Now, we accept that even Nostradamus, the most famed sage of all, doesn’t get the old prophecy game right all of the time. So, what chance do our collection of players and sporting pundits have in gazing into their crystal balls to predict the ways of the sporting world for the year ahead?
Admittedly, on the evidence of the past year’s endeavours on various sporting fields around the world, our soothsaying wasn’t half-bad at all.
Let’s just say that our esteemed sports editor Malachy Logan was fast out of the traps with his prediction that nine Irish players would make the original Lions touring party, that Adam Scott would win the US Masters, that Rory McIlroy would have a lean old time of it on the Majors front and that Manchester United would lay claim to the Premier League.
Impressive, we admit, even if things tapered off a bit after that.
Hats off too to those who predicted Rob Heffernan would bounce back from his Olympic travails in London to scoop gold in the World Athletics Championships – Brian Kerr, Alan Quinlan, our athletics correspondent Ian O'Riordan and jockey Johnny Murtagh – were all on the button in predicting that golden outcome although the wave of support for Clermont to claim the Heineken Cup proved misplaced with only the IT GAA correspondent Seán Moran having the wisdom to plump for Toulon.
Enough of the past, what of the crystal gazing for 2014?
Undoubtedly the biggest game in any town this coming year is the World Cup in Brazil. Nope, we didn’t ask our collection of mystics to predict whether or not the stadiums would be constructed in time to actually stage the event.
However, we did want to know who would claim football’s greatest prize and, surprise, surprise, it would seem neighbours Brazil and Argentina are most favoured with Germany and Spain thrown into the mix. No mention of England . . . or Belgium. Hmmmm.
As for the top scorer in the competition: a certain Lionel Messi it would seem has the edge over Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez also tipped for impressive showings. Again, no mention of Mr Wayne Rooney.
Last legs
The Heineken Cup may or may not be on its last legs but it remains the holy grail for the Irish provinces and at least golfer Shane Lowry puts his hands up as being a devoted Leinster supporter in going for "my team" to win the competition.
He he has strong back-up support from Ireland international cricketer John Mooney, horse trainer Dermot Weld and rugby guru Liam Toland although that support base is outmuscled by the chorus of voices predicting a Clermont Auvergne success.
Lowry will be aiming to make the Ryder Cup in Scotland in September where Paul McGinley will become the first Irish man to captain the European team. As you’d expect, Lowry is firmly in the camp of those predicting a home triumph as Europe seek to retain the famed trophy with only Malachy Logan pinning his colours to the mast for a U-S-A win.
We all know how hard it is for a team to retain the Sam Maguire but it would seem that Dublin's blue wave has brought a swell of support – some of it reluctant – that Jim Gavin's men can again win the All-Ireland football championship in 2014.
Back-to-back
The odds, it must be pointed out, are against it; Kerry in 2007 were the last team to retain Sam and you have to go back to Cork in 1990 for the previous back-to-back victories.
As far as the hurling is concerned, Shane Lowry believes Kilkenny will emerge from the long grass to again lay their hands on the Liam MacCarthy Cup even if the general consensus of opinion is that Davy Fitz’s young guns are now the team everyone must beat and most likely to retain the silverware.
So, whether it is the World Cup, the Ryder Cup, the All-Irelands or those who play with odd shaped balls in pursuit of the Heineken Cup, there is all to play for in 2014.
And as Mary Hannigan puts it, a dream Brazil-Argentina final in Rio would be probably be the hottest ticket of the year.
Shane Lowry (European Tour golfer)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
I'd love to see Spain do it again, they still play the best football and deserve it. On current form Suarez for the Boot, but depends on how far Uruguay go in the competition.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
Hopefully at least three. We’d assume Graeme and Rory are shoe-ins and I’d love to join them. Hard to see anything other than a home win, but the Americans will be up for it, big time.
