Golf is set to be introduced as an Olympic sport in Brazil in four years’ time and with McIlroy eligible to represent both Ireland and Team GB, speculation is rife that he had chosen to play for Britain.
However, in a lengthy statement released this evening, he talks about his golfing background, his role as an international sportsperson and his wish to be a role model before adding that he is currently focused on winning Majors and has no plans to make a decision on the matter in the near future.
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Read the full open letter below:
Having just won three out of my last four tournaments, including a second Major Championship, I was hoping that my success on the golf course would be the more popular topic of golfing conversation today! However, the issue of my cultural identity has re-emerged, and with it, the matter of my national allegiance ahead of the Rio Olympics in 2016.
I am in an extremely sensitve and difficult position and I conveyed as much in a recent newspaper interview. I am a proud product of Irish golf and the Golfing Union of Ireland and am hugely honoured to have come from very rich Irish sporting roots, winning Irish Boys, Youths and Amateur titles and playing for Ireland at all levels. I am also a proud Ulsterman who grew up in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. That is my background and always will be.
I receive huge support from both Irish and British sports fans alike and it is greatly appreciated. Likewise, I feel like I have a great affinity with American sports fans. I play most of my golf in the US nowadays and I am incredibly proud to have won both the US Open and the US PGA Championship in the last two years. As an international sportsman, I am very lucky to be supported by people all over the world, many of who treat me as one of their own, no matter what their nationality, or indeed mine. This is the way sport should be.
Since turning professional at 18, I have travelled the world playing the game that I love and consider myself a global player. As the World No.1 right now, I wish to be a positive model and a sportsperson that people respect, and enjoy watching. I feel fortunate to be in a position to play the sport that I love professionally and to have enjoyed the success that has come my way.
I wish to clarify that I have absolutely not made a decision regarding my participation in the next Olympics. On a personal level, playing in the Olympics would be a huge honour. However, the Games in Rio are still four years away and I certainly won’t be making any decisions with regards to participating any time soon.
The Olympics will be great for the growth of golf on a global scale, but my focus right now is being the best player I can be, trying to win Major Championships and contributing to what will hopefully by a victorious European side at the forthcoming Ryder Cup Matches against the USA.
Lastly, I would like to thanks everyone for the amazing support that I receive around the world every time I play. It is hugely appreciated…
They should introduce ‘Tig’ or ‘wall to wall’ as an olympic sport. Everybody knows the rules and its played all around the world at primary school level.
His PR team must have informed him that his recent declaration had a negative impact on brand Rory McIlroy. I have a feeling his PR team will decide who he represents and not Rory. This story didn’t go down too well stateside where he is based and I reckon this is why he is backtracking
As an englishman he should play for Ireland, no question. N.I maybe part of the UK but they are still irish. Don’t forget that Mc Ilroys golf tuition and considerable amateur expenses were paid for by the Golfing Union of Ireland. As a professional he was happy to win money playing for Ireland in the World Cup and Dunhill Cup. If he decides to play for GB more fool him. It would be the worst decision of his life and he will never forget it. Get real MCILROY
Team GB does not include N.I. It is England, Scotland and Wales, and by the next Olympics Scotland may not be part of GB either. And most polls back this up. They look like they will become independent. And good luck to them. If MCILROY wants to play for team GB he should move to england because we do not inclde N.I in our team, unlike Ireland.
From my experience the vast majority of English people wouldn’t give a second thought to him declaring for Ireland. Other than the proprietors of the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail of course. If he is worried about his popular image then he will upset many more people by declaring for Team GB. However, this is all hearsay so let him make up his own mind and get on with it. Bad decision by anybody to give an interview to the Daily Heil.
t’s simples….Olympics celebrate amateurs at their best! Professionals shouldn’t be allowed near the Olympics! For example: it’s great to watch the all star US basketball team put on an exhibition but that’s not the way it should be! At least cap the golf like the soccer to U23s! I hope the powers that be will enforce this! Rory’s manager or whoever let him sit an interview with the daily mail should be shot!
I really have some sympathy for him here. Rock & Hard Place does not fully justify it, whoever he decides to play for the alternate media will probably crucify him, let alone the narrower minded idiots of either side. I hope he doesn’t decide to play ‘safe’ and play for neither. I’ll support him whoever he plays for.
I don’t agree! I think it should be more straight forward. He should just choose, simple! If its a tough choice to play for the country you’ve played for all your life, Ireland, then it’s not a tough choice at all cause he’s already made up his mind. I think this highlights a horrible side of his personality and he would get more respect if he just made his allegiance clear, even if it means he’s British. I think most Irish golf and sports fans would now prefer him not to play for Ireland. It’s fine if he wants to play for Britain, but don’t be so disrespectful to Ireland and just have some courage to state your allegiance. He handled this like an idiot
Wright is right, this is a tough one. For all the public knows this could be a contentious issue within his own family. I think Rory has every right to deliberate for as long as he wants and no matter which district he declares for, the guy should not be receiving any less plaudits and congratulations for his remarkable achievements thus far, unless it’s the UK he chooses to play for of course (only joking). Anyone suggesting he should choose now is just trying to feed their own salacious appetite for a slur on the man.
