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INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
Twitter

The 20 athletes to follow on Twitter

Want a glimpse into the lives of sport’s stars? Follow these lads…

LAST YEAR WAS  the year of the ‘twit’, as sports people, fans and journalists alike flocked to the social networking site Twitter to interact with one another.

You are the fan, we are the journalists, but who are the sports people? Here is a list of top tweeting athletes who should have a place in your Twitter feed.

Jamie Heaslip – The Leinster and Ireland number eight is invariably online for a humorous update or two, not to mention interacting with those rugby fans out there.

Whether he’s talking about rugby, his Movember progress or what to watch on the telly – Jamie is a must-follow for Irish sports fans.

Tommy Bowe – Equally, the Ospreys and Ireland winger is an essential – watch out for updates on the life of a rugby player across the channel, plus quite a bit of banter between himself and his Ospreys and Ireland teammates.

Kevin Davies – A little less glamorous, but no less interesting are the musings of the Bolton Wanderers captain and recent England debutant.

The striker’s feed gained notoriety before Christmas when a diary of updates appeared, admitting his difficulty with toasting a pop tart. You’ll get it eventually, Kev.

Cameron Jerome – If the Birmingham striker set up a real account and posted nothing but brutal honesty, it’d be hard to decipher the parody from the authentic.

Whoever thought it’d be funny to begin a Cameron Jerome tribute account was right on the money, and the laughs start right from his profile description. Hilarity.

Wojciech Szczesny – Who? The Arsenal goalkeeping talent from Poland. Why? This. The man nicknamed ‘Chesney’ for spelling purposes just had to be included for his refreshing honesty, the same kind of authenticity hundreds of Arsenal fans were releasing at the same time last week.

In the words of Chez, if you don’t want to hear about football: “go and follow Katie Price”.

Robbie Savage – I just had to include him, didn’t I? Remember, these suggestions are completely optional, but this one would come with a warning message if it could.

Rio Ferdinand – Rio has been active on Twitter since the World Cup, the tournament which he missed through injury, and if you need some more insight into a footballer’s life he’s your man. ‘Ave it.

Rory McIlroy – This is a no-brainer for Irish sports fans. The Co Down golfer had a terrific year, winning the Quail Hollow Championship, the Dubai Desert Championship and of course – the Ryder Cup.

Rory Mc was live and exclusive on Twitter throughout his unforgettable year to provide a fascinating insight into the world of a pro. He’s also one for the picture messages as well.

Graeme McDowell – Like his Irish counterpart above, if GMac isn’t in your feed you’re failing at Twitter. The Irish Sportsperson of The Year is fantastic for the visual updates, and giving insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest golfers.

Ian Poulter – Like the previously mentioned, Ian is no different and will get you green with envy with his Twitpic uploads. Plus, anyone who tweets during a Ryder Cup presentation is cool with us.

Nicholas Roche – The cyclist – and yes, son of former Tour de France winner Stephen Roche – is one of many two-wheeled athletes who document their lives on the site.

Roche is the biggest cycling prospect in Ireland, finishing 15th overall in last year’s Grand Tour, and everyone should keep up with his career online.

Lance Armstrong – Over a year and a half ago when I joined up to Twitter, Lance was honoured when he became the first person I followed, and he’s still there today.

Chad Ochocinco – The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver is undoubtedly one of the world of sport’s biggest Twitter-er.

Totalling no less than 1,540,000 followers, #85 has a massive army of followers, and unlike a lot of American Football athletes he usually has something interesting to offer, whether it’s posting a Twitpic of his day-to-day life or letting out more pressing issues.

Drew Brees – A nice insight into the life of a Super Bowl winning quarter-back.

The New Orleans Saints #9 has picked up his activity on Twitter lately, and as the Saints approach the NFL post-season, he’s a necessary addition for any American Football aficionados out there.

Michael Vick – The controversial quarter back has turned over a new leaf this season taking the role of QB and dragging his Philadelphia Eagles to a post-season in MVP-candidate fashion. Should you follow him? Most definitely.

Muhammad Ali – Unfortunately it’s not the man many regard as ‘the greatest’ athlete of all time, but this account is dedicated to quotes from Ali.

Steve Nash – The talented Phoenix Suns point guard (and film director) Steve Nash gives a more homely insight on life in the world of the NBA, plus humorous and honest replies to his followers’ queries.

LeBron James – The Miami Heat guard has been well documented here at TheScore.ie in recent months, so it’d be a shame not to feature the man who had a one hour show dedicated to his decision to switch from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Heat on ESPN last summer.

Jenson Button – If you’re not following the former Formula One champion and now Mercedes driver alongside Lewis Hamilton, you’re missing out. Daily updates, with a few Twitpics thrown in.

Expect a fantastic glimpse into the background of the Formula One racing world as soon as the new campaign revs up this year.

Jorge Lorenzo – Spain has been producing sports champions galore over the last few years. Rafa Nadal, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Moto GP champion Jorge Lorenzo is no different.

If you’re into motorbike racing, Jorge is your man. Daily updates, and don’t worry about the language barrier – he tweets in both Spanish and English. Bueno.