Holywood stick by Rory over 'allegiance'

Published Tuesday, 11 September 2012

Supporters at Rory McIlroy's home golf club said they will stick by him whether he chooses to represent Ireland or Great Britain in the next Olympics.

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PICTURE

GALLERY

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits out of a bunker on the 14th hole.

Rory McIlroy holds up the trophy after winning the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston.

Champion Rory beams as he poses with his latest trophy.

The debate over the Co Down star's national identity resurfaced this week after he admitted he has "always felt more British than Irish" in a newspaper interview.

It led to speculation that McIlroy had decided to compete for Team GB in Rio in 2016 when golf will become an Olympic sport for the first time.

However the 23-year-old world number one responded by saying he is yet to make up his mind.

In an open letter released on Twitter he wrote: "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.

"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."

The Games in Rio are still four years away and I certainly won't be making any decisions any time soon.
Rory McIlroy

UTV went to Holywood Golf Club, where it all began for Rory, to ask some of the members for their reaction to the controversy.

The overwhelming opinion was that they will continue to support their hometown hero no matter where his allegiances lie.

"I think the whole of Holywood Golf Club would stand by him either way," one woman said.

A man added: "I think he's in a very awkward situation because whatever happens, he's wrong on one side or wrong on the other!"

Another woman said: "It's up to him, just whatever he feels comfortable with."

While another added: "He's such a good golfer that should take precedence over any political innuendos that are made."

McIlroy has become one of the biggest global sports stars, with back to back tour wins following hot on the heels of USPGA glory - his second major title.

Former Ulster and Ireland rugby player Trevor Ringland said Rory can be a champion for all.

He said: "I think what we should do with Rory is continue to celebrate what a great ambassador for Northern Ireland he is and for the people here.

"He always goes out and represents all of us whether he's playing for NI, Ulster, Ireland, GB, Ryder Cup or whatever."

Comments

39 Comments

Matthew in Newry Ireland wrote (252 days ago):

The 6 counties are not a country in their own right, they are Irish counties and that's why everyone here is entitled to Irish citizenship. Maybe unionists don't realise the Irish flag is a unifying symbol and now Rory McIlroy has let down the GUI but he'll prob still get support from everyone.

Tom in Ireland North wrote (252 days ago):

All born on the island of Ireland are Irish though some also claim British citizenship and have UK passports. Those like McIlroy can therefore choose to represent Ireland his birth place or GB and NI as a UK citizen. My own view is he should just go ahead and represent GB if that's what he prefers. He should have just left out the "I feel more British" - woe is me - tripe that's causing him all the bother. An Ulster man that feels more comfortable rapping the unofficial flag associated with the failed NI statelet and loyalist paramilitaries around him hasn't much of a clue about Irishness anyway!

Trevor in Ireland North East wrote (252 days ago):

"Impartial" Where do you get these NI passports and driving licences from? I myself have only seen UK ones and Irish passports. I think Numpty was your choice of word wasn't it? Yes "Let's get the question of nationalty sorted" smithy. 1 Ulster is a province made up of nine counties of Ireland- 6 of which were annexed to form the NI statelet as part of the UK and are not a country. 2 NI is not part of GB, it's part of the UK. 3 All born on the island of Ireland are Irish, though some also claim British citizenship and have UK passports and driving licences.

Mark in Belfast wrote (253 days ago):

Going by the last official census here, residents of NI born here could be: 1 Irish 2 Northern Irish 3 British Its entirely down to your own perspective. The name TEAM GB was chosen for ease of use although it still includes NI.

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