Seeing as he said he feels more British than Irish, he should declare and move on and concentrate on his own game and enjoy his successes. Personally I would be disappointed given his links with the GUI and playing for Ireland at all levels in the past.
He used the GUI so he could get to the top with there support, now he is giving the 2 fingers to them. What a loser. I hope he does not make it to the Olympics in 4 years.
I think the time has come for northern Ireland to send their athletes to these world/olympic/european games under their own flag & forget about team GB & team Ireland,
Yeah, and the same should go for Scotland and Wales. If you’re gonna give one home nation the right to self identify then it’s only right to afford the same opportunity to others.
During the Olympics there were a few instances of athletes not partaking in the GB national anthem… I cringed at how people were fuming that such disrespect was being shown to the flag. There are plenty of Welsh and Scottish athletes that would love the chance to compete for their country rather than the wider political entity that is GB.
Every home nation have their own independent governing bodies for sports, so there’s no real reason that each should not also have their own Olympic Committee’s and Teams.
Most people in the north who identify themselves as Irish wouldn’t be comfortable with that Peter. I’m Irish, not Northern Irish, and that is my right.
Are you saying that you live in the north of Ireland as opposed to northern Ireland ? What percentage of people would class themselves as northern Irish & not Irish or British ? if any RG.
The problem for Rory is he wants to make everybody happy. No can do on this issue. However as I see it there is a Team GB which comprises England, Scotland & Wales. It’s not Team The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Until that happens every person from the Island of Ireland should declare for Team Ireland ala Rugby.
He could declare for China for all I care, its his personal decision only and nobody had the right to critise it. He’s the words best golfer right now, and will probably be the best ever if he continues his progression. We are privileged to be able to watch him play.
Looks like Rory is trying to take the foot out of his mouth this evening & pretend he is all things to all men & women !
As they used to say in the old Cowboy Films – “beware of man who speaks with forked tongue”
Definitely a Great golfer , but questionable common sense Rory !
I agree. I have no no problem who he declares for…him being from northern Ireland you would assume he would declare for great Britain and Northern Ireland as the team is called, at Rio. But his open letter is a definite back track….he’s a bit of everything to everyone. He says it’s a sensitive issue and yet he acted insensitively, you would think given the experiences Neil Lennon and more recently James McClean had, he would have had a bit of cop on.
i find it very hard to believe that people who have nationalistic views or simply a pure and genuine love for ireland are regarded as ra heads n terrorists. do people also feel that the jews shud forgive n forget hitler n his gang? this island is ireland n has been for a lot longer than just the 800yrs of occupation when the british invaded and plundered and murdered. so i believe every person born in this island no matter of creed or colour should proudly represent ireland, a proud and free nation.
I’m surprised he said he feels more British than Irish. From my experience of Welsh and Scottish people, none of them have ever described themselves as feeling British. Without exception, they all say that they carry a British passport, through necessity, not choice. As far as they’re concerned they’re either Welsh or Scots.
So just because he’s so great at golf he can be disrespectful to the community that nurtured his talent and is beyond reproach? I think some people have become so open-minded and mature about their great neighbours that their brains have fallen out.
Very honest letter. If he declares for GB it will mean another “Irish golfer” can go to Rio.
No need to get political and petty He is the best golfer on the planet and a proud ulster man. Enjoy him for that and get off his case.
Some very silly people re trying to inflict what they perceive as their own identity on a fine young golfer. Leave the lad alone and let him do what he does best – play golf.
Meow saucer of milk,table two…..silly comment though…..agree with James here….. If you knew anything about golf you’d know he is the most exciting player in the world right now and still only a kid….no time for burning tricolours I’m sure
Look lads just because you don’t agree with what i said doesn’t mean you have to be so rude,i thought that was the whole point of the journal,to voice your opinion…& Don’t call me a troll Michael just for having an opinion,you don’t know me so don’t judge,jesus,whats the point in commenting if your going to be insulted…for what its worth he’s a fine golfer,doesn’t change the fact that i don’t agree with his “always felt more british than irish” comment,it got me back up,deal with it!!!
We are dealing with it by replying to your comment. Free speech, deal with it.
As to being rude, to say that Rory is only one step from burning tricolours, that is not only rude but offensive as well. Just my opinion
To say he is a step away from burning the tri colour with is orange mates might be rude or offensive , just voicing our opionions . “get a life” ” deal with it” your words not mine.
I’m sick of people calling him Irish. He is British just like Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. RTE should have never given Rory that Sportsperson of the year award last year since he is not Irish.
Ya dope why has he represented Ireland all his life then at numerous competitions throughout his underage and amateur years? As he says he feels torn between both and he is born on the island of Ireland so therefore he is Irish if some description
Ya dope why has he represented Ireland all his life then at numerous competitions throughout his underage and amateur years? As he says he feels torn between both and he is born on the island of Ireland so therefore he is Irish of some description!
