2006 was the year of the 'Love Ulster' riot, when a planned loyalist march down O'Connell Street led to chaos and street fighting in Dublin city centre.

Although Irish soccer manager Steve Staunton struggled in his new role, it was also a year of sporting success: Cork sprinter Derval O'Rourke won gold at the World Indoor Championships, Katie Taylor won World and European boxing titles and Bernard Dunne took the European Super bantamweight title.

In rugby, Munster beat Biarritz to take the Heineken Cup and Ireland won the Triple Crown. Ireland also hosted the Ryder Cup, when Europe's golfers claimed victory over the USA.

Playlist:

Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks

Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars

Bell X1 - Flame

Gnarls Barkley - Crazy

Gemma Hayes - Undercover

Will Young - All Time Love

Sugababes - Red Dress

Pat Shortt - Jumbo Breakfast Roll