Fed up of hearing about Shane Lowry

Cork Boy 53 · 23-07-2019 10:29am

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Clarke, McIlroy, McDowell.

Golf in Ireland, like rugby, is for 32 counties.

Fred Daly also.

Cork Boy 53 · 23-07-2019 10:37am

weldoninhio wrote: »

It'll bring in massive money in sponsorship, which is why they are making kissy faces about giving us the honour of them representing us. They should be told Thanks, but no thanks.

The fact that they are now both major champions is what is already or will bring in the lucrative sponsorship/endorsement deals, nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not they represent Ireland in the Olympics.

Alf Veedersane · 23-07-2019 10:40am

weldoninhio wrote: »

Even before his Open won, him and McIlroy were making kissy faces about representing us. He should be told he had his chance, and refused it.

He represented Ireland at the last 3 Golf World Cups (2013, 2016, 2018).

He decided that while the risk was low, it was still a risk he wasn't prepared to take.

The Olympics isn't all that lucrative for golfers.

biko · 23-07-2019 10:44am

OP doesn't want to hear about Shane Lowry
OP starts a thread in AH about Shane Lowry
Turns into another golf thread about Shane Lowry

Alf Veedersane · 23-07-2019 10:53am

Cork Boy 53 wrote: »

Fred Daly also.

He's not counted in the 5 though but I'm assuming that they're talking about the modern era.

Dots1982 · 23-07-2019 10:54am

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

He represented Ireland at the last 3 Golf World Cups (2013, 2016, 2018).

He decided that while the risk was low, it was still a risk he wasn't prepared to take.

The Olympics isn't all that lucrative for golfers.

It’s totally his right to play in the tournaments he wants to.

It’s my right to make judgements on the individual based on those choices he makes.

I don’t cheer against Lowry. I just don’t cheer for him.

It’s the gob****es who hold him up as the epitome of irishness when he skipped the chance to represent Ireland in the planet’s biggest sporting event that annoy me more. The types that are all over social media saying he’s a great lad that don’t even have a deep enough sports knowledge to know he cried off the olympics.

The bandwagoners.

bobbyss · 23-07-2019 11:04am

Alf Veedersane wrote:

He's not counted in the 5 though but I'm assuming that they're talking about the modern era.

It's fantastic to have another Irish winner. Shane really deserves it. I hope he does well out of it. Go Shane!!

What period would you call the modern era though? Post WW2 seems very far away I have to say. The television age is probably more appropriate but when is even that? The media went wild over Lee Trevino and his on course chatting. But that too seems far away.

Alf Veedersane · 23-07-2019 11:06am

Dots1982 wrote: »

It’s totally his right to play in the tournaments he wants to.

It’s my right to make judgements on the individual based on those choices he makes.

Of course.

There are always bandwagoners. They will never be less annoying.

I disagree that it somehow means he's less Irish for not playing in Rio given the hulabaloo about Zika and the potential risk. I don't think it makes him less of a person for not taking a personal risk because Ireland.

But we can agree to disagree.

Stevieluvsye · 23-07-2019 11:06am

I think why he seems so popular a winner is the other 3 lads from up there seem to divide opinion, whereas Shane seems like one of the lads, relatable is how i'd put it.

I look at him in the promotional videos he does for PP, and just seems a normal bloke.

Pissartist · 23-07-2019 11:08am

Dots1982 wrote: »

It’s totally his right to play in the tournaments he wants to.

It’s my right to make judgements on the individual based on those choices he makes.

I don’t cheer against Lowry. I just don’t cheer for him.

It’s the gob****es who hold him up as the epitome of irishness when he skipped the chance to represent Ireland in the planet’s biggest sporting event that annoy me more. The types that are all over social media saying he’s a great lad that don’t even have a deep enough sports knowledge to know he cried off the olympics.

The bandwagoners.

yawn

Alf Veedersane · 23-07-2019 11:10am

bobbyss wrote: »

What period would you call the modern era though? Post WW2 seems very far away I have to say. The television age is probably more appropriate but when is even that? The media went wild over Lee Trevino and his on course chatting. But that too seems far away.