That’s the difficulty isn’t it? Like many born in the 26 counties before 1922, many Northern unionists feel both Irish and British. Seems weird to us, but only because we immediately think of British as meaning English, or at the very least “from the other island”. Our mistake is to equate Britishness and Englishness. These people may have felt British, but not English. In fact many do feel both British and Irish, in the same way as we have no problem feeling both Irish and European. We fail to understand that, and so we fail to get the real bind many of them (including Rory on this occasion) are in with regard to this.
Darren you’re talking sh1te!! Graeme McDowell, though a Protestant, has said he has always felt a proud Irishman. I don’t think anyone could question Darren’s Irishness!! Let Rory play for Team GB. Would rather have someone on the Irish team who really wants to represent their country rather than someone who picks their country due to commercial value.
The GUI is a 32 county body founded in Northern Ireland and funded from both sides of the border
Some of our medal winners in both Olympics & Paralympics got a lot of their funding from the UK taxpayer down the years
Just the way of things
Thanks Justin, I presumed there would be funding from both sides. Hearing a lot of people giving out that he should be loyal to Ireland because of funding, but if its coming from both sides, the argument is redundant.
The point is that whether we like it or not part of Ireland is politically in Great Britain & as such in the Olympics can choose who they want to represent
The other tournaments you refer to are run in a different way with Ireland Scotland England & Wakes all able to enter separate teams
I wouldn’t want him representing Ireland as he (in past interviews) called himself British. I’d rather have someone who is proud to call themselves Irish represent us
I’d rather have someone who is proud to call themselves Irish represent us than someone who doesn’t want to be associated with Irish people as he in past interviews declared himself as British
Justin Gillespie, Northern Ireland is not part of Great Britain. Great Britain refers to the island of Britain, Grande Bretagne as opposed to Bretagne, Brittany in France. Northern Ireland is however part (for now) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Team GB, as in the moniker used by th UK in recent olympics, is erroneous as it passively omits to mention the participation of Northern Ireland. Disrespetfu, possibly, deliberate maybe, who knowsm
Well done PR team. Nice save. Surprised ye didn’t mention all his fans in China whom he also adores especially when they start buying his branded golf gear.
Congrats Rory on your recent success. I couldn’t give a damn where your allegiance lies, happy to cheer you on regardless, along with all your fellow NI declared countrymen. Be proud of who you are, where you’re from, and don’t deny who you are to please the small minded.
Could care less about Golf but seeing as this is gonna get political let’s just let him play golf for the time being. When he actually makes a decision Ye can slaughter him then!
Even of he does declare for team GB, he’ll be Irish again in he British media as soon as he’s lost a game. So he might as well save himself the hassle and declare for Ireland from day one.
Overall, I think McIlroy is an absolute disgrace for even suggesting that he would play for Team GB at the next Olympics. Irrespective of his politics and religion, he was born, raised and learned to play golf on the island of Ireland. He represented Ireland in the past under the GUI, which is a 32 county sporting organisation just like the GAA and the IRFU. McIIroy may travel on a UK passport and reside in the UK but the GB Olympics team does not represent the whole UK. If McIlroy declared for a UK Olympics team, I wouldn’t have a problem with his decision but this is not the case.
Nevertheless, I cannot see what problem he has with representing Ireland at the Olympics. Wayne McCullough the former Irish Olympic Boxer came from a staunch loyalist background in Belfast but never had any issue with representing Ireland at the Olympics or even carrying the Irish Flag. On the rugby field, nearly every player from Ulster who would come from a unionist tradition never have any indecision about playing for Ireland.
McIlroy has dug a major hole for himself where there wasn’t any need to! Who’s to say that Team GB would pick him in 4 years time. He could have a major loss of form or even be injured when the time comes for the Rio games. Darren Clarke or Graeme McDowell would never behave like this and show such disrespect to the golfing community that produced him.
Incredibly ignorant comment. Actually Team GB is officially Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so he is completely entitled to represent his country just like many other great NI athletes over the years – Mary Peters, Wendy Houvenagel for example.
As for the GUI angle, as other commentators have noted this is a 32 county body receiving funding from ireland and the UK, so again he is perfectly entitled to opt for Team GB.
Incredible to see so many people having a hissy fit over someone from NI considering themselves British, since the majority of people who live there feel the same as Rory!
Just some basic Geography – no part of Ireland is in Great Britain as someone of dubious intelligence posted – there is one island called Ireland and another beside it called Britain – hence the name ” the united kingdom of great Britain and Northern Ireland” – before imperialism British merely meant someone who was born or lived a substantial part of their life in Britain – then it became the glue to hold an Anglocentric Empire together and it was used to subordinate non English identities and cultures in the Empire – now – I’m not sure what it means – and it is equally hard to identify some simple essence and basic for a common Irish identity in today’s post modern world of cross cultural and multicultural hybridity – but it is strange to hear Rory say he feels more connected to the people’s and polity of Britain than the people of the small island which he travelled and traversed while he developed his exceptional talent competing with and befriending Irish golfers – and strange he wouldn’t feel inclined to represent this group
I think the point he has made very clearly is that it shouldn’t matter what nationality he is. Coming from northern Ireland myself, i know the subtle fact that to many, cultural identity it is a very personal and private decision that individuals make. Those of us from the north who are not overly consumed with identity and just get on with things should be celebrated. Let him get on with his life and enjoy his success without having to explain and justify his identity to people he doesn’t know.