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
When their game is on I can’t see anyone beating Leinster, so I’ll have to go with an unbiased ‘my team’ win.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Dublin and Kilkenny
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Man City or Liverpool. City have the deeper squad, my money would be on them.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
If Leinster get there, I’d love to be at the Heineken Cup Final in Cardiff. But I’d have to miss the cut at Wentworth that week, or get a very fast train from London to make the game!
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Dublin v Kerry in the All-Ireland semi, unreal game. Personally, even though I didn’t play well that week, representing Ireland in the World Cup in Australia was a huge honour.
One to watch for the future...
A healthy Luke Fitzgerald is getting back to his very best, really hope he has a strong 2014, he deserves it. In golf, watch Kevin Phelan, best Irish player to turn pro in recent years.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
It’s an impossible ask, but can we eliminate cheating in sport? Nothing riles me more!
Dermot Weld (Horse racing trainer)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Brazil to win and Messi to be leading scorer.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
Two. And Europe.
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Leinster are an outstanding side, and with Seán O’Brien in the side, they will win.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
I’m afraid Dublin in the football, and I think Clare are a great young side. So, same again.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
It sticks a bit, but Fergie isn’t around, so Man City.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
It would have to be the Ryder Cup.
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Winning the Irish St Leger in September with Voleuse De Coeurs.
One to watch for the future...
I train a very promising colt called Free Eagle.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
We have to introduce a proper betting tax which includes the exchanges and betting off-shore.
Nicky English (Hurling analyst)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
I’d imagine a South American team so I will go for Argentina . On that basis maybe Aguero to be top scorer.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
Two . Europe.
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Clermont surely be thereabouts.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Dublin/Galway could be dark horses in hurling 2014.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Manchester City.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
Have to be the World Cup final in Rio.
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Many in a great year for sport . The sheer drama and entertainment value of Anthony Nash lining up to goal the free with the 15 Clare players on the goal line stands out.
One to watch for the future...
Ronan Maher, Tipperary.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
Can’t think of anything I’d change just now and enjoying all sports.
John Mooney (Ireland cricketer)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Argentina to win it and Messi for the Golden Boot.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
At the moment I would say only two, the two Macs from up north. Lowry with a couple of good events early next season could make a push. I think Europe for the win.
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Easy, Leinster!
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Football will be the Dubs again and It kills me to say it but I’ll go with Cork for the hurling.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Liverpool… Please God let it be Liverpool.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
The last home game at Anfield to see Liverpool pick up the Premier League trophy. Kop end of course!
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
The All-Ireland hurling final this year between Clare and Cork (both of them) was a joy to watch and made me a proud Irish man.
One to watch for the future...
Eddie Richardson. I am biased as he is my cousin but having made his debut for the national side in 2013 I think he will burst on to the scene in the not too distant future.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
Being a cricketer I would like to change the corruption and match fixing in sport, young players’ lives are being ruined.
Liam Toland (Rugby analyst)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Brazil & don’t care!
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
With the Olympics around the corner, what qualifies as Irish these days! Four on the team I hope and a European win!
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Leinster.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
A repeat; Dublin & Clare.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
I hope, I pray, I beg … The Arsenal FC.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
Brazil…
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Auburn Tigers beating Alabama Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl with one second on the clock and a 109 yard return from the last kick of the game to win it 34-28; sensational!
One to watch for the future...
Munster loosehead prop James Cronin. Failing that my godson Cillian!
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
“Going upstairs” fourth official; boring!
Mary Hannigan (Sports writer)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Argentina – which would go down well with the hosts. Luis Suarez – and he’ll get all of his goals against England.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
Two automatically, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, and then Paul McGinley will do his patriotic duty by giving wild cards to Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry .
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Munster, of course. (Who else is in it?).
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Jimmy’ll start winning matches again . And the Cats will end their one-year drought.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Manchester City, tragically.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
The World Cup final, between Brazil and Argentina. Can you imagine?
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
The Irish women’s rugby team winning the Grand Slam on that Arctic-ish day in Milan. An amazing achievement by an incredibly dedicated group of players.
