[Dub2]

Is it something in the water?

For the record.

2007 Pádraig Harrington - British Open

2008 Pádraig Harrington - British Open

2008 Pádraig Harrington - PGA

2010 Graeme McDowell - US Open

2011 Darren Clarke - British Open

2011 Rory McIlroy - US Open

2012 Rory McIlroy - PGA

An incredible achievement by the Golf Union of Ireland and the golfers of such a tiny island.

[roger_50]

It's great to have a Brit winning golf majors again.

[Dub2]

Rory isn`t British, he`s Irish. There hasn`t been a Major win by a Brit this millennium.

This is a list of all European Major winners this millennium by nationality.

2007 Pádraig Harrington - British Open - IRELAND

2008 Pádraig Harrington - British Open - IRELAND

2008 Pádraig Harrington - PGA - IRELAND

2010 Graeme McDowell - US Open - IRELAND

2011 Darren Clarke - British Open - IRELAND

2011 Rory McIlroy - US Open - IRELAND

2012 Rory McIlroy - PGA - IRELAND

[zieler]

Originally Posted by Dub2

Rory isn`t British, he`s Irish. There hasn`t been a Major win by a Brit this millennium.

This is a list of all European Major winners this millennium by nationality.

2007 Pádraig Harrington - British Open - IRELAND

2008 Pádraig Harrington - British Open - IRELAND

2008 Pádraig Harrington - PGA - IRELAND

2010 Graeme McDowell - US Open - IRELAND

2011 Darren Clarke - British Open - IRELAND

2011 Rory McIlroy - US Open - IRELAND

2012 Rory McIlroy - PGA - IRELAND

Q. Having experienced Carnoustie a couple of years ago, did it prepare you a little bit for the hype that's really been generated since you've started making a splash at the end of last year?

RORY McILROY: I think so. Obviously being British and playing well at the British Open, you know, there was a lot of media attention. I've sort of got used to it over the past couple of years.

McIlroy has self-identified as British and carries a British passport

You were saying?

[TrebleKing]

Ha ha, Dub2 owned completely.

[roger_50]

Yes, he's a British citizen and carries a British passport.

[eirpoc]

The Rory McIlroy situation at the next Olympics will be very interesting, he has represented Ireland at under-age level here but as you said identifies himself as British.

I hope he announces shortly his intent, it would be ridiculous him representing either side just because the other didn't pick him.... surely he has his mind made up at this stage.

[Dub2]

Originally Posted by zieler

You were saying?

He`s Irish, born and bred, and describes himself as Irish or Northern Irish. He also represents Ireland in international competitions, as golf is played on and all island basis.



You were saying?

[roger_50]

If he's Irish why does he carry a British passport?

[Dub2]

Originally Posted by eirpoc

The Rory McIlroy situation at the next Olympics will be very interesting, he has represented Ireland at under-age level here but as you said identifies himself as British.

I hope he announces shortly his intent, it would be ridiculous him representing either side just because the other didn't pick him.... surely he has his mind made up at this stage.

The choice isn`t really up to him. He would need permission from the Golf union of Ireland and the Irish Olympic committee if he decides to change national allegiance.

[Dub2]

Originally Posted by roger_50

If he's Irish why does he carry a British passport?

I`m Irish and i carry a UK passport. I also carry an Irish passport.

Just like Rory.

[eirpoc]

Originally Posted by Dub2

The choice isn`t really up to him. He would need permission from the Golf union of Ireland and the Irish Olympic committee if he decides to change national allegiance.

I would much prefer Rory to make up his own mind, why would he play under the tri-colour if he doesn't identify himself as Irish... let him play for who he wants. I would much prefer him to play for GB if his heart wasn't in it for Ireland.

[roger_50]

Originally Posted by Dub2

I`m Irish and i carry a UK passport. I also carry an Irish passport.

Just like Rory.

Well...then you agree he's also British?

If Rory wanted to change nationality that's fine, but as far as I know he has no current plans to. Added to the fact he's already on record as saying he's British it's fair to refer to him as a Brit. You don't have to be defensive about it, it's just a statement of fact.

[eirpoc]

Originally Posted by roger_50

Well...then you agree he's also British?

If Rory wanted to change nationality that's fine, but as far as I know he has no current plans to. Added to the fact he's already on record as saying he's British it's fair to refer to him as a Brit. You don't have to be defensive about it, it's just a statement of fact.

I wonder though to represent team GB would he need to change his nationality in the eyes of IOC, surely as he has played for Ireland the Golfing world (officially) has him as Irish.

[Mr Teacake]

The strong atlantic winds in Northern Ireland make some great golfers.

