NI should have ‘biggest party possible’ to welcome Rory McIlroy home – O’Neill

Northern Ireland should have a “huge party” to welcome home golfing champion Rory McIlroy, First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said.

Ms O’Neill said people are “bursting with pride” at McIlroy’s achievement in winning the Masters, which should be celebrated “in the best possible style”.

Co Down golfer McIlroy, who achieved the career grand slam with his Augusta victory, lives in the US.

Speaking moments after winning the coveted green jacket, McIlroy said his parents Gerry and Rosie were back in Northern Ireland, but he was looking forward to celebrating with them.

Ms O’Neill described McIlroy’s victory as “an emotional rollercoaster for everybody”.

She added: “We all were behind him every step of the way.

“I think his story is one of such a positive journey that no matter how many setbacks you have in life, if you work hard and are determined, you can get there in the end.