Rory McIlroy olympics u-turn

FrancieBrady · 15-05-2019 9:39pm

timthumbni wrote: »

Not sure what you are on about but I simply stated he attended Sullivan in response to post number 85 by another poster. (Or O’Sullivan in his later post)

I have no idea what labelling you are on about but “bate on”

Yeh, your clarification was totally innocent.

timthumbni · 15-05-2019 9:44pm

munsterlegend wrote: »

So if he was up against Justin Rose in a play off for Olympic gold who would you be rooting for?!

I like both those players so it would be a great days tv for me. Would like to see Rory win though as I’ve been a fan of his since his early days.

ILoveYourVibes · 15-05-2019 9:51pm

super_furry wrote: »

By the sounds of it, he had little say in the decision and was given his orders by Nike.

Much easier to sell a 'proud Irishman' representing his country at the Olympics to the Yanks.

Yanks love the Brits.

Unionists maybe not so much.

Anyway bridge building starts with ourselves. Welcome him with open arms.

I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT GOLF AND CANNOT COMMENT ON THE GOLF AND WILL NOT BE WATCHING THE GOLF BUT FOR NO OTHER REASON THAT ITS ****ING GOLF!

munsterlegend · 15-05-2019 9:52pm

timthumbni wrote: »

I like both those players so it would be a great days tv for me. Would like to see Rory win though as I’ve been a fan of his since his early days.

Go Team Ireland then!

timthumbni · 15-05-2019 9:54pm

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Yeh, your clarification was totally innocent.

So you should attack the original poster for labelling as he brought up the schooling issue, yes? Be consistent at least.

You have already had a number of begrudger types questioning Rory’s devotion to the cause so to speak on this thread.

This despite the fact that he would have already played for Ireland the last time if it wasn’t for that Zika virus carry on. The outrage by some little Irelanders at the time was made most amusing by the egg on their face when Shane Lowry also withdrew as well as a number of other countries golfers. But Rory is a Brit at heart etc etc blah blah. It’s only a golfer ffs. If he plays be happy.

janfebmar · 15-05-2019 10:01pm

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

Yanks love the Brits.

Unionists maybe not so much.

I was reading recently that "Seventeen of the 44 American Presidents are
generally accepted as being of Ulster-Scots ancestry. "

FrancieBrady · 15-05-2019 10:02pm

timthumbni wrote: »

So you should attack the original poster for labelling as he brought up the schooling issue, yes? Be consistent at least.

You have already had a number of begrudger types questioning Rory’s devotion to the cause so to speak on this thread.

This despite the fact that he would have already played for Ireland the last time if it wasn’t for that Zika virus carry on. The outrage by some little Irelanders at the time was made most amusing by the egg on their face when Shane Lowry also withdrew as well as a number of other countries golfers. But Rory is a Brit at heart etc etc blah blah. It’s only a golfer ffs. If he plays be happy.

Had you said 'Sullivan' school was non-denominational one might have believed you, but one hear 'is certainly not a CATHOLIC school' in a Paisley like boom due to your posting history.

Mea culpa on that, I am personally delighted you will be cheering on the Irish man, things are certainly changing.

munsterlegend · 15-05-2019 10:05pm

timthumbni wrote: »

So you should attack the original poster for labelling as he brought up the schooling issue, yes? Be consistent at least.

You have already had a number of begrudger types questioning Rory’s devotion to the cause so to speak on this thread.

This despite the fact that he would have already played for Ireland the last time if it wasn’t for that Zika virus carry on. The outrage by some little Irelanders at the time was made most amusing by the egg on their face when Shane Lowry also withdrew as well as a number of other countries golfers. But Rory is a Brit at heart etc etc blah blah. It’s only a golfer ffs. If he plays be happy.

He admitted it had nothing to do with the Zika virus. It probably had more to do with a falling out with Mcginley for some reason.

