Ireland offers McIlroy chance to carry flag at Rio Olympics

[boogielicious]

The IOC agrees to whatever the most money says.

[inthehole]

Originally Posted by Vermeer

Well said. However, whatever Rory does he will be inbetween a rock and a hard place.

agreee - it would be considered more of a slap in the face to his fellow irishmen if he declined.     Not much choice - he'll have to do it...

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by inthehole

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermeer

Well said. However, whatever Rory does he will be inbetween a rock and a hard place.

agreee - it would be considered more of a slap in the face to his fellow irishmen if he declined.     Not much choice - he'll have to do it...

I don't think Irish players vying for a spot on the Olympic team will be offended in any way.

[Chas]

No offense but I don't think that some posters have a very deep understanding of Irish history/culture/politics if they don't understand the issues involved. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day doesn't quite get you there.

[colin007]

sigh...i hate flag/political stuff.  reminds me of the Rush lyrics:

" Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world,

than the pride that divides when a colorful flag is unfurled"

[Datsyuk]

Originally Posted by colin007

sigh...i hate flag/political stuff.  reminds me of the Rush lyrics:

"Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world,

than the pride that divides when a colorful flag is unfurled"

I would have an extreme dislike for anything that reminded me of Rush lyrics. Canada has oficially apologized for both Geddy Lee and Bryan Adams and that's all I can say.

[colin007]

I would have an extreme dislike for anything that reminded me of Rush lyrics. Canada has oficially apologized for both Geddy Lee and Bryan Adams and that's all I can say.

LOL...c'mon, 2112? Hemispheres? Those are great albums! I'll agree on the Bryan Adams take, tho...

[Datsyuk]

LOL...c'mon, 2112? Hemispheres? Those are great albums! I'll agree on the Bryan Adams take, tho...

Sorry dude, but the sound of his voice has me reaching for the knitting needles.

[Kieran123]

Yes Rory, carry the flag of the 'English' - that raped and pillaged your country.

[boogielicious]

Quote:

LOL...c'mon, 2112

I made my grandmother listen to 2112 back when it came out.  She liked it.  However, she would be completely indifferent toward Rory carrying the Irish fag as she was 100% Italian!

[ghalfaire]

Originally Posted by Chas

No offense but I don't think that some posters have a very deep understanding of Irish history/culture/politics if they don't understand the issues involved. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day doesn't quite get you there.

I suppose that's correct that those of us who don't live on the Irish island don't have a full understanding of the history, politics and culture.  My Grandfather was from county Waterford and I do have some understanding of how he felt about the politics and History of his birthplace.  But as an American I don't really have dog in the argument.   But as an ill informed citizen of the USA I did hear Rory say he always felt he was a citizen of Great Britain (or maybe the United Kingdom) and not Irish.  If he feels that way I don't see why he would not play for the British team.

[Chas]

You certainly don't have to have lived on the island, but it helps greatly to have followed events there - and in England - since the late 60's say. As I hope people know, The Troubles started in 1969. When I try to have a conversation about Irish issues here in the U.S., I am generally met with a pitiful state of ignorance. Knowing when certain battles were fought doesn't cut it either.

[k-troop]

Originally Posted by Chas

You certainly don't have to have lived on the island, but it helps greatly to have followed events there - and in England - since the late 60's say. As I hope people know, The Troubles started in 1969. When I try to have a conversation about Irish issues here in the U.S., I am generally met with a pitiful state of ignorance. Knowing when certain battles were fought doesn't cut it either.

Not sure what this has to do with Rory carrying (or not carrying) the Irish flag at the olympics.  He's said he associates himself more as a UK'er; does that mean he's turned his back on his true country?  If he carries the flag, does that make him a separatist?  Under the rules of the Olympics, can he even play for Ireland if he doesn't live in (or isn't from) Ireland?  (I honestly don't know the answer to that question, but I presume the IOC hasn't unilaterally declared N.Ireland independent from the UK.)

[Wansteadimp]

Originally Posted by k-troop

Not sure what this has to do with Rory carrying (or not carrying) the Irish flag at the olympics.  He's said he associates himself more as a UK'er; does that mean he's turned his back on his true country?  If he carries the flag, does that make him a separatist?  Under the rules of the Olympics, can he even play for Ireland if he doesn't live in (or isn't from) Ireland?  (I honestly don't know the answer to that question, but I presume the IOC hasn't unilaterally declared N.Ireland independent from the UK.)

Having been born in Northern Ireland he is entitled to both a UK of GB & NI passport or an Irish passport. He can therefore represent either nation at the Olympics.

If I were him I'd come out and say "I'm not going to the Olympics, it will be more hassle than its worth."

[Chas]

My original post was based on Rory's statement about where he feels his allegiance lies, assuming it was accurately reported. If he carries the flag of the Republic of Ireland, many will naturally question his motives. I've got no dog in this. An attempt to learn more about my Celtic ancestors when visiting Dublin was singularly unsuccessful. People with my name, or an equivalent name (spelled similarly) seem to have lived on both sides of the border. I was consoled with a pint or two of draft Guinness. It would be naive indeed not to understand that Rory's decision will matter a great deal to people in both the R of I and in Northern Ireland, a part of the U.K. That was the relevance of my more recent post.

[colin007]

nationalism/patriotism are things i will never understand.

[colin007]

Originally Posted by Chas

People with my name, or an equivalent name (spelled similarly) seem to have lived on both sides of the border.

i didnt know Chas was a traditional irish name...

[Chas]

lol My best friends call me O'Chas. Colin: I sort of agree but I recommend a visit to the famous old prison in Dublin (forget the name) for some perspective on Anglo-Irish relations. The trouble with the Irish is that they know altogether too much history .....