Mick Clifford: The land of a hundred thousand welcomes — and unwelcome truths

Ireland’s global image took a hit this week as Conor McGregor, social media, and viral headlines shaped the narrative

US president Donald Trump Conor McGregor in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday. Picture: X/@POTUS

Ireland is not what it used to be in the global imagination. Different versions of this country were writ large over the week in which the national holiday is celebrated.

Micheál Martin presented the old-fashioned, and for the greater part, factually accurate narrative of Ireland when he went to the USA. He mingled with elements of Irish America, did his bit for trade and diplomacy and smiled anxiously through a close encounter with Donald Trump. Job done, but who noticed on the far side of the Atlantic? His visit made a few headlines, but not that many and it happened nearly a week before the big day.