Latest news with #SullivanUpper
Belfast Telegraph
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Rory McIlroy's old school hails his grand slam-winning magic with black-tie gala dinner
History maker signs special golf bag for Cancer Focus NI auction Rory McIlroy's old school in Holywood has paid tribute to his grand slam heroics with a black-tie gala dinner. Hundreds of guests, paying up to £85 a head, turned up at the Culloden Estate and Spa to honour the history-making victory of Sullivan Upper's most famous old boy in the Masters at Augusta.
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Rory McIlroy an ‘incredible inspiration' to pupils at his former school
Golfer Rory McIlroy has been described as an 'incredible inspiration' to pupils at his former school in Co Down. McIlroy attended Sullivan Upper in Holywood in the early 2000s, and is remembered as a teenager who was 'golf mad'. The school offers a green blazer for pupils who excel at sport, which principal Craig Mairs said McIlroy achieved during his time at the school, adding the current pupils are hoping he might bring his latest home to show them. 'It's incredibly inspirational for our current pupils to have someone to look up to and to aspire to, not just in the world of golf but generally, Rory talked last night to his daughter about never giving up on your dreams and chasing that dream, he certainly did when he was a pupil here, and whether they are sporty or into their music or focused primarily on their studies, he is a real inspiration to our young people,' he said. Mr Mairs referred to McIlroy chasing his dream of a career grand slam for the last 11 years, adding no one had expected it would be easy. 'Our school motto here is about character, it's an old Irish motto, we're the only school with an old Irish motto – Lamh Foisdineach An Uachtar – which in English means the gentle hand foremost, and we really felt last night that the grace and dignity with which Rory has carried himself over the last eleven years with enormous pressure on him, and the magnanimous way he behaved last night, his referencing of his family, he really demonstrated that character,' he said. 'For our pupils, we often say to them, no sporting success or failure, no academic result or piece of paper will ever define you, what will define you is your character and I think you saw that last night.' He added: 'As a young man Rory was so obsessed with golf from an early age, I think there was a bit of a debate with his headmaster at the time, a man called John Stevenson who rather felt I think that Rory spent maybe too long out of the classroom pursuing his golf, I think it's fair to say to Mr Stevenson that Rory was settled that debate once and for all as to whether that was a good idea.' He also referenced Rory achieving his 'second green blazer'. 'Our school honours blazer is a green blazer, Rory was actually an exceptional case, he gained his green blazer much earlier than sixth form – in Year 11 – and we're hoping that he'll bring his Masters green blazer here in the future,' he said.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Rory McIlroy's home-town club erupts after Masters victory
Unbridled joy at Holywood Golf Club - PA/Liam McBurney Rory McIlroy's fans at his home-town golf club erupted as he clinched Masters glory – despite not being allowed to toast his success. McIlroy etched his name in history as he completed a career Grand Slam with a remarkable play-off win over Justin Rose, sparking jubilant scenes 3,000 miles away at Holywood Golf Club. Advertisement The club's bar licence meant last orders were called at 10pm, with those ordering before needing to down their drinks by 10.30pm. McIlroy still has his own parking space in the car park, and fans faced hours of drama as he finally ended his 11-year wait for a fifth major. 'I was absolutely sick with nerves,' Holywood Golf Club's lady captain Ruth Watt told the BBC. 'We thought he had thrown it away … but it was an unbelievable finish. I'm going home for a gin and tonic.' McIlroy grew up in Holywood and his school, Sullivan Upper, awards green blazers to pupils who excel at sport. Some sixth formers watched their idol wearing their own green blazers. Sullivan Upper students wore their green blazers to watch McIlory's victory at Augusta - PA/Liam McBurney The 35-year-old wept tears of joy after sinking the winning putt at Augusta, embracing his wife of eight years, Erica Stoll. He then knelt down to hug daughter Poppy in emotionally charged scenes on the course. Advertisement Tiger Woods welcomed McIlroy to golf's most exclusive club after his dramatic victory. McIlroy joined Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen in having won all four major titles. 'Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory,' Woods posted on social media. 'Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you're a part of history. Proud of you!' McIlroy's close friend Shane Lowry joked that McIlroy could happily retire after completing the career grand slam. 'This means everything to him,' Lowry told Golf Channel. Advertisement 'This is all he thinks about, all he talks about. He always said to me he'd retire a happy man if he won the green jacket, so I told Erica he can retire now. 'He's had a long 10, 11 years, he's had a lot of hurdles to get over and it's a credit to him.' Tommy Fleetwood, who finished 21st after a closing 69, added: 'I've said it a bunch of times, I think Rory is the best player of our generation. I don't think he's had to prove that for a while. 'For him to have finally got this one, a career grand slam, is unbelievably special. I think this time was always going to come, it's just Rory makes you feel like it's not going to at some point. Advertisement 'Whatever he did today, Rory's place in golf (history) was secure, but this has just added another layer on top of that. 'I do believe he's the best of our generation and now he's one of the greatest of all time.' The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins joined political leaders from across the island in celebrating McIlroy's victory, calling it a 'truly outstanding achievement'. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the Holywood golfer's 'incredible' triumph placed him among the sport's greatest. 'This is a huge moment in sporting history, and one that has filled everyone back home with great pride and that will undoubtedly inspire future generations to chase their dreams,' she posted on X. Advertisement 'Enjoy the well-deserved celebrations, Rory!' Irish premier Micheal Martin described the win as 'epic'. 'The Green Jacket is yours Rory McIlroy,' the Taoiseach posted on X. 'A finish for the ages at Augusta to win The Masters and complete a richly-deserved career Grand Slam. Epic achievement by one of golf's greatest talents Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
