Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement yesterday by Rory McIlroy that he will represent Ireland at the Olympic Games in 2016. This is wonderful news. Rory has represented Ireland from when he was a young man in youth and junior competitions. It is only two years since the London Olympic Games took place and we were all delighted with the wonderful gold medal performance by Katie Taylor and the other medals won. With two years to go before the next games in Rio de Janeiro, the excitement in Irish sport has already begun. The athletes are half way through their preparations to represent Ireland and pursue their dreams. I know that when athletes compete at the Olympic Games, whether from the North or the South, they are very proud to represent the island of Ireland. When the fans watch the Olympic Games, irrespective of whether the sports person concerned is from the North or the South, they know that they are representing the people of this island. We must not forget those athletes who are pursuing their dreams and ambitions now that Ireland's most famous son on the international sports circuit has announced his intention to represent Ireland.

I welcome the decision by the R&A that Portrush will stage the British Open in 2019. This is a major statement and another indication of the relationship between Great Britain and Ireland. I have no doubt that with Rory representing Ireland and the British Open taking place in Portrush in Northern Ireland, it will give a huge boost to tourism here in the next five years.