Anyway sport on this island is apart from soccer on an all island basis. Most northern athletes choose to represent Ireland so Rory choosing Ireland makes sense.

janfebmar · 15-05-2019 10:11pm

Is this the same Rory McIllroy that once famously said that he ‘feels more British than Irish’? He added "Maybe it was the way I was brought up, I don’t know, but I have always felt more of a connection with the UK than with Ireland. And so I have to weigh that up against the fact that I’ve always played for Ireland and so it is tough. Whatever I do, I know my decision is going to upset some people but I just hope the vast majority will understand.”

I say fair play to him, let he play for whoever he feels comfortable playing for. I would not criticize him for his decision to play for either country.

timthumbni · 15-05-2019 10:13pm

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Had you said 'Sullivan' school was non-denominational one might have believed you, but one hear 'is certainly not a CATHOLIC school' in a Paisley like boom due to your posting history.

Mea culpa on that, I am personally delighted you will be cheering on the Irish man, things are certainly changing.

There is no such thing as a “protestant” school in NI to my knowledge so don’t see why I would have mentioned that. There are only catholic maintained schools and the rest technically are all non denominational. Though state comprehensives especially tend to be almost all from a Protestant background. And non catholic grammar schools tend to be also be mostly from a Protestant background.

Anyway I have been cheering on Rory for years. Just as I’m sure you were when he celebrated winning golfs biggest tournaments with a Norn Iron red hand flag wrapped around him.

FrancieBrady · 15-05-2019 10:19pm

timthumbni wrote: »

There is no such thing as a “protestant” school in NI to my knowledge so don’t see why I would have mentioned that. There are only catholic maintained schools and the rest technically are all non denominational. Though state comprehensives especially tend to be almost all from a Protestant background. And non catholic grammar schools tend to be also be mostly from a Protestant background.

Anyway I have been cheering on Rory for years. Just as I’m sure you were when he celebrated winning golfs biggest tournaments with a Norn Iron red hand flag wrapped around him.

If they were born on this island then I cheer them as Irish men and women. I don't have borders in my head.

tayto lover · 15-05-2019 10:22pm

janfebmar wrote: »

Is this the same Rory McIllroy that once famously said that he ‘feels more British than Irish’? He added "Maybe it was the way I was brought up, I don’t know, but I have always felt more of a connection with the UK than with Ireland. And so I have to weigh that up against the fact that I’ve always played for Ireland and so it is tough. Whatever I do, I know my decision is going to upset some people but I just hope the vast majority will understand.”

I say fair play to him, let he play for whoever he feels comfortable playing for. I would not criticize him for his decision to play for either country.

I would really hate to see the little **** play for Ireland.
When he had his chance he lied through his teeth about the Zeko fly etc.
He couldn’t lie straight in bed.
Hope a stray Zeko fly bites him in the ******.
Anyway he hasn’t the temperament to win a big tournament anymore.

janfebmar · 15-05-2019 10:24pm

FrancieBrady wrote: »

If they were born on this island then I cheer them as Irish men and women.

So you would cheer on all sport people born on this island? If Linfield or N. Ireland were playing a team from Europe would you cheer them on then?

Strumms · 15-05-2019 10:29pm

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

I doubt any golfer gives a hoot about winning an Olympic medal anyway. Majors are all that matters in golf.

Same as tennis.

This, something to tell the grandkids though if they do win, big of an ego boost.

FrancieBrady · 15-05-2019 10:30pm

janfebmar wrote: »

So you would cheer on all sport people born on this island? If Linfield or N. Ireland were playing a team from Europe would you cheer them on then?

No, in respect of Linfield, I have no time for bigots. As to Northern Ireland, not during Bingham's tenure, but no problem with them currently. Funny how there is a residue of bigotry in soccer but not in rugby.

Pauliedragon · 15-05-2019 10:36pm

Pretty recently most of the country got upset when an openly British man refused to play soccer for us. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to complain about McIlroy now?

janfebmar · 15-05-2019 10:36pm

FrancieBrady wrote: »

If they were born on this island then I cheer them as Irish men and women.