Not sure what the definition would be. Probably a couple of definitions, based on time, equipment, majors, etc

castletownman · 23-07-2019 11:10am

But golf in the Olympics is a recent concept. Anyone starting out would have set goals: win one of the four majors, top the money list, become world number one (not as prestigious as it once was) and compete in the Ryder Cup where applicable.

So you can see how a fella might skip the Olympics if it impedes his chances in any of the other fields. Besides, it gives one of the lesser lights a chance to represent his country.

weldoninhio · 23-07-2019 11:17am

Cork Boy 53 wrote: »

The fact that they are now both major champions is what is already or will bring in the lucrative sponsorship/endorsement deals, nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not they represent Ireland in the Olympics.

So why was Rory British for Rio and Shane pulled out? But even before this weekend, where Shane won, they were both making noises about competing for Ireland in 2020.

road_high · 23-07-2019 11:17am

murpho999 wrote: »

It is begrudgery.

Winning The British Open is a huge achievement and an Irishman (from Republic of Ireland, so no confusion about British/Irish) winning it is going to get a lot of media attention. Especially in the first 24 hours.

So I don't see how it's OTT or patronising (Do you actually understand that word?). The coverage I have seen has been sharing in his delight with the win and it's great to have good news on the news and radio rather than the drudgery of economy, HSE screw ups, Brexit, economy, gangland shootings, road deaths etc.

Yes ok it’s begrudgery then because you say so.

weldoninhio · 23-07-2019 11:18am

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

He represented Ireland at the last 3 Golf World Cups (2013, 2016, 2018).

He decided that while the risk was low, it was still a risk he wasn't prepared to take.

The Olympics isn't all that lucrative for golfers.

Yet he competed in one of the southern states on a tour event, where the Zika risk was the same level as Rio. :rolleyes:

Dots1982 · 23-07-2019 11:26am

castletownman wrote: »

But golf in the Olympics is a recent concept. Anyone starting out would have set goals: win one of the four majors, top the money list, become world number one (not as prestigious as it once was) and compete in the Ryder Cup where applicable.

So you can see how a fella might skip the Olympics if it impedes his chances in any of the other fields. Besides, it gives one of the lesser lights a chance to represent his country.

The majors were all completed by the time the Olympics came round I’m pretty sure.

Top of the money list though. Now you’re speaking the pro golfer’s language.

The Olympics is the olympics. Despite the doping and the dodgy judging and the money grabbing IOC its still special.

The chance to call yourself an Olympian. The chance to win a gold medal and follow in the footsteps of Jesse Owen, Michael Phelps, Bolt.

To pass up that chance is something I can’t respect.

I think Lowry bought the stories about Zika but also there was no big money offered for winning. If there was I’d say he would have travelled.

I think only one female golfer turned down a place at the Olympics despite Zika being a threat to safe pregnancies.

Alf Veedersane · 23-07-2019 11:31am

weldoninhio wrote: »

Yet he competed in one of the southern states on a tour event, where the Zika risk was the same level as Rio. :rolleyes:

How much publicity and knowledge about the risk was available at the time?

It's alright for you to point the finger but you haven't been put in that position so you don't know what you'd have done in his shoes.

Edgware · 23-07-2019 11:36am

Dots1982 wrote: »

The majors were all completed by the time the Olympics came round I’m pretty sure.

Top of the money list though. Now you’re speaking the pro golfer’s language.

The Olympics is the olympics. Despite the doping and the dodgy judging and the money grabbing IOC its still special.

The chance to call yourself an Olympian. The chance to win a gold medal and follow in the footsteps of Jesse Owen, Michael Phelps, Bolt.

To pass up that chance is something I can’t respect.

I think Lowry bought the stories about Zika but also there was no big money offered for winning. If there was I’d say he would have travelled.

I think only one female golfer turned down a place at the Olympics despite Zika being a threat to safe pregnancies.

Hitting a ball around the place while wearing a pink jumper and a polka dot trousers. That really is the equal of Jesse Owens achievements

weldoninhio · 23-07-2019 11:36am

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

How much publicity and knowledge about the risk was available at the time?