One to watch for the future...
A promising young assistant manager who might have a high-ish profile 2014: Roy Keane.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
Un-retire Alex Ferguson.
Malachy Logan (Sports editor)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Germany and Sergio Aguero of Argentina.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
Two. The US.
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Toulouse.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Mayo at long last and Clare to retain the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Manchester City.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
The World Cup final.
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Dublin beating Kerry in the All Ireland football semi-final.
One to watch for the future...
Golfer Kevin Phelan.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
PA announcers at rugby matches who can’t let the action on the pitch speak for itself.
Malachy Clerkin (Sports writer)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Germany have the best draw - they won’t face a really serious team until the semi-final. For the Golden Boot, Lionel Messi has group games against Iran, Bosnia and Nigeria. Enough said.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. Europe have won five of the last six so there’s no convincing reason to imagine they won’t win again.
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Clermont Auvergne. They can’t keep coming up short forever.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Mayo for the football, Tipperary for the hurling.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Arsenal. They’ve been the best team of the first half of the season.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
The Masters. Doesn’t matter what year it is, the Masters is always the dream ticket.
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Dublin-Kerry. Everything about it was stunning, from Colm Cooper’s first half display to the crescendo at the end.
One to watch for the future. ..
Daithí Casey. Dr Crokes forward who has been impressing in the club championship for a few years now. Should make the step up to the Kerry seniors in 2014.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
I’d find some sort of reverse ageing potion to keep Brian O’Driscoll and Henry Shefflin around for another decade.
Brian O’Connor (Racing correspondent)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Without Messi, Argentina would still have enough about them to be legitimate contenders: with Messi, and an easy group, Argentina look a bet. And an easy group for the French might see Olivier Giroud go to town .
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
Two. And the outcome will keep me up nights. Let’s say ‘Yerp!’
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Someone who actually knows about rugby tells me Clermont this time.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Look out the rest of Ireland, but what about Dublin in the football - and the hurling?
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Manchester City.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
Watching the World Cup final in the shadow of a favela doesn’t sit quite right so if in doubt, Centre Court for Wimbledon finals.
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Treve winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was one of the all-time great performances. Especially since it looked like her replacement jockey was just along for the ride.
One to watch for the future...
Even by Coolmore standards, the hype around Australia is impressive. The product of two champions, he is already favourite for the 2014 classics, despite having only won a Group 3 so far.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
It would be to have ridiculous forecasts and tips not quoted back after the event!
Emmet Malone (Soccer correspondent)
Who will win the World Cup? Which player will go home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer?
Brazil. Their Confederations Cup success showed what they are capable of on home soil. And quite possibly Neymar if they do win although either Messi or Aguero look decent bets too if Argentina have a decent run.
How many Irish players will make the Ryder Cup team? Who will win, Europe or the United States?
One of Rory McIlroy or Graeme McDowell by right with Paul McGinley picking a second. Europe.
Which team will win the Heineken Cup?
Clermont. Don’t ask me why. No, seriously. Don’t.
Who will win the All-Ireland football and hurling championships?
Dublin. Failing that, Mayo and Clare.
Who will win the English Premier League title?
Manchester City. They’re far more likely to improve away than fall apart at home.
What would be your dream ticket to a sporting event in 2014?
Well, the World Cup at the Maracana which, with a little luck, I might just make would probably be number one.
What was your sporting highlight of 2013?
Rob Heffernan in Moscow, Dan Martin in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, the late Clare equaliser, the finish to the FAI Cup final and Bayern Munich’s dismantling of Barcelona.
One to watch for the future. ..
Paul Pogba – the powerful attacking midfielder has the potential to make a big impact in Brazil if Didier Deschamps’s side perform a little more like they did in Germany and less like they did in South Africa.
If you had the power to change one thing in sport, what would it be?
I’d use video evidence to retrospectively expose and punish cheats but especially those who deliberately hurt opponents in games along with those who pretend to have been hurt by somebody else.
