Team "Ireland" at Mission Hills

[PragueGIT]

How come McIlroy & McDowell are playing for "Ireland" at Mission Hills when they're both actually from Northern Ireland?

Wouldn't it make more sense them playing for their own country - and perhaps winning as their excellent start would suggest - and "Ireland" be represented by the likes of Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Peter Lawrie or Damian McGrane?

Afterall, we have teams from England, Wales & Scotland, and so why not Northern Ireland as opposed to some joint "Irish" team?

Very strange

 

[Ethan]

Northern Ireland golfers have always represented Ireland, both at amateur level and in pro events such as the Dunhill Cup (Feherty, Clarke et al). Northern Ireland is not a country.

Anyone born in Northern Ireland is entitled to an Irish passport, although for political reasons some do and some don't, but it is perfectly legitimate for Rory and GMac to call themselves Irish, if the so wish, and represent Ireland.

I am from NI too.

 

[birdieman]

You're opening a potentially large can of worms here PragueGIT.

Doesn't the whole 'geographic' country (Eire and Northern Ireland) do the same for rugby union too - one team?

There always seems to be a bit of a 'grey area' when the UK splits into its component parts for sports teams. In the Commonwealth games I think Isle of Man and Channel Islands etc have separate teams too.

Separate teams for football of course.......nothing like a bit of bigoted thuggery for the peoples game! Accentuated by our Old Firm here in Scotland.

I had a fellow at work (Rangers supporter of course) bemoaning Darren Clarke being seen draped in a tricolor after the RC at the K Club just cos he's supposed to be British Irish rather than Eire Irish...sad I know.

I think anyone from any part of the Emerald Isle can call themselves Irish, can't they?

Both the lads you've mentioned happen to come from the north, whether they're potestants or catholics I dont know and dont care. The whole situation over there seems vastly improved from 20 years ago so should it matter what part of the lovely island of Ireland they hail from?

 

[PragueGIT]

Birdie/Ethan,

Thanks for your input to the question I raised.

If McIlroy, McDowell and the rest of NI don't have any issues being referred to as "Ireland" in golfing circles then that's fine by me.

I know that these 2 are amongst the very best from "The Emerald Isle" but just wondered that's all as I know they both from the north.

 

[Mike_j_golf]

Hi,
The reason being that the Golfing union of Ireland covers our whole country Mcilroy and Gmac both repesented Ireland under age and would have had a lot of help from the GUI for there amature careers so there is no northern Ireland in golfing terms. All that aside they have cemented there place as a Ryder cup 4ball patnership 14 under today brillant.
Mike

 

[thecraw]

Were you complaining when McGinley and Paddy won the World Cup of Golf for "Ireland"?

 

[PragueGIT]

I'm English (an Englishman abroad to be precise) and so don't really care to be honest.

I was just interested to find out how it all works, and in McIlroy and GMac "Ireland" certainly seem to have a winning team, as well as a very promising pairing for future Ryder Cups

 

[brendy]

Both Golf and Rugby share the same fundamental.
This Island is certainly a funny one with regards to politics and sport, sometimes its fine to have them combined others it isnt. With Golf the GUI looks after the entire island with regards to handicapping and competitions.

 

[clubchamp07]

Northern Ireland is not a country.

What the feck is it then?????????????????????


Why ask such STUPID question's............

 

[Ethan]

Northern Ireland is not a country.

What the feck is it then?????????????????????


Why ask such STUPID question's............

In political terms, it is a state.

There are other, less polite, descriptions available too.

By the way, there is no apostrophes in 'questions', assuming you do not mean to use it as a possessive.

 

[Yerman]

Northern Ireland is not a country.

What the feck is it then?????????????????????


Why ask such STUPID question's............

Its the sick rump of a province and a testament to the failed politics of sectarianism, ......in my opinion.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

At the end of the day as long as they gel as a pair and can win does it really matter

 

[DCB]

So, since Ireland can manage to put it's differences behind it and put out a golf team for this event, what chance Korea managing to do the same next year ?

Anyway, hope the pair manage to have another good day tomorrow.