Well said, personal safety can also be an issue for him and his family. As a northerner living in the south for many years, it’s easy for me be open about my nationality but many of my family just get on with life and walk the tightrope. Personally, don’t mind who he plays for.
This is an issue that effects a lot of “all island” sports such as rugby, rowing and golf where athletes from both side of the border represent Ireland in most international competitions. This should remain the case for the Olympics also and remove the debate.
If I remember correctly this is not the firts time Rory has highlighted this issue. He has nobody to blame but himself for bringing up this debate. Deep down the fact that our country is still divided does not sit easily with us and comments like this from one of our greatest sports stars really can hurt, North and South. He really has no thought for the vast majority of people on this Island who are Irish and proud to be. If he really wants to nail his colours to the mast just do so and get it over with. Stop messing about.
No matter who he decides to play for its his decision alone but whichever way he goes he cant please everyone. He is in and akward position but he doesn’t help himself by regular media gaffes. Maybe he needs is a better advisor. After all, he is still only 23. He may be a brilliant golfer but that doesn’t automatically make him mature in his thoughts or actions. He should take a leaf out of mcdowell’s book. Look up his quote on allegiance on his wikipedia page. Immediately diffuses the issue.
It’s simples….Olympics celebrate amateurs at their best! Professionals shouldn’t be allowed near the Olympics! For example: it’s great to watch the all star US basketball team put on an exhibition but that’s not the way it should be! At least cap the golf like the soccer to U23s! I hope the powers that be will enforce this! Rory’s manager or whoever let him sit an interview with the daily mail should be shot!
The Unionist people in the North have always continued to view themselves as British from the time of the plantations. Hence British and Irish all at once. The GUI was founded when Ireland was part of the UK. Rory do what you want!
Here’s the way I see it, if he really is unable to determine where his national loyalties lie, then he should declare that he will not represent a country in the Olympics. If he’s not allowed then he should either declare for his preference and/or not participate. Either way just declare and be done with it. He’s a great golfer and fair play to him, but he should’nt toy with the emotions of either nation, or it will bite him in the ass.
“Toying with the emotions of a nation” is maybe putting it a bit strong
There are no medals to be won in this affair especially when you see the lamentable ignorance & bile displayed by some people here towards Northern Ireland
“either nation”. I’m not debating whether its right or wrong for people to have an emotive stance on this, but the reality is that people do get very emotive about their so called sports stars. Rory’s advisers, if not himself should be aware that to continue this on the fence stance, is only going to provoke a larger response,if and when he does declare a preference.
Justin Gillespie “lamentable ignorance and bile”, cool your jets there will you, you’re being quite agressive and inconsiderate in a lot of your comments aswell. Just because you don’t agree with people doesn’t give you the high ground and you are not persuading anyone to think differently. This is an emotive issue for many people not as enlightened as yourself so give us all a chance dear to catch up with you.
Clive
You are right & I apologise for getting hot under the collar.
It’s just that when I saw Rory being described as being one step away from being an Orange flag burner and people giving green thumbs that I lost the plot a bit.
I just don’t understand the antipathy shown to Rory who has simply made the same choice that countless others have made in the other direction.
It’s only a game after all but this seems to have struck a raw nerve that I didn’t realise was there
Ok so Justin, agree with you to an extent. However I don’t understand why Rory needs to come out about it at all, especially when D Clarke and GMac can rise above it and not polarize opinion or identity of either community. Have a good day!
I would say that he would be as surprised as I am by the amount & intensity of feeling.
I lived in Belfast for 10 years & saw up close where hot headed talk gets you & I suppose in my naivety thought it was all behind us.
What is most surprising to me is the number of young adults who feel such antipathy towards our neighbours.
Anyway a good day to you as well!!
He’s a currant bun anyhow so good look to him … It would be a hallow gold if he won it … He clearly as no passion to represent Ireland and no bottle so who needs a guy like that oh ye the dail eireann
At the end of the day, is it going to make a huge difference in your life? He can play for whoever he wants, his choice is the one that matters. Get off his back it’s obviously hard enough for him as it is.
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Golf shouldn’t be at the olympics period.
But it is now. So all counties should send their best amateurs surely?
They should introduce ‘Tig’ or ‘wall to wall’ as an olympic sport. Everybody knows the rules and its played all around the world at primary school level.
His PR team must have informed him that his recent declaration had a negative impact on brand Rory McIlroy. I have a feeling his PR team will decide who he represents and not Rory. This story didn’t go down too well stateside where he is based and I reckon this is why he is backtracking
If tennis & beach volleyball are in then why not golf?
He can represent Brazil for all I care….
Apparently it’s been an Olympic sport since 1900. Go figure.
