Photos from NI's sporting year of 2012

Carnlough man Brendan Rodgers succeeded Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager at the start of June

Rory McIlroy won the US PGA title and topped the European and US money lists to retain his position as world number one

The Belfast Giants won ice hockey's Elite League title

The province was shocked by news of the death of Nevin Spence in a farming accident in September

Katie Taylor grabbed the headlines by winning Olympic gold in women's boxing

Football mourned the passing of former NI captain Alan McDonald in June

Michael O'Neill is still looking for his first win after taking over the Northern Ireland managerial reins in February

Crusaders won the League Cup in January and the Setanta All-Ireland Cup final at the Oval in May

Rowers Peter Chambers, Alan Campbell and Richard Chambers won medals at the Olympic Games

Guy Martin leads the chasing pack at the Ulster Grand Prix in August

Boxers Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes were bronze medal winners at the London 2012 Games

Swimmer Bethany Firth collected a gold medal at the Paralympics in September

Athletes Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth struck gold at the Paralympics

Carl Frampton hopes to close in on a world title shot at super-bantamweight next year

Donegal won the All-Ireland Senior Football title by beating Mayo at Croke Park in September

Ireland failed to make an impact at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka

Craig Gilroy made a big impact by scoring a try on his full Ireland debut against Argentina

Crossmaglen celebrate after winning the All-Ireland Club Football title in March

Liam Watson celebrates after scoring Loughgiel's opening goal in the All-Ireland Club Hurling final against Coolderry

Carrickfergus rider Alastair Seeley took a hat-trick of wins at the North West 200 in May

Michael Dunlop won the Superstock race at the Isle of Man TT in June

Niall McGinn celebrates after scoring Northern Ireland's goal in the 1-1 draw with Portugal in Porto in October

Ulster were disappointed to lose the Heineken Cup final to Leinster at Twickenham in May

Graeme McDowell was one of the star attractions in front of packed galleries at the Irish Open at Royal Portrush