Yet both will play for team G.B, at the olimpics in brazil so why did'nt they represent N.I in china and give lowry and a.n other for rep of ireland.

Good point. In the space of a few months, McIlroy could be a world cup winner with Ireland and an olympic gold medal winner with GB.

I'm assuming that, like rugby, there is no NI team?

They are representing Ireland therefore a tri-colour is appropiate. We can't be giving in to the prejudices of a few cranks.

Yet scotland, wales and england are all represented, go figure.

Maybe McIlroy is just trying to please everyone. Both him and McDowell have always said their proud Northern Irishmen so maybe by playing for Ireland in the World Cup and playing for GB in London 2012, he can get people off his case. He could of easily declared that he wants to play for Ireland in the Olympics but he's obviously made a consious decision on it

Quick correction rover, golf only being introduced @ brazil 2016, not next year bro.

Golf as an Olympic sport!! Doesn't seem right to me. Hope John Daly is playing. Puffing away on his cigar walking up the fairways. Ha ha thats the Olympic spirit. They might as well introduce Darts to the game as well while they're at it!!

From a Unionist perspective (nice to hear our views somtimes) there is no way the tricolour should be symbolising any all island teams in any sport. Except Gaelic sports as we dont participate in that so dont care.

Both the Flag of Northern Ireland and the Tricolour have been used as Political and tribal weapons and will offend people. No getting away from that so dont use them.

Use the Saint Patricks cross.
Doesnt offend anyone.

McDowell and McIlroy are very proud Northern Irishmen, as is Darren Clarke, but they wont do anything to offend anyone and will accept whatever emblems and symbols are on show and wont complain.

Good article Wild Rover

cheers earl I try my best!

The St Patricks Cross was invented by an English king.

Looks like we don't have to wait 'till Sunday. Bit insensitive.


http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/images/2011/1124/1224308055742_1.jpg?ts=1322158547

What are they doing with the flag of the Ivory Coast and why is it the wrong way round

If McIlroy and McDowell can win the Golf World Cup for Ireland it will round off a truly memorable year for Irish sport.

Only downside was the Ireland Rugby team been beaten by the Welsh in the Rugby World cup.

But of course the acheivement of the Irish Football team finally making it to a major Finals after an absence of 10 years was obviously the highlight of the year.

Yes a truly great year for Irish sport

Rory,Darren and G Mac are three proud Irishmen who consider themselves to be British lol................

According to most N.I haters on here people like the proud N.I golfers don't exist lol...............

Although most people in N.I consider themselves to be Irish but also proud British citizens!!!!!

Whether they consider themselves to be British or not is irrelevant! The fact is they are representing Ireland in the Golf World cup. Lets all get behind them and hope they can help Ireland win the tournament. And help round off a great year for Irish sport.

Tranquilate Senor Oneteam,you'll be needing Misters Michael O Neill and Jim Magilton to sign off that the Irish sporting year has been wrapped up. They've still got two huge games in Kazhakstan , and then Spurs in Tallaght before anyone can give "a fair and balanced view" of the Irish sporting year.H'up De Hoopz

comment by OnlyOneTeamInIreland (U5123)
posted 18 hours, 34 minutes ago
Whether they consider themselves to be British or not is irrelevant! The fact is they are representing Ireland in the Golf World cup. Lets all get behind them and hope they can help Ireland win the tournament. And help round off a great year for Irish sport.
.....................................................

MMMMMMMMMMMMMM you mean win the tournament lol..................