So you cheer on some of those born in N. Ireland, but not all. Thats cleared up so.

FrancieBrady wrote: »

No, in respect of Linfield, I have no time for bigots.

Funny that, because on another thread, you condoned the pIRA, and you say they were right, so the people who play for Linfield and many clubs in N. Ireland would probably look on you as being the bigot.

FrancieBrady · 15-05-2019 10:38pm

janfebmar wrote: »

So you cheer on some of those born in N. Ireland, but not all. Thats cleared up so.

I don't cheer bigots, wherever they come from. They are welcome to their 'chosen' identity.

janfebmar · 15-05-2019 10:57pm

FrancieBrady wrote: »

I don't cheer bigots, wherever they come from. They are welcome to their 'chosen' identity.

One persons bigot is another mans hero. You are entitled, for example, to cheer whoever you want. People from the other side may think that people from clubs who have sports grounds named after terrorists are the bigots.

FrancieBrady · 15-05-2019 10:59pm

janfebmar wrote: »

One persons bigot is another mans hero. You are entitled, for example, to cheer whoever you want. People from the other side may think that people from clubs who have sports grounds named after terrorists are the bigots.

And they are entitled to not cheer. What was your point again?

janfebmar · 15-05-2019 11:11pm

You said

FrancieBrady wrote: »

If they were born on this island then I cheer them as Irish men and women. I don't have borders in my head.

My point is you do not cheer on all of the people born on this island.

Berserker · 15-05-2019 11:17pm

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Two Unionists talking to one another on Boards and using stereotypes, more likely.

If you want to 'aim' at people, man up, and name them.

Man up! Funniest thing I've read in a long time. I don't keep track of the comments submitted by individual posters, I'm afraid.

Odhinn wrote: »

The idea of golf in the olympics was to promote the sport. Mcilroy got serious flack within golf for not bothering with it as a result.

Lots of leading players pulled out last time because of the Zika virus. Questions were asked, as you noted. Reckon their attitude to the next Olympics is going to be very different.

FrancieBrady · 15-05-2019 11:21pm

janfebmar wrote: »

You said

My point is you do not cheer on all of the people born on this island.

Bigots are welcome to the identity they choose. In the case of Linfield and Billy Bingham, that most certainly isn't Irish. So No, I don't support them.

hetuzozaho · 15-05-2019 11:47pm

Junkyard Tom wrote: »

It's all a bit mad.

Welcome to planet earth, none of it makes any sense. Enjoy.

fullstop · 15-05-2019 11:57pm

Pissartist wrote: »

and why, the ezika virus and having a kid, where's the kid now ?
then he wasn't sure what nationality he was, the guy has verbal diarhoea

magic_murph wrote: »

How is is not committed - who is 'more committed.
He owes absolutely nobody anything - golf is HIS job. Get over it you clown.

Pissartist wrote: »

A clown who can construct a sentence.

So, tell us, what's ezika virus?

A few other mistakes there too, learned one

realdanbreen · 16-05-2019 9:05am

janfebmar wrote: »

One persons bigot is another mans hero. You are entitled, for example, to cheer whoever you want. People from the other side may think that people from clubs who have sports grounds named after terrorists are the bigots.

Which sports grounds are named after terrorists? It is my opinion that the greatest Terror that was inflicted on the North came from the British governments down through the years who divided and segregated and used discrimination to maintain a presence on a neighbouring island. Those that inflicted the most terror on her majestys behalf didn't have sports grounds named after them they were knighted and the more terror that they were responsible for the greater the distinction they received.

ebbsy · 16-05-2019 9:07am

Golf, Soccer, Tennis etc shouldn't be in the Olympics.

