Rory McIlroy offered chance to be Ireland’s flag bearer in 2016 Olympics

Surely Ireland can find somebody "more deserving" to carry the flag. This is such an utter waste of time to even contemplate this little "twerp" representing a country as great as Ireland. The Irish have such respect for their country and yet McIlroy does NOT....so find a better rep to carry the tricolor. And Rory....heed the Karma!! Irish Catholics died during the potato famine because they wouldn't "renounce" their religion to join the British to become a Protestant. Shame on you for not honoring your ancesters....because, afterall, before there was a "Northern" Ireland it was ALL just Ireland...not British

It is a horrible position for this athlete to be in. Unfortunately, the way the island has been split, he has to decide one way or another where he would rather his name (and talents) cause representation--that is the fact, and sadly, not everyone will concur or support his decision, but it is his alone to make.

I think Rory answered a lot of his critics in both USA and the bankrupt banana republic and/or those trying to exert uncalled for pressure on the lad at the Ryder Cup celebrations when Europe whupped USA on the final day to again WIN the trophy. If I can recall, he removed the Europe flag and replaced it with the ULSTER BANNER or did you not see that. Why should he walk out on the country he was born in to represent bankrupt EIRE who have supported terrorists who have continually murdered people from HIS country.What the hell does hickey mean when he says " can you imagine what something like this would do for Rory?" NO, hickey, I cannot see what it would do for Rory other than make him look like a pathetic brainwashed republican cretin. It would do his reputation incredible harm and make him a laughing stock in the eyes of all fair minded people. It is a bloody cheap publicity stunt for the bankrupt banana republic. Maybe a back door scheme to get your hands on some of his money. Surely this must be classed as intimidation and contrary to Olympic rules. I will be putting these comments by hickey into the public domain and to members of the International Olympic Committee demanding answers to said comments. I think it is despicable for a chairman of one country's Olympic Committee and a member of I.O.C. to try and intimidate a member from another country into defecting. The choice is up to the said golfer who should not be intimidated or offered bribes to defect. What a shame - you are a disgrace to the Irish Olympic Committee, and should be kicked out immediately.

Oh and, to clarify, I am sure he would be equally uncomfortable carrying the union flag.

This is hugely inappropriate. Given the sensitivity of the issue, carrying the Irish flag is absolutely the last think McIlroy would (or should) want to do. Now, he is put in a position where, were he to play for Ireland, he would have the added pressure of publicly responding to this request to lug the flag. Is this tool actually TRYING to scare McIlroy away?

TomSwinford; "even in the worst of times there was never a majority of Northern Catholics wishing to join the Republic." And of course you have the figures to back up your statement, right? Don't generalize.it weakens your argument. By the way you and Mcllroy can go p..s on the "Butchers apron." You see I lowered myself to your level. you jerk!

What a disgusting, shameful stunt by Pat Hickey. A cheap, transparent bribe to Rory McIlroy if he will only honor dear 'oul Ireland and come over to our side - and why? Only because McIlroy is the No.1 golfer in the world. McIlroy has said that he has always felt more British than Irish. I take him at his word and accept his word without criticism. He shares company with a great many Northern Irish Catholics - even in the worst of times there was never a majority of Northern Catholics wishing to join the Republic, mostly for bread and butter and pocket book issues - the kind that always drive loyalty. Were I McIlroy, I would sooner p..s on the tricolor than carry it. Give it to Padraig Harrington, the one who should carry the flag.

Please leave Rory alone Mr Hickey your kind of pressure will result in him not representing Ireland north or south at all.

Forget him. The damage has been done. He has every right to consider himself a Brit just as I have every right not to ever support him. Give the flag to Padraig.