As an englishman he should play for Ireland, no question. N.I maybe part of the UK but they are still irish. Don’t forget that Mc Ilroys golf tuition and considerable amateur expenses were paid for by the Golfing Union of Ireland. As a professional he was happy to win money playing for Ireland in the World Cup and Dunhill Cup. If he decides to play for GB more fool him. It would be the worst decision of his life and he will never forget it. Get real MCILROY
Team GB does not include N.I. It is England, Scotland and Wales, and by the next Olympics Scotland may not be part of GB either. And most polls back this up. They look like they will become independent. And good luck to them. If MCILROY wants to play for team GB he should move to england because we do not inclde N.I in our team, unlike Ireland.
From my experience the vast majority of English people wouldn’t give a second thought to him declaring for Ireland. Other than the proprietors of the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail of course. If he is worried about his popular image then he will upset many more people by declaring for Team GB. However, this is all hearsay so let him make up his own mind and get on with it. Bad decision by anybody to give an interview to the Daily Heil.
The full name of “Team GB” is actually “Team GB and Northern Ireland”.
t’s simples….Olympics celebrate amateurs at their best! Professionals shouldn’t be allowed near the Olympics! For example: it’s great to watch the all star US basketball team put on an exhibition but that’s not the way it should be! At least cap the golf like the soccer to U23s! I hope the powers that be will enforce this! Rory’s manager or whoever let him sit an interview with the daily mail should be shot!
I really have some sympathy for him here. Rock & Hard Place does not fully justify it, whoever he decides to play for the alternate media will probably crucify him, let alone the narrower minded idiots of either side. I hope he doesn’t decide to play ‘safe’ and play for neither. I’ll support him whoever he plays for.
Well said
I don’t agree! I think it should be more straight forward. He should just choose, simple! If its a tough choice to play for the country you’ve played for all your life, Ireland, then it’s not a tough choice at all cause he’s already made up his mind. I think this highlights a horrible side of his personality and he would get more respect if he just made his allegiance clear, even if it means he’s British. I think most Irish golf and sports fans would now prefer him not to play for Ireland. It’s fine if he wants to play for Britain, but don’t be so disrespectful to Ireland and just have some courage to state your allegiance. He handled this like an idiot
Wright is right, this is a tough one. For all the public knows this could be a contentious issue within his own family. I think Rory has every right to deliberate for as long as he wants and no matter which district he declares for, the guy should not be receiving any less plaudits and congratulations for his remarkable achievements thus far, unless it’s the UK he chooses to play for of course (only joking). Anyone suggesting he should choose now is just trying to feed their own salacious appetite for a slur on the man.
He could always just marry yer one and compete for Denmark. That’d soon shut people up!
Or Poland!
Seeing as he said he feels more British than Irish, he should declare and move on and concentrate on his own game and enjoy his successes. Personally I would be disappointed given his links with the GUI and playing for Ireland at all levels in the past.
He used the GUI so he could get to the top with there support, now he is giving the 2 fingers to them. What a loser. I hope he does not make it to the Olympics in 4 years.
I think the time has come for northern Ireland to send their athletes to these world/olympic/european games under their own flag & forget about team GB & team Ireland,
Yeah, and the same should go for Scotland and Wales. If you’re gonna give one home nation the right to self identify then it’s only right to afford the same opportunity to others.
During the Olympics there were a few instances of athletes not partaking in the GB national anthem… I cringed at how people were fuming that such disrespect was being shown to the flag. There are plenty of Welsh and Scottish athletes that would love the chance to compete for their country rather than the wider political entity that is GB.
Every home nation have their own independent governing bodies for sports, so there’s no real reason that each should not also have their own Olympic Committee’s and Teams.
Most people in the north who identify themselves as Irish wouldn’t be comfortable with that Peter. I’m Irish, not Northern Irish, and that is my right.
Are you saying that you live in the north of Ireland as opposed to northern Ireland ? What percentage of people would class themselves as northern Irish & not Irish or British ? if any RG.
Nice idea but can’t be done
MartinN I hope you’re not including Ireland (Rep) as one of the “Home” nations.
The problem for Rory is he wants to make everybody happy. No can do on this issue. However as I see it there is a Team GB which comprises England, Scotland & Wales. It’s not Team The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Until that happens every person from the Island of Ireland should declare for Team Ireland ala Rugby.
He could declare for China for all I care, its his personal decision only and nobody had the right to critise it. He’s the words best golfer right now, and will probably be the best ever if he continues his progression. We are privileged to be able to watch him play.
Best ever ? Nope ! He has a lot of catching up to do on Tiger Nicholas et al !
I take it you meant Nicklaus not Faldo
Looks like Rory is trying to take the foot out of his mouth this evening & pretend he is all things to all men & women !
As they used to say in the old Cowboy Films – “beware of man who speaks with forked tongue”
Definitely a Great golfer , but questionable common sense Rory !
I agree. I have no no problem who he declares for…him being from northern Ireland you would assume he would declare for great Britain and Northern Ireland as the team is called, at Rio. But his open letter is a definite back track….he’s a bit of everything to everyone. He says it’s a sensitive issue and yet he acted insensitively, you would think given the experiences Neil Lennon and more recently James McClean had, he would have had a bit of cop on.
Is that really what the team is called?