It's alright for you to point the finger but you haven't been put in that position so you don't know what you'd have done in his shoes.

Want a hand with those goalposts?? :rolleyes:

Cork Boy 53 · 23-07-2019 11:42am

weldoninhio wrote: »

100% Shane knows he’s Irish. He’s just picky about when he wants to represent Ireland. It’ll probably $uit him to represent us in Japan. Big endorsement deals to be done there compared to Rio.

weldoninhio wrote: »

It'll bring in massive money in sponsorship, which is why they are making kissy faces about giving us the honour of them representing us. They should be told Thanks, but no thanks.

So you are suggesting that, purely based on Olympic participation alone and ignoring all other factors , that taking part in Tokyo 2020 will be far more lucrative for Lowry than Rio 2016 would have been. Why do you come to that conclusion?

weldoninhio · 23-07-2019 11:59am

Cork Boy 53 wrote: »

So you are suggesting that, purely based on Olympic participation alone and ignoring all other factors , that taking pat in Tokyo 2020 will be far more lucrative for Lowry than Rio 2016 would have been. Why do you come to that conclusion?

Tokyo will attract a huge amount of sponsorship. Golf is not a big thing in Brazil or South America. In Asia it is huge. All golfers will get a lot more in sponsorship compared to Brazil.

MrMusician18 · 23-07-2019 12:28pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

How much publicity and knowledge about the risk was available at the time?

It's alright for you to point the finger but you haven't been put in that position so you don't know what you'd have done in his shoes.

Isn't zika relatively benign for men? I thought the only real risk was to pregnant women.

Surely the real reason that most pro golfers cried off was that there is no prize money for the Olympics and the event was in the middle of the tour iirc. Zika was a convenient fig leaf to hide behind to shield their reputation with fans.

The reason the pros are giving a second look to Olympic golf now is that they see that the tournament was a success and that the sponsorship/brand building opportunities offered by playing for your countryare unrivaled. Golf is a game for individuals and it's hard to build a fan base around an individual but Olympics are about nations and gives a golfer the ability to use a nations brand and identity to build their own brand.

Alf Veedersane · 23-07-2019 12:36pm

MrMusician18 wrote: »

Isn't zika relatively benign for men? I thought the only real risk was to pregnant women.

Risk to male fertility. Also, Zika has been found in sperm 7 months after infection so poses a risk to infecting the woman who may become pregnant with Zika infested jizz.

MrMusician18 wrote: »

Surely the real reason that most pro golfers cried off was that there is no prize money for the Olympics and the event was in the middle of the tour iirc. Zika was a convenient fig leaf to hide behind to shield their reputation with fans.

It might be the real reason for some. Others just don't value the Olympics because it's not something they have trained four years for. And maybe either/both come into consideration if you think there is a risk and have consulted on the risk and decide it's not worth taking.

CUCINA · 23-07-2019 1:51pm

THE CLARA JUG!

MrMusician18 · 23-07-2019 2:19pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Risk to male fertility. Also, Zika has been found in sperm 7 months after infection so poses a risk to infecting the woman who may become pregnant with Zika infested jizz.

It might be the real reason for some. Others just don't value the Olympics because it's not something they have trained four years for. And maybe either/both come into consideration if you think there is a risk and have consulted on the risk and decide it's not worth taking.

I wouldn't have been as cynical about it if the players pulled themselves from the tournaments in other areas where there was a zika caution. Zika went as far north as the great lakes in 2016.

So maybe for some zika was a genuine concern, but I think for most of the professionals that made themselves unavailable it was money, time, interest, and sponsorship conflict that meant they didn't want to represent their country.

I was delighted to see Harrington and Power get a run out in the Irish jersey though, they both seemed to enjoy it.

rob316 · 23-07-2019 2:21pm

Huge achievement and a lovely fella let him have his moment.

He's an underdog story we can all appreciate

Berserker · 23-07-2019 2:30pm

MrMusician18 wrote: »

The reason the pros are giving a second look to Olympic golf now is that they see that the tournament was a success and that the sponsorship/brand building opportunities offered by playing for your countryare unrivaled.

