Inspired by Domhnall O'Donovan's heroic equaliser, here are some fine examples of other sportsmen who have delivered sublime moments of skill under the greatest pressure.
Nick Evans
A superhuman amount of composure and cool judgement from Halequins' Evans in a crucial Heineken Cup tie against Stade Francais. Twice he turned down long, futile shots at a drop goal (ironically showing great courage in risking looking like a coward) to dart inside and help fashion a better chance of a drop goal
Youtube credit / stevenbenjamincole
Constantino Rocca
John Daly was celebrating when Constantino Rocca, who had just duffed a chip and looked to have lost his chance, sunk a monster putt on the final hole of the 1995 British Open at St. Andrews. Largely forgotten because Rocca lost the eventual playoff but an incredible putt all the same. Quality celebration too.
Youtube credit / wwwedoardomolinari
John Elway
The "most tortured sports city in America" (Cleveland) thought they had reached their first Super Bowl in 1986 when the Broncos, trailing by seven points, fumbled the kick-off with the clock running down. Elway engineered an extraordinary drive up the pitch, culminating in a five yard touchdown pass to Mark Jackson. Broncos went on to win the game in overtime.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bypo-WhahYo
Youtube credit / AlexBigGreen
Maurice Fitzgerald
Not easy to level an All-Ireland quarter-final in the last minute when Tommy Carr is shouting in your ear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXEONcn_4XM
Youtube credit / KilkennyFootball
Michael Jordan
Known by the Americans (who always have charmingly quaint nicknames for these things) as 'The Shot', Jordan landed this fantastic basket on the buzzer to beat Cleveland at the death in 1989
Youtube credit / procsi03
Ronan O'Gara
Huge drop goal from O'Gara after a remarkable 47 phases of play from Munster. Michael Corcoran was famously swept away by it.
Youtube credit / VicMackey0
Dennis Bergkamp
Sublime goal in the final minute of a World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. An ape of a goal he scored in rather less grand and dramatic circumstances in Filbert Street
Youtube credit / Arsenal4ever1988
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
The 2008 Wimbledon final was one of the greatest matches of all-time. Nadal's forehand at 4.24 must be one of the greatest shots ever. However, for pure doing it under pressure, Federer's backhand passing shot at 5.20 with his opponent on championship point is extraordinary
Youtube credit / Jeremy Barreto
