Rory McIlroy rethinks his Olympic 2016 decision – doesn't want to choose between Ireland and Britain

RedBranch/CraobhRua(CraveRooa)! An independent Northern Ireland is an interesting proposition. Though in an age of global convergence and economies-of-scale which have seen a certain 26 county state economically compromised to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/European Central Bank (ECB)/European Union (EU) troika, how long would an independent 6 county neo-provincial statlet last before being taken into constituional receivership? ProudCanadian2! Is there such a thing as "necessary damage"? SeánMór! When you say "South of Ireland", do you mean the province of Munster? Unlike too many geoghraphically challenged Ulster unionist/loyalist/protestants/old Anglo-Saxonians/and unthinking Irish themselves, I doubt if you see eastern and western Ireland (ie Lenister and Connacht respectively) as "doin soith" too? De Valera's Little Blue Book (Búnreacht na h'Éireann/Constitution of Ireland, 1937) defines the 26 county state as "Ireland" ie generically. It therefore owns the nominal patent. The official title of the 6 county neo-provincial statlet is Northern Ireland (NI), even if it is north-eastern Ireland geographically, having rejected the 3 other mainly Catholic counties of Ulster (Cavan/Donegal/Monaghan) in 1924 to ensure a artificial majority to retrospectively legitimise separatism. Using the term 'Ireland' would make NI liable for backdated royalties to the above mentioned patent holder! Cheques made payable in €uros only to Minister for Finance the Rt Hon Michael Noonan, Department of Finance, Merrion Square, Dublin 01 drawn on Bank of Ireland funds only please.

the occupier's gravitas keeps on giving leaving its victim confused - dysfunctional - giddy with wild imaginings me british - fool, the default from afar or near is a Germanic tribe with usurped celtic trappings with an 864 origin called england. welsh easily incorporated - scots, but for golf. to the limeys flow the credit of the those union jack webbed. Me MBE McIlroy like many so in love with planter mother.

I'm still personally interested to know what it feels like to be British, and how that differs from feeling Irish? Anyone know if he's clarified these sentiments recently? An amicable compromise would be for Rúadhrí to apply for US citizenship in the interim, and declare for the Team US, 2016. Since both Team Ireland and Team GB (Great Britian) are from a pro-American Atlantic archipelago, (regardless of the occasional bout of Amerophobia by jealous Irish 30 somethings and few anti Irish-American Ulster unionists/loyalists protestants)), it would be every which way but win for young Rúadhrí.

Rory my dear boy, you are Irish like it or not.Read the History of Ireland and be proud. England is full of Irish People through Economic circumstances, it was the only place that employment was available.

Ohh Rory you messed up, i think it is to late, Ireland and the Irish Americans think you are a traitor just like what your ancestors will think.... how you so let them down. But now you realise you could lose millions in sponsors you have a re-think. Damage is done, your loss....Money Money Money..............Disgusting

It is up to McIlroy to decide for himself which team to represent at the 2016 Olympics. Having been born in London and raised in the South of Ireland, I don't support Great Britain of the Southern Ireish state at the Olympics or at any other sport. But I always give my fullest support to the rugby, hockey and cricket teams that represent the whole Irish nation in international competition. The Olympic team that represents the whole country east of the Irish Sea in called Great Britain, in like manner one tean should represent ALL-IRELAND at the Olympics.(There is no digging competition at the Olympics, but if there were, the contestants would call a spade a spade).

With MBE in hand what side should one expect this RC gandy dancing beneficiary of Ireland Golfing organization's gravitas side with? Methinks St. Patrick on high will punish his mind either way you slice it. If successful he'll be hated like a Cromwell and if he fades due to brain strain we'll say good riddance. Tiger the intimidator has it set in motion - just you wait 'enry 'iggins.

Hi ohanlon, what a rant. Have a read at it yourself. Johnny

A bit rich for the fauz-Brit wannabes to be preaching self-righteousness. Wayne Rooney is constantly persecuted just because he doesn't want to sing that dirge of an them which is just an ode to a rich, over-privileged celebrity family anyway and nothing to do with 2012. Look how snooty the plummy "tigger Tim Henman" Pimms brigade at Wimbledon have been towards Andrew Murray, for years labasting him with venomous ire merely because the poor chap would rather sing "Flower Of Sotland" rather than be made to mutter the British anthem awkwardly as finger pointing, high-pitched wails from bored housewives will serve as a permanent reminder that he is not as dashing or as intrinsically "British" (which means English by the way, don't think you Northern Ireland folks get a look in,most English people don't consider you part of their 'club' just a pesky irritant like the bawly cousin from Oz who shows up late to the family gathering drunk as a skunk)and hopeless at tennis as timid fave tigger Tim Henman. Everytime Wayne Rooney and anyone else lines up to play for England the poisonous bigots are waiting to see who isn't paying full and vociferous deference to a load of over-privileged Germans. If Rory wants to tie allegiance to that notion of Queen and country then its no skin off my nose. Let him, anyone who needs a meticulously choreographed stage routine of amythical fairy-tale family to keep them feeling tucked away safely at night has serious issues as a nation anyway and no-one really knows what Britain stands for other than the fact that their main priority in life is to swear allegiance and to save the life of the most over-privileged woman in the land. As Ian Brown of the Stone Roses once remarked "We're (Britain) cabbaged. Welcome to toytown UK!" Couldn't have put it better myself.

Do you think MONEY may have something to do with his decision? Any game that you can play with a cigarette in one hand and a Martini in the other, can't really be considered a sport.

I don't think that's what Rory said, MichaelMcGrath.

Here...Here....Well said Ray1Gordon. Just a suggestion, but somebody needs to give Rory a "HISTORY" lesson....cause I guess he was too busy perfecting his swing to learn about the history of his country. Lest he not forget, that when the Irish were "starving during the potato famine" the corrupt British made the Catholics in Ireland "renounce their religion" jsut to get a bowl of soup. So, suggest you consider that info little catholic boy....when you decide "which country" you'll be playing for....will it be "Protestant" England who let 1000's of Irish die because they wouldn't change their religion to England's?????

If McIlroy thinks that the whole Irish nation is sitting around anxiously twiddling our thumbs waiting for him to come and represent us, well then he needs help.

Way to go Rory play for your country and I have to agree a little with Ray1Gordon the British did a lot of unnecessary damage to the Irish and they will not think anymore of him except he may help them to a metal and after that is done they will forget him. Stay the course Rory it is better to be Irish then British.

I'll be supporting Rory no matter what team he chooses. I just wish certain quarters of the Irish press and the diaspora would leave him alone and respect his personal decisions... Nothing like the spite of the Irish to concentrate a man's mind!