Post by breenda on Sept 7, 2013 3:01:26 GMT
Ireland appear set to offer Rory McIlroy the role of flag-bearer at the 2016 Olympics in order to secure his allegiance.
McIlroy was born in Holywood, Northern Ireland and as such can chose to represent either Ireland or Great Britain when discount golf clubs enters the Olympic schedule in four years time.
The 23-year-old carries a British passport and three years ago said that has as result he would probably turn out for Great Britain. Last month he echoed such sentiments saying that he felt "more British than Irish", a firm suggestion that he will turn out for Team GB.
However, Ireland may give McIlroy the honour of carrying their flag should he turn out for the country.
"I will say to Rory that if he declares for Ireland, then he will automatically put himself in pole position to carry the golf irons for sale into the Olympic Stadium in Rio," Pat Hickey, the president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, told the Daily Telegraph.
"What he has done on the world stage for Irish golf is absolutely astonishing. Personally, I would dearly love for him to represent Ireland.
"You know it was over two years ago when Rory made some rash comments about representing Team GB.
"I think that he was perhaps a little immature back then and although he reiterated taylormade r11 irons again recently, in his present state of mind right now, I feel that he might be thinking differently."