I tune in just to watch the sports that I d'ont normally watch.

janfebmar · 16-05-2019 9:18am

ebbsy wrote: »

Golf, Soccer, Tennis etc shouldn't be in the Olympics.

I tune in just to watch the sports that I d'ont normally watch.

Correct. Like the Eurovision and indeed the EU, the Olympics has got too big.

Russman · 16-05-2019 9:35am

Do the golfers compete under the tricolour at the Olympics, or under the GUI flag ?

lawred2 · 16-05-2019 9:39am

Pissartist wrote: »

100% he should be told to f**k off, the runt changes his mind as often as the wind changes direction.
A very, very unlikeable person who shouldn't take the place of one of our committed players.

:rolleyes:

lawred2 · 16-05-2019 9:39am

ebbsy wrote: »

Golf, Soccer, Tennis etc shouldn't be in the Olympics.

I tune in just to watch the sports that I d'ont normally watch.

money sports

that's why they are there

prawnsambo · 16-05-2019 10:11am

lawred2 wrote: »

money sports

that's why they are there

Popular sports to be fair. Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world. The money follows the popularity.

Badly Drunk Boy · 16-05-2019 10:55am

Pauliedragon wrote: »

Pretty recently most of the country got upset when an openly British man refused to play soccer for us. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to complain about McIlroy now?

Some people might have, but the most people probably just wanted him to make a decision rather having the question dangling for months/years.

DarTipp · 16-05-2019 10:59am

people forget rory is a catholic , anyway im sure he'll do well and get a medal for us !

16-05-2019 11:01am

murpho999 wrote: »

Rugby does not make you a unionist.

Anyhow do your research.

He went to St Patrick Primary School which is Catholic and then to O'Sullivan Upper School which is muli-denominational.

Being R Catholic doesn't make you a republican/ nationalist, nor a Protestant a Unionist.

I think our history has taught us that much, says I with a nod to Emmet and Tone, Markievicz and Sam Maguire.

realdanbreen · 16-05-2019 12:28pm

DarTipp wrote: »

people forget rory is a catholic , anyway im sure he'll do well and get a medal for us !

I thought at this stage most adults had grown out of the whole Catholic/Protestant nonsense.

gormdubhgorm · 16-05-2019 1:43pm

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/golf/is-zika-the-real-reason-golfers-are-pulling-out-of-the-olympics-744493.html

I read the above article by the Examiner, written before the Rio Olympics.
It discussed whether the Zika virus was the real reason golfers pulled out of going to Rio.
Some admitted honestly that it was not a priority for them

While Mcllroy would not only be not playing golf in Rio Olympics.
He would not even be watching it.
He would only watch 'the stuff that matters'.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-3686465/Rory-McIlroy-adds-insult-Olympic-golf-tournament-claiming-ll-watch-stuff-matters-Rio-Games.html

My question is regardless of all the cultural identity debate - British v Irish v NI.
Why the full 360? He has gone from making half-assed excuses not to go because of Zika four years ago. To saying it does not matter and wont be watching it. To now playing in the Olympics. Not only that he is 'excited to play' in it now.

I view Mcllroy as an extremely disingenuous guy. And I would not believe a word he says at this point.
What are his true opinions?

partyguinness · 16-05-2019 1:48pm

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/golf/is-zika-the-real-reason-golfers-are-pulling-out-of-the-olympics-744493.html

I read the above article by the Examiner, written before the Rio Olympics.
It discussed whether the Zika virus was the real reason golfers pulled out of going to Rio.
Some admitted honestly that it was not a priority for them

While Mcllroy would not only be not playing golf in Rio Olympics.
He would not even be watching it.
He would only watch 'the stuff that matters'.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-3686465/Rory-McIlroy-adds-insult-Olympic-golf-tournament-claiming-ll-watch-stuff-matters-Rio-Games.html

My question is regardless of all the cultural identity debate - British v Irish v NI.
Why the full 360? He has gone from making half-assed excuses not to go because of Zika four years ago. To saying it does not matter and wont be watching it. To now playing in the Olympics. Not only that he is 'excited to play' in it now.

