Carnlough man Brendan Rodgers succeeded Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager at the start of JuneRory McIlroy won the US PGA title and topped the European and US money lists to retain his position as world number oneThe Belfast Giants won ice hockey's Elite League titleThe province was shocked by news of the death of Nevin Spence in a farming accident in SeptemberKatie Taylor grabbed the headlines by winning Olympic gold in women's boxingFootball mourned the passing of former NI captain Alan McDonald in JuneMichael O'Neill is still looking for his first win after taking over the Northern Ireland managerial reins in FebruaryCrusaders won the League Cup in January and the Setanta All-Ireland Cup final at the Oval in MayRowers Peter Chambers, Alan Campbell and Richard Chambers won medals at the Olympic GamesGuy Martin leads the chasing pack at the Ulster Grand Prix in AugustBoxers Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes were bronze medal winners at the London 2012 GamesSwimmer Bethany Firth collected a gold medal at the Paralympics in SeptemberAthletes Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth struck gold at the ParalympicsCarl Frampton hopes to close in on a world title shot at super-bantamweight next yearDonegal won the All-Ireland Senior Football title by beating Mayo at Croke Park in SeptemberIreland failed to make an impact at the World Twenty20 in Sri LankaCraig Gilroy made a big impact by scoring a try on his full Ireland debut against ArgentinaCrossmaglen celebrate after winning the All-Ireland Club Football title in MarchLiam Watson celebrates after scoring Loughgiel's opening goal in the All-Ireland Club Hurling final against CoolderryCarrickfergus rider Alastair Seeley took a hat-trick of wins at the North West 200 in MayMichael Dunlop won the Superstock race at the Isle of Man TT in JuneNiall McGinn celebrates after scoring Northern Ireland's goal in the 1-1 draw with Portugal in Porto in OctoberUlster were disappointed to lose the Heineken Cup final to Leinster at Twickenham in MayGraeme McDowell was one of the star attractions in front of packed galleries at the Irish Open at Royal Portrush