Yes Fergal it is….
i find it very hard to believe that people who have nationalistic views or simply a pure and genuine love for ireland are regarded as ra heads n terrorists. do people also feel that the jews shud forgive n forget hitler n his gang? this island is ireland n has been for a lot longer than just the 800yrs of occupation when the british invaded and plundered and murdered. so i believe every person born in this island no matter of creed or colour should proudly represent ireland, a proud and free nation.
Subtitles?
Shut up you absolute moron!!!
Michael
You are more than entitled to your belief but there is a majority of people in Northern Ireland who disagree wit you as is their right
Leave the lad alone ,, he’s the world number one ,,, Irish or British he’s a great player
I’m surprised he said he feels more British than Irish. From my experience of Welsh and Scottish people, none of them have ever described themselves as feeling British. Without exception, they all say that they carry a British passport, through necessity, not choice. As far as they’re concerned they’re either Welsh or Scots.
So just because he’s so great at golf he can be disrespectful to the community that nurtured his talent and is beyond reproach? I think some people have become so open-minded and mature about their great neighbours that their brains have fallen out.
He should enter as a cyclist he seems to be very good at back pedalling……
his uncle was a great gaelic footballer with armagh.
Very honest letter. If he declares for GB it will mean another “Irish golfer” can go to Rio.
No need to get political and petty He is the best golfer on the planet and a proud ulster man. Enjoy him for that and get off his case.
He is British when he is in England and Irish when he is on the Late Late show. Very busy tonight where is the recession gone.
Golf?! An olympic sport?! Ah here.
Some very silly people re trying to inflict what they perceive as their own identity on a fine young golfer. Leave the lad alone and let him do what he does best – play golf.
Hmmm notice how people give you a thumbs down regardless of what you say
And yet your chosen avatar is trying to inflict what you want to be on me….oh, the ironing is delicious!
Troll troll troll.
Sure he’s only 1 step away from burning the tricolour with his orange mates…good riddance!!
classy Tara really classy
That’s my opinion James & I’m entitled to it whether you like it or not!!!
Well Tara your opinion is a disgrace. And shows you have no class.
Why?? because you don’t like it…get a life!!!
Meow saucer of milk,table two…..silly comment though…..agree with James here….. If you knew anything about golf you’d know he is the most exciting player in the world right now and still only a kid….no time for burning tricolours I’m sure
Wow that’s about as much ignorance as its possible to get in one sentence! Good work!!!
Tara the Troll
Yes Tara just as I am entitled to think that you are a prat
Look lads just because you don’t agree with what i said doesn’t mean you have to be so rude,i thought that was the whole point of the journal,to voice your opinion…& Don’t call me a troll Michael just for having an opinion,you don’t know me so don’t judge,jesus,whats the point in commenting if your going to be insulted…for what its worth he’s a fine golfer,doesn’t change the fact that i don’t agree with his “always felt more british than irish” comment,it got me back up,deal with it!!!
We are dealing with it by replying to your comment. Free speech, deal with it.
As to being rude, to say that Rory is only one step from burning tricolours, that is not only rude but offensive as well. Just my opinion
I can see that this free speech you talk about is 1 sided…
To say he is a step away from burning the tri colour with is orange mates might be rude or offensive , just voicing our opionions . “get a life” ” deal with it” your words not mine.
I’m sick of people calling him Irish. He is British just like Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. RTE should have never given Rory that Sportsperson of the year award last year since he is not Irish.
He is Irish , just like Darren and Graeme!
They are not Irish. They are British.
This is the problem. RTE insists on seeing him as Irish irrespective of what the lad himself might think
Ya dope why has he represented Ireland all his life then at numerous competitions throughout his underage and amateur years? As he says he feels torn between both and he is born on the island of Ireland so therefore he is Irish if some description
Ya dope why has he represented Ireland all his life then at numerous competitions throughout his underage and amateur years? As he says he feels torn between both and he is born on the island of Ireland so therefore he is Irish of some description!
Because in these competitions Ireland is seen as a 32 county entity
In the Olympics it isn’t and athletes from Northern Ireland can choose
That’s the difficulty isn’t it? Like many born in the 26 counties before 1922, many Northern unionists feel both Irish and British. Seems weird to us, but only because we immediately think of British as meaning English, or at the very least “from the other island”. Our mistake is to equate Britishness and Englishness. These people may have felt British, but not English. In fact many do feel both British and Irish, in the same way as we have no problem feeling both Irish and European. We fail to understand that, and so we fail to get the real bind many of them (including Rory on this occasion) are in with regard to this.
Darren you’re talking sh1te!! Graeme McDowell, though a Protestant, has said he has always felt a proud Irishman. I don’t think anyone could question Darren’s Irishness!! Let Rory play for Team GB. Would rather have someone on the Irish team who really wants to represent their country rather than someone who picks their country due to commercial value.
The Golfing Union of Ireland have done more for Rory than the British. He should say No to Team GB and represent Ireland instead in Rio.
This is a genuine question. Is the GUI not a 32 county organisation and and such receive funding from both north and south sports councils?
This is a genuine question. Is the GUI not a 32 county organisation and and such receive funding from both north and south sports councils?
