Too many Irish sportspeople still prefer part of underdog

There was a time, not too long ago, when Irish professional golfers were considered the underdogs when it came to winning events.

It wasn’t that they were uncompetitive, in fact, they were often victorious, but more often than not they preferred the outsider tag and any victory meant beating the odds.

The multiple Major championship successes of Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke have done much to change the attitude of the Irish professional players and especially how they are viewed by the media and public alike. But time and time again, it seems that the favourite tag still sits uncomfortably on Irish shoulders, regardless of the sport.