As RTE viewers settled in for another trip down memory lane, 2012 was the destination in a year that saew Barack Obama winning a second term in office as US President, and the luxury cruise liner `Costa Concordia' running aground on the coast of Italy.
Elsewhere, in terms of Irish stories, the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, the findings of The Mahon Tribunal, and the launches of both Saorview and Netflix as a streaming platform were all covered.
However, it was also a strong year for sport and while Ireland's Euro 2012 campaign saw defeats to Italy, Croatia, and Spain, there was success for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final against Ulster, while Donegal and Kilkenny were victorious in the men's All-Ireland football and hurling finals. respectively.
Wexford’s camogie team also made it three All-Irelands in a row, while the victory of Cork's ladies over Kerry delivered the Rebel County's seventh title in eight years.
However, 2012 was the year of Ireland's Olympians though as Ireland's Paralympic team achieved their greatest medal haul since the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea.
Ireland's Paralympians left London with an extremely impressive 8 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
Elsewhere, the country experienced its most successful Summer Olympics, winning a total of 6 medals (1 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze) in three sports: boxing, athletics and equestrian show jumping.
However, there's one iconic sporting moment that will live forever in Irish history as Bray boxer Katie Taylor, who was Ireland's flag bearer at the opening ceremony, won Ireland's first Olympic gold medal in 16 years.
After a show which featured some low points, the decision to end the latest episode of Reeling in the Years on that memorable win for Taylor left viewers impressed.
"Katie Taylor is the best athlete Ireland has ever seen. She’s incredible," "The one good news story for the year, I genuinely get goosebumps any time I see Katie Taylor on TV," and "watching Katie Taylor win gold at the Olympics with Hall of Fame playing in the background is pure class," were just some of the comments made.
Elsewhere, viewers were in awe of Taylor achieving her sporting dream and reaching the top.
"Katie Taylor winning gold at the 2012 Olympics was one of Ireland’s greatest sporting achievements ever. Another “a nation holds its breath” moment," will never forget waiting for her hand to be raised. Katie Taylor is the greatest athlete of our time," and "needed that ending for a Sunday evening," were other remarks made by impressed viewers.