The GUI is a 32 county body founded in Northern Ireland and funded from both sides of the border
Some of our medal winners in both Olympics & Paralympics got a lot of their funding from the UK taxpayer down the years
Just the way of things
Thanks Justin, I presumed there would be funding from both sides. Hearing a lot of people giving out that he should be loyal to Ireland because of funding, but if its coming from both sides, the argument is redundant.
But he represented Ireland in 2009 and 2011 at the Golf World Cup. And now he is going to switch to represent team GB in 2016. That what annoys me.
The GUI is both a British & Irish body so a golfer from NI who holds both passports can choose which Olympic team he wants to represent
The point is that whether we like it or not part of Ireland is politically in Great Britain & as such in the Olympics can choose who they want to represent
The other tournaments you refer to are run in a different way with Ireland Scotland England & Wakes all able to enter separate teams
I wouldn’t want him representing Ireland as he (in past interviews) called himself British. I’d rather have someone who is proud to call themselves Irish represent us
I’d rather have someone who is proud to call themselves Irish represent us than someone who doesn’t want to be associated with Irish people as he in past interviews declared himself as British
Justin Gillespie, Northern Ireland is not part of Great Britain. Great Britain refers to the island of Britain, Grande Bretagne as opposed to Bretagne, Brittany in France. Northern Ireland is however part (for now) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Team GB, as in the moniker used by th UK in recent olympics, is erroneous as it passively omits to mention the participation of Northern Ireland. Disrespetfu, possibly, deliberate maybe, who knowsm
Who cares, it’s not like golf is an important sport anyway, a good walk ruined
And I thought Mark Twain was dead.
Ok Mark Twain is not dead.
Well done PR team. Nice save. Surprised ye didn’t mention all his fans in China whom he also adores especially when they start buying his branded golf gear.
Congrats Rory on your recent success. I couldn’t give a damn where your allegiance lies, happy to cheer you on regardless, along with all your fellow NI declared countrymen. Be proud of who you are, where you’re from, and don’t deny who you are to please the small minded.
At last a sensible comment.
Just keep playing great golf Rory and with your fellow “Irish” players inspire the worlds golf tourists to come and visit us here North and South.
Could care less about Golf but seeing as this is gonna get political let’s just let him play golf for the time being. When he actually makes a decision Ye can slaughter him then!
Good move, Bring on the Ryder Cup!
Even of he does declare for team GB, he’ll be Irish again in he British media as soon as he’s lost a game. So he might as well save himself the hassle and declare for Ireland from day one.
Overall, I think McIlroy is an absolute disgrace for even suggesting that he would play for Team GB at the next Olympics. Irrespective of his politics and religion, he was born, raised and learned to play golf on the island of Ireland. He represented Ireland in the past under the GUI, which is a 32 county sporting organisation just like the GAA and the IRFU. McIIroy may travel on a UK passport and reside in the UK but the GB Olympics team does not represent the whole UK. If McIlroy declared for a UK Olympics team, I wouldn’t have a problem with his decision but this is not the case.
Nevertheless, I cannot see what problem he has with representing Ireland at the Olympics. Wayne McCullough the former Irish Olympic Boxer came from a staunch loyalist background in Belfast but never had any issue with representing Ireland at the Olympics or even carrying the Irish Flag. On the rugby field, nearly every player from Ulster who would come from a unionist tradition never have any indecision about playing for Ireland.
McIlroy has dug a major hole for himself where there wasn’t any need to! Who’s to say that Team GB would pick him in 4 years time. He could have a major loss of form or even be injured when the time comes for the Rio games. Darren Clarke or Graeme McDowell would never behave like this and show such disrespect to the golfing community that produced him.
Incredibly ignorant comment. Actually Team GB is officially Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so he is completely entitled to represent his country just like many other great NI athletes over the years – Mary Peters, Wendy Houvenagel for example.
As for the GUI angle, as other commentators have noted this is a 32 county body receiving funding from ireland and the UK, so again he is perfectly entitled to opt for Team GB.
Incredible to see so many people having a hissy fit over someone from NI considering themselves British, since the majority of people who live there feel the same as Rory!
Just some basic Geography – no part of Ireland is in Great Britain as someone of dubious intelligence posted – there is one island called Ireland and another beside it called Britain – hence the name ” the united kingdom of great Britain and Northern Ireland” – before imperialism British merely meant someone who was born or lived a substantial part of their life in Britain – then it became the glue to hold an Anglocentric Empire together and it was used to subordinate non English identities and cultures in the Empire – now – I’m not sure what it means – and it is equally hard to identify some simple essence and basic for a common Irish identity in today’s post modern world of cross cultural and multicultural hybridity – but it is strange to hear Rory say he feels more connected to the people’s and polity of Britain than the people of the small island which he travelled and traversed while he developed his exceptional talent competing with and befriending Irish golfers – and strange he wouldn’t feel inclined to represent this group
He should flick a coin In public and be done with it.
We all feel a little like Holly Sweeney today,getting dumped by rory.
We didn’t wait around to get screwed first though.
