, Aled Walters low profile make work against him but his beard is certainly a work of art.
[polldaddy poll="8473037"]
Soccer Section - Tie 1
Roy Keane v Mick McCarthy
It's Saipan all over again at Keane and McCarthy go head-to-head in the most bad blooded tie of round one.
Keane's beard is certainly the most talked about facial hair of the last few months but the badger-esque colouring is a problem for many. Particularly dairy farmers.
McCarthy's beard didn't last too long but while it was around it gave him quite a Roger Sterling vibe.
[polldaddy poll="8473026"]
Other Sports - Tie 1
Conor McGregor v Sheamus
They had a go at each other on Twitter over the weekend and now they're face off for the right to make to the quarter-final; Conor McGregor and Sheamus are destined to be enemies.
McGregor's beard is solid if not spectacular and bookies have him strong favourite to qualify from this section.
Meanwhile Sheamus has kept a consist style for the last 79 years, although recently it's gotten a little long for my liking.
[polldaddy poll="8473056"]
GAA Section -Tie 2
Mickey Burke v Cathal Cregg
This may not be quite the glamour tie of Galvin v Parkinson but the two lads have sported some great cheek curtains over the past year.
Burke's is a favourite of Meath football followers but only stands an outside chance of making it through.
Cregg's on the other hand is majestic, although there's a distinct lack of moustache.
[polldaddy poll="8473048"]
Rugby Section - Tie 2
Gordon D'Arcy v Aly Muldowney
Well well well, another two strong contenders from the sport of rugby. There's an argument to made that had the four rugby be lads been kept apart they're all potential overall winners but as it stands we must lose another here.
D'Arcy's is certainly well talked about he has shown a lack of commitment, shaving it off, not once but twice, over the last 12 months.
Muldowney would have to be considered an outsider but then again his mouth hairpiece speaks for itself.
[polldaddy poll="8473034"]
Soccer Section - Tie 2
Marc Wilson v Cillian Sheridan
The second tie in the soccer section boasts the only Irishman left in the Champions League and the most versatile Irish player since John O'Shea.
Wilson is nothing if not consistent with his hair/beard combo but many (mostly me) would argue that it makes him look like a Lego person.
Sheridan has to be considered a strong favourite here. How he hasn't been called back into the Ireland squad on basis of his facial hair alone is beyond me.
[polldaddy poll="8473031"]
Other Sports - Tie 2
Shane Lowry v Zach Tuohy
He's landed a hole-in-one and broken into the top 50 golfers in the world but Lowry's biggest challenge of the last seven days is undoubtedly Laois native and AFL star Zach Tuohy.
Lowry's beard is reserved, shaped to the nearest hair and well groomed.
Meanwhile, Tuohy's is everything Lowry's isn't.
[polldaddy poll="8473059"]
Vote early, vote often and come back tomorrow to see who has won.
