Shane Lowry Controversy: Why His Paris Olympics Feat Might Ruffle Feathers Including Rory McIlroy’s

Olympics or patriotism? What would you call the Paris showdown? We’d say both! It’s already a great achievement for a golfer to represent his country at the Olympics. For Ireland, Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy have been bestowed with this glory in the Le National Golf Club competition. But, as it seems, Lowry holds more importance, and it could ruffle a few feathers here and there.

As per the latest reports from the Irish Golfer website, Shane Lowry will carry the flag alongside Limerick hurdles athlete Sarah Lavin in Friday evening’s Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. It is inarguably a great achievement for him; however, at the same time, it is also controversial for the other Irish athletes playing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, including the likes of McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy didn’t play at the 2016 Rio Olympics, nor did Shane Lowry. Lowry passed on the chance to play in Rio. Given this, one could assume that the flag bearer should be the person who gives it all. Interestingly, 2016 was the year when golf returned to the Olympics. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, McIlroy fell short in a seven-way playoff for bronze.

In the last few years, the four-time major champion has become very patriotic, and one could argue that he is the more popular of the two representing Ireland. During the 2020 Olympics, he also mentioned “I think if I had to look back on my career and not played in one [Olympic Games], I probably would have regretted it.” Playing in the Tokyo Olympics helped McIlroy gain better clarity about the experience, and he expressed “It’s a wonderful experience. I’ve never done anything like that before.” Ahead of the 2024 Zurich Classic, he also said that he now feels motivated toward fulfilling his patriotic dream to represent Ireland this year and will be trying to get a medal for his country.

Despite the change in perspective and popularity, McIlroy isn’t the one who will bear the flag of Ireland; it’s Shane Lowry instead. No Irish athlete has voiced concern about this issue so far. However, considering that Lowry outright refused to participate in 2016, the first time golf returned to the Olympics in over a century, allowing him to carry the flag at this year’s opening ceremony might disappoint other athletes.

The same applies to Rory McIlroy. We are close friends who have competed in numerous events together, including representing Ireland in 2020, being part of the European team at the 2021 Ryder Cup, and last year’s European team victory. However, despite his patriotic displays and numerous achievements over the years, he may be disappointed not to have had the chance to carry the flag. Although other athletes haven’t said anything till now, the flag bearers have shared their thoughts on the opportunity.

What do Shane Lowry and Sarah Lavin have to say?

Expressing his excitement to represent Ireland, Lowry said, “I’d love to win a medal for Ireland. Obviously I would love it to be gold but I’ll take any of the three,” at the Open Championship. Not only that but the golfer’s patriotism is reflected in his outfit as well. He dons the black and white colors of his hometown GAA club in Clara and Offaly jerseys while playing at the tournaments. Expressing his patriotism, the golfer said, “You know, anybody that knows me knows how patriotic I am and how much I love Ireland and how much I love my country. It’s a huge honor for me and my family.”

Meanwhile, Lavin added, “It’s surreal to be honest with you. It is the greatest honor I have ever been given, and I would even go so far as to say that probably any Olympic athlete ever could be given the honor of carrying the country’s flag. I’m so grateful to those who’ve trusted me and put me in this position; I’m deeply touched and just excited to get out there.”

What do you think about Shane Lowry being the flagbearer? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!