39 Comments

• allan07 | Oct 15, 2012, 03:36 PM EDT

  @KerryLKing your twisted memory of history is wholly inaccurate. The Potato Famine affected the whole of Ireland and occurred because of Potato blight. It was not caused by the British so stop playing the victim. Protestants were not immune from famine and death. Contrary to popular belief amongst Roman Catholics we do eat just like everyone else. I am sick to death hearing the same old propaganda that the famine was a plot against all Roman Catholics. Not so. Protestants died just the same pro-rata. If you want to view any religion and its enthic cleansing examine the Spanish Inquistion whom tortured and murdered everyone who wasn't a Roman Catholic for 350 years. (Of course if you changed your religion to RC then all was fine otherwise it was death.) The Roman Catholic Church is the biggest sinner of them all. (Child abuse cases. Covered up for generations). They are complete sinners.

• allan07 | Oct 15, 2012, 03:18 PM EDT

  @donegal2012 being born in Northern Ireland as I was who gave you the right to name call because someone like Rory stated he felt more British than Irish. The Republic is a failed state and without German/French Euros and British Pounds the Republic would have ran out of cash in June this year. Well said @BelfastBoy our country (Northern Ireland) will not be stolen from us. This is no land grab. As for those who say the Orange in the republic of Irelands flag represents the Protestant people which Protestant leader ever stated that? The Protestant people have never accepted the tricolour as our flag or any part of it even the orange bit. Why would we? The Red Hand of Ulster is my flag. I have seen Rory and Graeme don it also. Personally I am wholly satisfied if Roman Catholics born in Northern Ireland embrace it also. To me it represents all religions, colours, creeds, backgrounds in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is the capital of world golf even better than the USA. (Come on Rory, Graeme and Darren fly the fly for OWC our wee country).

• citizen69 | Oct 10, 2012, 02:48 PM EDT

  A disgustingly sectarian Tweet from a Sinn Fein aide on the last day of the Ryder Cup described Rory McIlroy & Greame McDowell as "Pathetic f**kers... more Ulster Prod than a Shankill fishwife, Truly House Taigs.". A disgraceful attitude that can be read in similar comments on here.

• Belfast Boy | Oct 10, 2012, 08:31 AM EDT

  How sickening to read the comments below. Despite the flag of the Republic being Green, White and Orange - to symbolise peace between the 2 communities - the comments below show the warped minds of many still cannot accommodate any Irishman who doesnt fit their agenda, be they protestants, Poles or Nigerians. Got to laugh at IrelandNorth and the rest of you hate mongers. Who is going to pay for this little Republican dreamworld? Has it passed you by that NI needs billions of British pounds just to function whilst the Republic needs billions of European AND British pounds to do the same? The people have spoken, the fights over, you lost. Go and focus on crazy Mormons wanting to rule your country and forget about the one your great great grandfather is from.

• donegal2012 | Oct 10, 2012, 06:46 AM EDT

  Pat Hickey is a complete moron begging a little Orange sympathiser to carry Irish flag. Who gave him authority to make this decision!!

• IrelandNorth | Oct 10, 2012, 06:04 AM EDT

  PPS Whatever about the current economc crisis in the greater part of Ireland - uncaused by the common man, the neo-provincial statlet of NI would have imploded long ago without being institutionally bailed-out by an over burdened British taxpayer since its Caesarian constitutionally delivery in 1922. If the British proper (ie English) want a united Ireland back in a democratic Commonwealth of Nations, there's very little imperious Ulster unionists can do about it. She who pays the piper calls the tune.

• IrelandNorth | Oct 10, 2012, 05:54 AM EDT

  PS American olympians don't wear the colours of individual United States of America. They wear the American Union star spangled banner and sing the battle hymn of the republic. If the Europhiles have their way for the centenary year of our 1916 Easter Rising, there may be no Irish tricolour or British union jack for anyone to wear, but a blue star circled standard of a federal Europe.

• IrelandNorth | Oct 10, 2012, 05:47 AM EDT

  I empathise with young Rúadhrí. He's only in his early 20s, and it must be difficult to be in a constant tug-of-war between competing ethnicities. Although saying he felt more British than Irish, he actually sported an Ulsterised English national flag (St George's Cross with crowned red hand superimposed), a symbolic adulteration English people don't generally tend to appreciate. Wearing an Anglo-Ulster flag whilst competing for Europe was surely indiscreet. Might he not do likewise if competing for the generic Team Ireland. White is the only colour which is common to both the tricolour and unions flags. Or he could wear GAA County Down colours.

• WoundedKnee | Oct 10, 2012, 03:03 AM EDT

  This is a contemptible intervention by this fool Hickey. As has been pointed out, he has no right to make such a proposition. And how insulting it is to all the other athletes who aspire to represent Ireland in Rio. There's no doubt about it, you can always depend on an Irishman to make you cringe.

• Happyhippo | Oct 09, 2012, 08:46 PM EDT

  The motive for the flag bearer being offered to Rory is not clear,even though he feels more British than Irish, this should be reason enough not make the offer, when there are people who have earned the right and would be proud to carry the tricolor and have no problem with nationality.

• misneac | Oct 09, 2012, 06:47 PM EDT

  That idiot Hickey has no authority to make such an offer to McIlroy ,and the majority of Irish people do not want him to do so ! The flag bearer should be an athlete proud to represent his country ,McIlroy does not meet that criteria . Perhaps he should carry the flag of that mythical " country " Ulster !