I view Mcllroy as an extremely disingenuous guy. And I would not believe a word he says at this point.
What are his true opinions?

Funnily enough Darren Clarke who is from a Protestant background has more rapport with 'the South' than McIlroy and has never twisted and turned like this.

Now I accept they are/were at different levels etc in terms of fame and fortune but for me McIlroy is just hedging his bets and just annoying everyone.

I don't think anyone bought the whole Zika virus excuse- just an easy way out.

partyguinness · 16-05-2019 2:13pm

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

Being R Catholic doesn't make you a republican/ nationalist, nor a Protestant a Unionist.

I think our history has taught us that much, says I with a nod to Emmet and Tone, Markievicz and Sam Maguire.

Indeed which is why I raise an eyebrow when someone says 'Oh sure there will be a Catholic majority in a generation or so'.

Yeah as if 100% of all Catholics are Nationalists and want a UI. You're in for a rude awakening if you think that is the case.

Lofidelity · 16-05-2019 2:23pm

Shane Lowry also snubbed the last Olympics but nobody seems too bothered

gormdubhgorm · 16-05-2019 2:34pm

Lofidelity wrote: »

Shane Lowry also snubbed the last Olympics but nobody seems too bothered

Lowry is nearly as bad, he used the Zika virus as a get out.

https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/golf/rio-2016-olympics/news/lowry-withdraws-from-rio-olympics_275706.html

Now he wants to partner Mcllroy in Tokyo!

https://www.rte.ie/sport/golf/2019/0515/1049689-lowry-hoping-to-partner-mcilroy-at-tokyo-olympics/

The difference is that Lowry does not make u-turns on his national identity as Rory does.
In fairness Lowry, was lucky enough to be born in a place where there is less confusion.

The Rio Olympics put Padraig Harrington way up in my estimation, in light of his colleagues attitudes.

Padraig called them out on it at the time as well (see below)

https://www.dublinlive.ie/sport/padraig-harrington-brands-golfs-rio-11738698

charlieIRL · 16-05-2019 2:46pm

I actually think its a no-win situation for McIlroy, hes stuck in the middle of a Nationality quagmire. It there was a NI team then he would be fine but declaring for one is going to annoy the other, regardless of whoever he plays for.

gormdubhgorm · 16-05-2019 2:55pm

charlieIRL wrote: »

I actually think its a no-win situation for McIlroy, hes stuck in the middle of a Nationality quagmire. It there was a NI team then he would be fine but declaring for one is going to annoy the other, regardless of whoever he plays for.

He could alternate every four years?
Ireland one Olympics - Britain the next.
What would the reaction to that be?
He could 'rise above it' all.

An Claidheamh · 17-05-2019 7:51pm

Berserker wrote: »

Logical decision to opt for Ireland given the level of nonsense he was subject to last time round. His heart is in the UK, we all know that. His Irishness will be worth a few quid when it comes to endorsements in the US. Good luck to him.

Makes sense because he's Irish.

As usual, Brits blaming and then bowing to the Americans.

We all know, Northern Irish is like saying you're from Cork.

Nice of you to support an Irish athlete.

Looking forward to how the Brits and unionists react though.

Muahahaha · 17-05-2019 8:04pm

charlieIRL wrote: »

I actually think its a no-win situation for McIlroy, hes stuck in the middle of a Nationality quagmire. It there was a NI team then he would be fine but declaring for one is going to annoy the other, regardless of whoever he plays for.

yeah feel the same, he is stuck between a rock and a hard place and no matter what decision he makes the small but very vocal minority on the opposite side will give him hell. He literally cant win.

It was the same with Declan Rice, people loosing their heads on here yet the lad grew up in England, has an english accent and all his mates are english. Maybe his Irish dad had a dream that his son would play football for Ireland but when he is culturally more english than Irish and grows up then it is his decision to make then and people should just respect it and move on.