[Darren Lethem]

I also make 2007 to 2012 inclusive to be SIX years not five

[roger_50]

Originally Posted by eirpoc

I wonder though to represent team GB would he need to change his nationality in the eyes of IOC, surely as he has played for Ireland the Golfing world (officially) has him as Irish.

Issues of dual-nationality are notoriously hard to call. With the whole issue of plastic Brits recently, and murmurings of discontent about nationality of certain England cricketers for example - sporting representation is complex.

But in Rory's case, he's Northern Irish with a British passport, and refers to himself as British - so at the very least can be referred to as a Brit in that sense. It's not that different to Andy Murray or Ryan Giggs, etc. There would be no reason to not include Rory in the same category, as far as I can see.

I mean, for anyone who's proud of the Union and likes being part of this family of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland it makes sense to be proud of achievements from all corners. That may rankle with some who don't wish to be part of the union, but I guess that'll always be the case..

I happen to be English, but I cheer on Andy Murray and Rory McIlroy as much as any English sportsman. Because they're fellow Brits.

[eirpoc]

Originally Posted by roger_50

Issues of dual-nationality are notoriously hard to call.

You can say that again, but as you see from the picture below it would be strange to see him with the Union Jack all the same after his under age exploits with Ireland.

http://sites.duke.edu/belfast2011/fi...y-Tricolor.jpg

[Mr Teacake]

He might claim to be British to reap more supporters/sponsorships and stuff (4m vs. 60m)

[CLL Dodge]

Originally Posted by eirpoc

You can say that again, but as you see from the picture below it would be strange to see him with the Union Jack all the same after his under age exploits with Ireland.

http://sites.duke.edu/belfast2011/fi...y-Tricolor.jpg

Forget underage. In the World Cup of Golf in 2009 & 2011 McIlroy & Graeme McDowell represented Ireland (and finished runners up in 2009). Darren Clarke would also have been eligible to play for Ireland had he been ranked high enough.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/14308856

[DC 17]

Originally Posted by roger_50

Issues of dual-nationality are notoriously hard to call. With the whole issue of plastic Brits recently, and murmurings of discontent about nationality of certain England cricketers for example - sporting representation is complex.

But in Rory's case, he's Northern Irish with a British passport, and refers to himself as British - so at the very least can be referred to as a Brit in that sense. It's not that different to Andy Murray or Ryan Giggs, etc. There would be no reason to not include Rory in the same category, as far as I can see.

I happen to be English, but I cheer on Andy Murray and Rory McIlroy as much as any English sportsman. Because they're fellow Brits.

Its not as clear cut as the Welsh/Scottish comparison as there is no grey area regarding them. Northern Irish identity (which is what we all are regardless of political persuasion) is a hybrid (British/Irish mixture) and Rory has represented Ireland, as well as GB & Ireland. We are all UK citizens and culturally have far more ties with the island of Britain than the ROI (and i say this as a catholic before anyone accuses me of British bias). Colin Murray has mentioned this hybrid identity which is why Rory will say Northern Irish over Irish or British. Rory represents both British and Irish golf so the OP was talking nonsense.

[eirpoc]

Originally Posted by DC 17

Its not as clear cut as the Welsh/Scottish comparison as there is no grey area regarding them. Northern Irish identity (which is what we all are regardless of political persuasion) is a hybrid (British/Irish mixture) and Rory has represented Ireland, as well as GB & Ireland. We are all UK citizens and culturally have far more ties with the island of Britain than the ROI (and i say this as a catholic before anyone accuses me of British bias). Colin Murray has mentioned this hybrid identity which is why Rory will say Northern Irish over Irish or British. Rory represents both British and Irish golf so the OP was talking nonsense.

It really will put him in an awkward position, a decision which I certainly wouldn't like to make. Whatever he decides it will mean some people will not be happy with his decision and I sadly suspect it will be the Irish who would take more offence.

[CLL Dodge]

Barry McGuigan boxed for Northerm Ireland at the 1978 Commonwelath Games and Ireland at the Olympics just 2 years later. Irish born British citizen.

[getzls]

Originally Posted by eirpoc

You can say that again, but as you see from the picture below it would be strange to see him with the Union Jack all the same after his under age exploits with Ireland.

http://sites.duke.edu/belfast2011/fi...y-Tricolor.jpg

Untill recently on his website he was seen holding the Northern Ireland flag. He's Irish and British, same as my-self and will declare for Britain.

[eirpoc]

Originally Posted by getzls

Untill recently on his website he was seen holding the Northern Ireland flag. He's Irish and British, same as my-self and will declare for Britain.

Yes I think eventually he will end up representing GB, whatever his decision best of luck to him.

Had to smile watching both RTE and Tv3 here in Ireland today say it was a great few days for the Irish after the Olympic medals and now Rory McIlroy winning his major.