Gareth O'Callaghan: Trump came for golf. Ireland got a lesson in the ‘madman theory’

Gareth O’Callaghan looks at Donald Trump’s softer side in Doonbeg and Micheál Martin’s cautious approach during the US president’s visit
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and US president Donald Trump shake hands during day four of the Amgen Irish Open Golf Championship 2026 at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Co Clare. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and US president Donald Trump shake hands during day four of the Amgen Irish Open Golf Championship 2026 at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Co Clare. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026 - 05:55
Gareth O'Callaghan.png
Gareth O'Callaghan
Gareth O’Callaghan is a radio presenter, psychotherapist and author of six books.

A bad attitude is worse than a bad swing. 

Those words by legendary golfer Payne Stewart, who won 11 PGA Tours during his short lifetime, crossed my mind last weekend as Donald Trump revealed a softer side no one envisaged while visiting his beloved golf resort. 

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