I think the point he has made very clearly is that it shouldn’t matter what nationality he is. Coming from northern Ireland myself, i know the subtle fact that to many, cultural identity it is a very personal and private decision that individuals make. Those of us from the north who are not overly consumed with identity and just get on with things should be celebrated. Let him get on with his life and enjoy his success without having to explain and justify his identity to people he doesn’t know.
that’s very well put …nice one
Well said, personal safety can also be an issue for him and his family. As a northerner living in the south for many years, it’s easy for me be open about my nationality but many of my family just get on with life and walk the tightrope. Personally, don’t mind who he plays for.
This is an issue that effects a lot of “all island” sports such as rugby, rowing and golf where athletes from both side of the border represent Ireland in most international competitions. This should remain the case for the Olympics also and remove the debate.
The Olympic movement determines your nationality by the passport you hold. People in NI can hold both hence the problem
If I remember correctly this is not the firts time Rory has highlighted this issue. He has nobody to blame but himself for bringing up this debate. Deep down the fact that our country is still divided does not sit easily with us and comments like this from one of our greatest sports stars really can hurt, North and South. He really has no thought for the vast majority of people on this Island who are Irish and proud to be. If he really wants to nail his colours to the mast just do so and get it over with. Stop messing about.
No matter who he decides to play for its his decision alone but whichever way he goes he cant please everyone. He is in and akward position but he doesn’t help himself by regular media gaffes. Maybe he needs is a better advisor. After all, he is still only 23. He may be a brilliant golfer but that doesn’t automatically make him mature in his thoughts or actions. He should take a leaf out of mcdowell’s book. Look up his quote on allegiance on his wikipedia page. Immediately diffuses the issue.
I’m also a proud Ulsterman and I don’t feel British at all.
It’s simples….Olympics celebrate amateurs at their best! Professionals shouldn’t be allowed near the Olympics! For example: it’s great to watch the all star US basketball team put on an exhibition but that’s not the way it should be! At least cap the golf like the soccer to U23s! I hope the powers that be will enforce this! Rory’s manager or whoever let him sit an interview with the daily mail should be shot!
Most sensible post of the whole debate, well said that man.
Rory, its time to shit, or get off the pot!
4 years is a long time in Golf.
Especially if it takes that long to finish a game.
I think McIlroy is caught between a rock and a hard place and I have sympathy for him in that.
He’d be better off not to enter the Olympics (or make the IOC decide who he plays for!).
What is interesting (and missed by some people in this debate) is that McIlroy is in fact Catholic and had a relative murdered in the ‘troubles’.
once he declares his TAXES somewhere I ain’t fused
Where was his PR team when they allowed him to be interviewed by the Daily Heil?
The Unionist people in the North have always continued to view themselves as British from the time of the plantations. Hence British and Irish all at once. The GUI was founded when Ireland was part of the UK. Rory do what you want!
Here’s the way I see it, if he really is unable to determine where his national loyalties lie, then he should declare that he will not represent a country in the Olympics. If he’s not allowed then he should either declare for his preference and/or not participate. Either way just declare and be done with it. He’s a great golfer and fair play to him, but he should’nt toy with the emotions of either nation, or it will bite him in the ass.
“Toying with the emotions of a nation” is maybe putting it a bit strong
There are no medals to be won in this affair especially when you see the lamentable ignorance & bile displayed by some people here towards Northern Ireland
“either nation”. I’m not debating whether its right or wrong for people to have an emotive stance on this, but the reality is that people do get very emotive about their so called sports stars. Rory’s advisers, if not himself should be aware that to continue this on the fence stance, is only going to provoke a larger response,if and when he does declare a preference.
That cuts both ways Justin!
Justin Gillespie “lamentable ignorance and bile”, cool your jets there will you, you’re being quite agressive and inconsiderate in a lot of your comments aswell. Just because you don’t agree with people doesn’t give you the high ground and you are not persuading anyone to think differently. This is an emotive issue for many people not as enlightened as yourself so give us all a chance dear to catch up with you.
Clive
You are right & I apologise for getting hot under the collar.
It’s just that when I saw Rory being described as being one step away from being an Orange flag burner and people giving green thumbs that I lost the plot a bit.
I just don’t understand the antipathy shown to Rory who has simply made the same choice that countless others have made in the other direction.
It’s only a game after all but this seems to have struck a raw nerve that I didn’t realise was there
Ok so Justin, agree with you to an extent. However I don’t understand why Rory needs to come out about it at all, especially when D Clarke and GMac can rise above it and not polarize opinion or identity of either community. Have a good day!
I would say that he would be as surprised as I am by the amount & intensity of feeling.
I lived in Belfast for 10 years & saw up close where hot headed talk gets you & I suppose in my naivety thought it was all behind us.
What is most surprising to me is the number of young adults who feel such antipathy towards our neighbours.
Anyway a good day to you as well!!
He’s a currant bun anyhow so good look to him … It would be a hallow gold if he won it … He clearly as no passion to represent Ireland and no bottle so who needs a guy like that oh ye the dail eireann
This is sport not politics. Leave it out
At the end of the day, is it going to make a huge difference in your life? He can play for whoever he wants, his choice is the one that matters. Get off his back it’s obviously hard enough for him as it is.
@patrick lyons r u lost why not try the daily mail app.