If that is the case why are there so many Olympic athletes and I include medalists in that, who haven't got two pennies to rub together? Why do so many amateur boxers switch to the pro game to make a few quid for themselves?

Stevieluvsye · 23-07-2019 2:38pm

Berserker wrote: »

If that is the case why are there so many Olympic athletes and I include medalists in that, who haven't got two pennies to rub together? Why do so many amateur boxers switch to the pro game to make a few quid for themselves?

Apples and Oranges there buddy

Golf is mahoosive across the globe.

Boxing is more niche with regards support globally and massive corps

Dots1982 · 23-07-2019 2:45pm

Stevieluvsye wrote: »

Apples and Oranges there buddy

Golf is mahoosive across the globe.

Boxing is more niche with regards support globally and massive corps

That’s total rubbish. Golf is massive with the richest people across the globe. That’s why the prizes are so generous. It’s the sport of the 1 percenters. It’s got very little entry in poor or emerging economies.

There are 4 majors in Golf, three in the US and one in Britain. Massive across the globe is a huge exaggeration.

I’ve nothing against golf. It’s probably the most difficult sport on earth but just needs to be said.

MrMusician18 · 23-07-2019 2:52pm

Berserker wrote: »

If that is the case why are there so many Olympic athletes and I include medalists in that, who haven't got two pennies to rub together? Why do so many amateur boxers switch to the pro game to make a few quid for themselves?

Because there's very little money in the vast majority of Olympic sports, and the sports that do have money it is concentrated in the hands of a few. Great exposure but playing a minority sport is not going to do much for you. You'll be doing much better than if you got no exposure though.

Golf is a relatively popular game and those that follow it tend to be wealthy so has a big appeal to sponsors. Being able to put the green Jersey on so that people can say that they are supporting "our lads" rather than an individual is massive in helping to broaden it's appeal. That in turn helps build a brand and broadens that individuals appeal to sponsors.

How many people would watch a team consisting of the players Irish first soccer team if it wasn't the Irish jersey they were wearing?

23-07-2019 2:56pm

Was mad into golf as a teenager but don't follow any sports anymore. Brother over here now showing me a few videos of him and he seems sound. Fair play to him. Massive achievement.

Stevieluvsye · 23-07-2019 2:57pm

Dots1982 wrote: »

That’s total rubbish. Golf is massive with the richest people across the globe. That’s why the prizes are so generous. It’s the sport of the 1 percenters. It’s got very little entry in poor or emerging economies.

There are 4 majors in Golf, three in the US and one in Britain. Massive across the globe is a huge exaggeration.

I’ve nothing against golf. It’s probably the most difficult sport on earth but just needs to be said.

Ye wha..............Did you read the post i was replying to?

99problems1 · 23-07-2019 3:03pm

I agree with OP.

Why is THIS one such a big deal? We've had major winners before.

It's not like Shane Lowry is some nobody golfer, ranked 300 in the world. He was top 30 and won major tournaments before.

Cork Boy 53 · 23-07-2019 3:12pm

99problems1 wrote: »

I agree with OP.

Why is THIS one such a big deal? We've had major winners before.

It's not like Shane Lowry is some nobody golfer, ranked 300 in the world. He was top 30 and won major tournaments before.

Lowry has won high ranking tournaments in the past but this is his first Major victory. A whole higher level of prestige.

99problems1 · 23-07-2019 3:18pm

Cork Boy 53 wrote: »

Lowry has won high ranking tournaments in the past but this is his first Major victory. A whole higher level of prestige.

It shouldn't be treated like he's some plucky underdog though, he's one of the best golfers in the world.

Deebles McBeebles · 23-07-2019 3:26pm

99problems1 wrote: »

It shouldn't be treated like he's some plucky underdog though, he's one of the best golfers in the world.

Most Irish people only know that since Sunday night though, hence all the sudden attention.

It does mean more to win a major, no doubt it is a whole other level.

Cork Boy 53 · 23-07-2019 3:35pm

99problems1 wrote: »

It shouldn't be treated like he's some plucky underdog though, he's one of the best golfers in the world.