• norm2012 | Oct 09, 2012, 06:00 PM EDT

  here we go again

• brendan gillen | Oct 09, 2012, 05:55 PM EDT

  Leave poor Rory alone. Not that he is poor. Give the lad a break. Go for your hear's desire, Rory.

• brendan gillen | Oct 09, 2012, 05:53 PM EDT

  Rory. With that smile and that head of curly hair he has got to be Irish. But for heavens sake will you lay off of him. If he wants to play for Britian so what. Rory, will be a bridge between the Unionist and the Republicians. Am I making sense. We have enough great golfers in the republic to win. Slan leat. Or is it Slan go foill.

• Searlit | Oct 09, 2012, 04:30 PM EDT

  He'd look good with that Irish flag on him. If that makes me prejudiced then I relish in it. Erin go Brách!

• butlerreport | Oct 09, 2012, 04:02 PM EDT

  Pat Hickey is an idiot. Rory is a British citizen. Is there no end to Ireland's begging?

• nicgearailt | Oct 09, 2012, 03:41 PM EDT

  I think Mr Hickey is somewhat out of touch. Rory McIlroy makes this call ,all by himself...it appears as if this is a bribe,to declare himself... He does not need the publicity..he is known the world over. He is not someone who would entertain the "either or" option. He has already made his wishes known,and by the time Rio comes around, he might well be enjoying a life away from golf.2016...there is a lot can happen in the interim..

• Proud Canadian2 | Oct 09, 2012, 02:36 PM EDT

  Great choice, great Irishmen and great golfer. Congratulation Rory he will carry it high and proud.

• cillowen | Oct 09, 2012, 02:26 PM EDT

  reminds me of those days while we waited and upon hearing rumblings underfoot we knew our muzzled ferret was still awake. Brilliant.

• Mgvsmith | Oct 09, 2012, 01:29 PM EDT

  I think the comments here prove conclusively that one should not mix sport with politics were possible. If you are sports fan like myself you would hope that such decisions would be made in the best interests of the sport. I suspect that if Team Ireland does want Rory (and Graeme) to compete for Ireland then don't expect him to carry the flag. Flags have far too much significance in Irish culture. I just want to see him play well. I live in Northern Ireland and I don't see the Republic of Ireland as a foreign country but a neighbouring country with very similar social and cultural values to Northern Ireland. I don't see Team Ireland as foreigners but friends. At the Olympics and Paralympics I wanted NI athletes to excel and when they did I didn't care if it was Team GB (and NI) or Team Ireland.

• Mgvsmith | Oct 09, 2012, 01:28 PM EDT

  As the current rankings stand - if Rory plays for Ireland - then Padriag Harrington would not play int he Olympics - he would not make the duo to play for Ireland- if Rory plays for Gt.Britain then the 2 Irish players - based on today's rankings would be Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington.

• greensod | Oct 09, 2012, 12:25 PM EDT

  Have Angela carry it,after all she ownes it.This McIIroy stuf, is just somke and mirrors.

• SeamusMor | Oct 09, 2012, 12:18 PM EDT

  Rory McIlroy is a subject of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

• citizen69 | Oct 09, 2012, 12:05 PM EDT

  @6countybrit: Boxer Wanye McCullough from the Shankill Road area of Belfast carried the Tricolour for Ireland in the 1988 Seoul Olympics which he said he was honoured to do. He also was honoured to carry the Northern Ireland flag for his country in the Commonwealth games in Auckland, 1990. He went on to win a silver medal for Ireland and a gold for NI respectively. He also went on to become a world champion as a professional. The whole ethos of the Olympics should be about sport not politics.

• Daytonavejim | Oct 09, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT

  Why would you want someone to carry your national flag who claims no allegience to it or what it represents. He wants to be British, so please don't beg him. As far as I know he has never claimed to be Irish.

• Paradigm | Oct 09, 2012, 11:49 AM EDT

  What a crawler you are, Pat Hickey. You diminish an honest sportsman who brings credit to our island but who is, like I, from the British North. But worse than that, you diminish your fellow sportsmen and women in the Republic and, most of all, your Tricolour. Shame on you - resign!

• TayandCake | Oct 09, 2012, 11:38 AM EDT

  I doubt it more than I doubt I will be having dinner with the Jedi council tonight.

• 6countybrit | Oct 09, 2012, 11:37 AM EDT

  Why would he want to carry the flag off Ireland, a foreign country? If Rory did carry it, he should march it all the way to the top off the 11th night bonfires or use it for toilet roll.

• citizen69 | Oct 09, 2012, 11:24 AM EDT

  God, not this debate again. Will you all please get over it and let the man decide himself in his own time. Besides, i don't think professional sportsmen should be the flag bearers for the Olympics. It's a rare chance for amateur sporting stars to get the limelight.

• thetint | Oct 09, 2012, 11:02 AM EDT

  Shows what class Pat Hickey has - not a lot! Rory wants to be a Brit let him be.

• KerryLKing | Oct 09, 2012, 10:15 AM EDT

  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

• feliciamaisey | Oct 09, 2012, 10:10 AM EDT

  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.

• johnnymac12 | Oct 09, 2012, 10:06 AM EDT

  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.

• DrTrelawney | Oct 09, 2012, 09:57 AM EDT

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

• DrTrelawney | Oct 09, 2012, 09:51 AM EDT

  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?

• Buffalobrave | Oct 09, 2012, 09:50 AM EDT

  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!

• Buffalobrave | Oct 09, 2012, 09:34 AM EDT

  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.

• dermotfastnet | Oct 09, 2012, 09:24 AM EDT

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

• ArmaghCity | Oct 09, 2012, 09:15 AM EDT

  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.