With Jordan Brown’s shock win at the Welsh Open in snooker, he now adds to a rich history of local sporting stars seizing the day against the odds and the toughest competitors. In a list that is by no means exhaustive, here are 10 of the most iconic sporting upsets Northern Ireland has enjoyed through the decades.
Dennis Taylor wins 1985 World Snooker Championship
Coalisland’s Dennis Taylor defied the odds when he defeated Steve Davis with the final ball of the 35th frame to seal an 18-Brownlow17 win. A television audience of 18.5m tuned in during the 70-minute final frame.
Healy scores the winner against England in 2005
Northern Ireland welcomed star-studded England to Windsor Park in 2005 for a World Cup qualifier.
David Healy, who now manages Linfield, scored a stunning goal to secure a 1-0 win against David Beckham et al.
Northern Ireland beat hosts Spain in the 1982 Football World Cup
Gerry Armstrong scoring that goal against Spain in ‘82
In Valencia on June 25, 1982, nobody could have dared to hope that Billy Bingham’s squad would stand a chance against the might of Spain. But it was Gerry Armstrong who scored the game’s only goal early in the second half.
Darren Clarke triumphs at the 2011 Open Golf Championship
Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke celebrated winning the Claret Jug at Sandwich in 2011
Entering the 2011 tournament as a rank outsider, rated 125-1 and ranked 111th in the world, local golfing fans could have been forgiven for expecting little from veteran Darren Clarke.
Davy Lyner holds the Vienna Cup many years after playing his part in Glentoran’s triumph
Shortly before the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 Irish Cup winners Glentoran were victorious after a highly unexpected invitation to compete in the Vienna Cup.
Ireland stun the cricketing world by defeating Pakistan on world cup debut
Party time: Ireland celebrate their stunning triumph over Pakistan, then the World No.4 side, in Jamaica at the ICC Cricket World Cup on St Patrick’s Day 2007
Party time: Ireland celebrate their stunning triumph over Pakistan, then the World No.4 side, in Jamaica at the ICC Cricket World Cup on St Patrick’s Day 2007
In 2007, Ireland secured one of the biggest shocks in cricketing history by beating Pakistan at the World Cup held in Jamaica.
Ireland’s women’s hockey team reach the World Cup final
Ireland's Ayeisha McFerran (far right) celebrates with teammates after winning the shootout to win the match during the Vitality Women's Hockey World Cup Semi Final match at The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London. Steven Paston/PA Wire
Ireland's Ayeisha McFerran (far right) celebrates with teammates after winning the shootout to win the match during the Vitality Women's Hockey World Cup Semi Final match at The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London. Steven Paston/PA Wire
In 2018, Ireland women’s hockey team secured their highest ever world ranking after winning the silver medal at the FIH Women’s World Cup.
Ireland men’s hockey team conquer England to secure first ever bronze medal
Ireland enjoyed a famous victory over England to move up the world rankings
In 2015, the Ireland men’s hockey side secured an historic victory over England at the Eurohockey Championships to win bronze for the first time ever.
Dundela create Irish Cup history with 1955 victory over Glenavon
Credited as perhaps the biggest ever upset in Irish Cup history, in 1955 junior side Dundela beat favourites Glenavon 3-0 in the Irish Cup final to secure their first and only senior cup victory.
