Eligibility Rules, Okay

**Newryrep** · 03/01/2013, 6:02 PM

also related but about the hockey players switching

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/hockey/20902901

**Charlie Darwin** · 03/01/2013, 6:08 PM

Beggars!

**Gather round** · 04/01/2013, 7:41 AM

Originally Posted by Newryrep

also related but about the hockey players switching

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/hockey/20902901

Indeed, hockey is one of many sports with all-Ireland representative teams but where NI's top players also represent Britain or England. See also rowing, cycling, cricket, table tennis, athletics.

**DannyInvincible** · 04/01/2013, 7:53 AM

Are the hockey players entitled to switch to England under residency criteria? Isn't that how Dublin-born Ed Joyce lined out for England in cricket?

**Gather round** · 04/01/2013, 8:24 AM

Yes, residency is the basic qualification for players originally from abroad to qualify for England at cricket.

As for Rory McIlroy, I'd be amazed if he didn't play in the 2016 Olympics. As others have said, if he's still one of the leading players his sponsors wouldn't stand for a withdrawal; if he has fallen back into the pack he'd want to improve his profile to get the sponsorship back. He's not going to worry about a little exagerated outrage in Ireland (most of it probably from people who aren't even golf fans).

**DannyInvincible** · 04/01/2013, 8:28 AM

I suspect it's his commercial potential in Irish America he's really worried about. I'd be surprised if his sponsors didn't see this as a bit of a dilemma too.

**Gather round** · 04/01/2013, 8:39 AM

Sorry, I don't see it. He's the biggest star in the game, slaving over a hot blonde, yet needs to be worried about Oirish-America? It can't be that big a proportion of the market golf is looking to reach. Do you think he and Wozzernameski are looking to remake the Quiet Man or something?

**gastric** · 04/01/2013, 8:39 AM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I suspect it's his commercial potential in Irish America he's really worried about. I'd be surprised if his sponsors didn't see this as a bit of a dilemma too.

McIlroy was supported by the Golf Union of Ireland as a lad which I believe is an all Ireland organisation, but has the dilemma of being born in Northern Ireland. I really think he is genuinely torn by the situation he is in, and to be fair to him, which ever decision he possibly makes, he could potentially alienate fans. Rather him than me! In terms of his sponsorship deal, I think he has become such a big name internationally, that whatever decision he makes won't affect his commercial interests at all.

**BonnieShels** · 04/01/2013, 10:37 AM

1. Wozniacki isn't hot.

2. Who gives a rats. Play for Britain. Play for Ireland. Pull out. The bellyaching of a multi-millionaire golfer over something that a. shouldn't be in the Olympics and b. should be open to amateurs only (cos there's a few of them :O) is vomit-inducing.

Originally Posted by gastric

McIlroy was supported by the Golf Union of Ireland as a lad which I believe is an all Ireland organisation, but has the dilemma of being born in Northern Ireland. I really think he is genuinely torn by the situation he is in, and to be fair to him, which ever decision he possibly makes, he could potentially alienate fans. Rather him than me! In terms of his sponsorship deal, I think he has become such a big name internationally, that whatever decision he makes won't affect his commercial interests at all.

Rather him than you? Dear lord lad! There is no "dilemma" to him being born north of the border.
The guy isn't genuinely torn. He's acting like a fuppwit. He knew what he would say would be taken offensively by Nationalists in Ireland. To pretend otherwise is naive as hell.

I'm sick of him.

The hockey defections though concern me as it is seriously weakening our team.

**gastric** · 04/01/2013, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

1. Wozniacki isn't hot.

2. Who gives a rats. Play for Britain. Play for Ireland. Pull out. The bellyaching of a multi-millionaire golfer over something that a. shouldn't be in the Olympics and b. should be open to amateurs only (cos there's a few of them :O) is vomit-inducing.

Rather him than you? Dear lord lad! There is no "dilemma" to him being born north of the border.
The guy isn't genuinely torn. He's acting like a fuppwit. He knew what he would say would be taken offensively by Nationalists in Ireland. To pretend otherwise is naive as hell.

I'm sick of him.

The hockey defections though concern me as it is seriously weakening our team.

Your post indicates bias, immaturity and a lack of logic which really doesn't add to the debate.

**born2bwild** · 04/01/2013, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by gastric

Your post indicates bias, immaturity and a lack of logic which really doesn't add to the debate.

I logged in to thank his post...

**BonnieShels** · 04/01/2013, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by gastric

Your post indicates bias, immaturity and a lack of logic which really doesn't add to the debate.

I'm biased against McIlroy because he just won't shut up about this non-issue.

I'm immature 'cos I'm thinking about Caroline's bazongas and her car-crash face.

I fail to see the argument for my lack of logic? Enlighten me.

Gastric, on many an occasion your inability to get to grips with this eligibility issue has flabbergasted me. I really don't think you should be throwing stones here.

**BonnieShels** · 04/01/2013, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by born2bwild

I logged in to thank his post...

And you still didn't!!! :P

**gastric** · 04/01/2013, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

I'm biased against McIlroy because he just won't shut up about this non-issue.

I'm immature cos I'm thinking about Caroline's bazongas and her car crash face.

I fail to see the argument for my lack of logic? Enlighten me.

Gastric, on many an ocassion your inability to get to grips with this eligibility issue has flabbergasted me. I really don't think you should be throwing stones here.

You might like to work on your spelling too!

**BonnieShels** · 04/01/2013, 11:11 AM

One can but roll one's eyes at a moment like this.

**born2bwild** · 04/01/2013, 11:12 AM

There - I do think there is a genuine dilemma for McIlroy in all of this, though.

It still a risky move for anyone, including and maybe especially, a scouse-haired millionaire golfing star, to declare allegiances in Northern Ireland.

Ordering pizza or starting the car could become very dangerous for the chap.

**born2bwild** · 04/01/2013, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by gastric

You might like to work on your spelling too!

Specifically where? I scanned his post and I can't see the misspelling (unless you're referring to 'bazongas'?)

**BonnieShels** · 04/01/2013, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by born2bwild

Specifically where? I scanned his post and I can't see the misspelling (unless you're referring to 'bazongas'?)

It was occasion. It took me a while too.

Fair dues to him for engaging in the debate.

**BonnieShels** · 04/01/2013, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by born2bwild

There - I do think there is a genuine dilemma for McIlroy in all of this, though.

It still a risky move for anyone, including and maybe especially, a scouse-haired millionaire golfing star, to declare allegiances in Northern Ireland.

Ordering pizza or starting the car could become very dangerous for the chap.

I really think this is overstated.

He'll be spending most of the year outside of Ireland.

So unless CIRA or RIRA etc are gonna be sending lads to Indochina to "to jump out of a bowl of rice to pop a cap in his a**" then we'lll be grand.