This time last year Lowry was at a low point in his career and was even considering his future in the sport. The turnaround in his fortunes 12 months on has been remarkable and much of the acclaim he is now getting is due to this. In any case, after the homecoming events this evening, the general media attention will most likely start to slacken off and move on to other matters.

imme · 23-07-2019 4:07pm

They need some auld sh1te to be talking about.

Simple country fella wins some game.

It's like all their birthdays came together, the media I mean.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 23-07-2019 4:08pm

Effects wrote: »

If you don't like the coverage then just turn it off.
He's a nice chap, it's great that he's done well. Get over it.

This was legitimately the TOP news story on the RTÉ app at one stage yesterday:

That’s veering into OTT territory right there. I don’t think you’d have to be a begrudger to question that headline.

Harry Palmr · 23-07-2019 6:07pm

Anyone watching the main news of the day? Lowry first with two reporters!

Edgware · 23-07-2019 6:10pm

R.T.E. are giving it plenty of coverage with two reporters in Clara.
On a separate note I see Ryan Turbridy visited the kids in the Childrens hospital. Havent those poor kids suffered enough?

bobbyss · 23-07-2019 6:22pm

Harry Palmr wrote:

Anyone watching the main news of the day? Lowry first with two reporters!

Two? You wait for one bus...

Annasopra · 23-07-2019 6:30pm

CoBo55 wrote: »

AHH jaysus lads, it's only been a few hours. If it's still going on next week I'll be back giving out...

They had nearly an hour on the radio yesterday morning!

23-07-2019 6:34pm

Ireland always does overkill on personalities when they triumph and when they die. There is invariably saturation coverage, which is lovely in one way but off-putting if you weren’t a follower or fan of whatever they have done. I think on balance it is probably a nice thing about this country that we cherish people and show it, but it can get very tedious to listen to at times. I remember when Big Tom died I had suffered a strangulated hernia and was awaiting emergency surgery hour by hour over 48 hours in hospital. I was in total agony and miserable, and on the telly and radios all around was incessant playing of Gentle Mother, or whatever his song was. Being the soundtrack to my suffering I cannot listen to that or anything about BigTom without being right back in that ward or suffering the postoperative infection afterwards when the poor man was being buried.

lbc2019 · 23-07-2019 6:48pm

Its July news is 1/2 hour long- this is gold to them.

Harry Palmr · 23-07-2019 6:58pm

Coverage is continuing on RTE News Now and is a fearful reminder of why I never stop in the midlands.

Atoms for Peace · 23-07-2019 7:03pm

In other news an Irish athlete won gold in the 100m at the youth Olympics, yet no mention on the news.

Atoms for Peace · 23-07-2019 7:04pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Coverage is continuing on RTE News Now and is a fearful reminder of why I never stop in the midlands.

It went a bit day of the dead for a while alright.

Marty Xavier · 25-07-2019 2:31pm

Atoms for Peace wrote: »

In other news an Irish athlete won gold in the 100m at the youth Olympics, yet no mention on the news.

**** off, i heard this twice yesterday on the news and read it today so **** off

Dionysius2 · 25-07-2019 8:54pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Ireland always does overkill on personalities when they triumph and when they die. There is invariably saturation coverage, which is lovely in one way but off-putting if you weren’t a follower or fan of whatever they have done. I think on balance it is probably a nice thing about this country that we cherish people and show it, but it can get very tedious to listen to at times. I remember when Big Tom died I had suffered a strangulated hernia and was awaiting emergency surgery hour by hour over 48 hours in hospital. I was in total agony and miserable, and on the telly and radios all around was incessant playing of Gentle Mother, or whatever his song was. Being the soundtrack to my suffering I cannot listen to that or anything about BigTom without being right back in that ward or suffering the postoperative infection afterwards when the poor man was being buried.

But never forget that the redtop media's biggest paymasters are the masses in the lower socio-economic groups who wallow in utter trivia. Just think too of the constant draw on the rainforest in providing the paper pulp.

Fed up of hearing about Shane Lowry

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