We will never have a united Ireland if adults cannot get over this tribalism stuff from the past. Some people just need to grow up a bit and look forward for a change.

gormdubhgorm · 18-05-2019 12:04pm

Muahahaha wrote: »

yeah feel the same, he is stuck between a rock and a hard place and no matter what decision he makes the small but very vocal minority on the opposite side will give him hell. He literally cant win.

It was the same with Declan Rice, people loosing their heads on here yet the lad grew up in England, has an english accent and all his mates are english. Maybe his Irish dad had a dream that his son would play football for Ireland but when he is culturally more english than Irish and grows up then it is his decision to make then and people should just respect it and move on.

We will never have a united Ireland if adults cannot get over this tribalism stuff from the past. Some people just need to grow up a bit and look forward for a change.

Rice is even worse scenario, he played for Ireland all the way through at underage. Even got three caps at senior (non-competitive).
Then suddenly pulled out of the competitive game.
It was obvious someone got in his ear and he made a 'career move' by switching to England. Much like he made the 'career move' when playing for Ireland in the first place.

The suspicious among many (and rightly so) is that Mcllroy is making a 'career move' by playing in the Olympics. Is his heart really in it? Are his motivations financial duty to his sponsors etc. Was it because he realised that he missed a trick by not going to Rio? Now thinking 'oh golf could really take off in the Olympics' cha-ching....??

Do we now just pretend that his comments from four years ago never happened?

The whole thing is completely insincere and makes a mockery of the phrases 'proud Irishman' proud to 'represent your country'.

In a soccer context some people buy into thier 'new' country completely. Similar to John Aldridge sees himself as an Irishman now and is never slow in saying it and correcting the English pundits on it.

Andy Townsend on the other hand. It was a pure 'career move' for him and you can never say he really brought into it. He still says 'we' for England and is very sheepish when English commentators mock him as 'an Irishman'.

Mcllroy is definitely on the 'Andy Townsend' end of the spectrum for me a pure business decision, to enhance his career, and benefit his sponsors

timthumbni · 18-05-2019 12:19pm

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Rice is even worse scenario, he played for Ireland all the way through at underage. Even got three caps at senior (non-competitive).
Then suddenly pulled out of the competitive game.
It was obvious someone got in his ear and he made a 'career move' by switching to England. Much like he made the 'career move' when playing for Ireland in the first place.

The suspicious among many (and rightly so) is that Mcllroy is making a 'career move' by playing in the Olympics. Is his heart really in it? Are his motivations financial duty to his sponsors etc. Was it because he realised that he missed a trick by not going to Rio? Now thinking 'oh golf could really take off in the Olympics' cha-ching....??

Do we now just pretend that his comments from four years ago never happened?

The whole thing is completely insincere and makes a mockery of the phrases 'proud Irishman' proud to 'represent your country'.

In a soccer context some people buy into thier 'new' country completely. Similar to John Aldridge sees himself as an Irishman now and is never slow in saying it and correcting the English pundits on it.

Andy Townsend on the other hand. It was a pure 'career move' for him and you can never say he really brought into it. He still says 'we' for England and is very sheepish when English commentators mock him as 'an Irishman'.

Mcllroy is definitely on the 'Andy Townsend' end of the spectrum for me a pure business decision, to enhance his career, and benefit his sponsors

Welcome to the Norn Irish world of football.. Even the most oppressed person ever in the world played for NI at junior level. I don’t mind people wanting to play for the republic. But at least have the balls to say from the start if you want to play for the country or not.

Rory is quite obviously a “Norn Irishman” judging him by his past comments and actions. However golf is still organised on an all island basis so if he partakes in the Olympics be glad of him.

Just don’t expect him to be runn8ng around singing along to the wolf tones and ooh ahhh up the ra paddywhackery.

gormdubhgorm · 18-05-2019 12:40pm

timthumbni wrote: »

Welcome to the Norn Irish world of football.. Even the most oppressed person ever in the world played for NI at junior level. I don’t mind people wanting to play for the republic. But at least have the balls to say from the start if you want to play for the country or not.

Rory is quite obviously a “Norn Irishman” judging him by his past comments and actions. However golf is still organised on an all island basis so if he partakes in the Olympics be glad of him.

Just don’t expect him to be runn8ng around singing along to the wolf tones and ooh ahhh up the ra paddywhackery.

I would have more respect for him if he stuck to his guns clubs and continued avoiding the Olympics.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/golf/2017/01/09/rory-mcilroy-resent-olympic-games/

He admitted that he “resents” the Games and would have felt “uncomfortable” winning gold for either Ireland or Team GB

.

Mcllroy also said:

"I don't know the words to either anthem; I don't feel a connection to either flag; I don't want it to be about flags;
I've tried to stay away from that.

“Not everyone is (driven by) nationalism and patriotism and that's never been me,
because I felt like I grew up in a place where I wasn't allowed to be. It was suppressed."

In fairness to him though it is bit awkward when the 'British mainland' now shorten the term to 'Team GB' (marketing). So NI is not even an afterthought now!

Does he really believe golf should be in the Olympics now as well, has he gone off the synchronised swimming?

He is now basically taking a place from someone else who would love to be there, but he has to pretend he does now.

timthumbni · 18-05-2019 12:52pm

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

I would have more respect for him if he stuck to his guns clubs and continued avoiding the Olympics.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/golf/2017/01/09/rory-mcilroy-resent-olympic-games/

He admitted that he “resents” the Games and would have felt “uncomfortable” winning gold for either Ireland or Team GB
.

Mcllroy also said:

"I don't know the words to either anthem; I don't feel a connection to either flag; I don't want it to be about flags;
I've tried to stay away from that.

“Not everyone is (driven by) nationalism and patriotism and that's never been me,
because I felt like I grew up in a place where I wasn't allowed to be. It was suppressed."

In fairness to him though it is bit awkward when the 'British mainland' now shorten the term to 'Team GB' (marketing). So NI is not even an afterthought now!

Does he really believe golf should be in the Olympics now as well, has he gone off the synchronised swimming?

I wouldn’t spend that much time thinking about it tbh. He also slagged the Ryder cup off and then got really into the idea of whipping the yanks.

His main problem in others eyes is that he doesn’t fall into the catholic upbringing means he is mega Irish routine. He was brought up in a middle class broadly quite unionist area and his schooling confirms this.

I say in others eyes because I can imagine he doesn’t give a feck and rightly so.

And as for people saying he is a catholic I wouldn’t be so sure. I was brought up Protestant but I certainly am not now. Most sensible people grow up and away from fairy tales.

Muahahaha · 18-05-2019 3:07pm

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Rice is even worse scenario, he played for Ireland all the way through at underage. Even got three caps at senior (non-competitive).
Then suddenly pulled out of the competitive game.
It was obvious someone got in his ear and he made a 'career move' by switching to England. Much like he made the 'career move' when playing for Ireland in the first place.

From a mate who is a West Ham season ticket holder apparently the club owners put him under huge pressure to play for England because english players are more valuable in the transfer market due to the quota system. So the West Ham owners were thinking of his re-sale value and knew they would get a better price if he declared for England. Aside from that he had the English FA in his ear and his agent to who is thinking of the commission on his next transfer.

The Rice situation was a mess but I wouldnt hold any grudge against the lad. There is an argument that as a kid playing for Ireland he took the place of someone else only to later declare for England. But its hard to blame a 13 or 14yr old Declan Rice for that when he has no idea that at that stage if he will ever make it to top level football when the majority of them don't. He just wanted to play football and no doubt his family connections to Ireland wanted him to play here too.

Rory McIlroy olympics u-turn

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