Colin Sheridan: The honeymoon is over for the tricolour

When Rhasidat Adeleke wins, I cringe when I see a tricolour thrown her way. Not because she has any history of ignoring it, but, should she drop it, or not see it, or drape it over herself the wrong way round, I know what’s coming. 

Ireland’s Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy, Sharlene Mawdsley and Lauren Cadden celebrate with their silver medals. Pic: Morgan Treacy, Inpho

“A nation is an imagined community.” – Benedict Anderson 

NOWADAYS, when you see an Irish flag hanging from a house, it evokes an uneasiness previously unimaginable. For so long, a tricolour poking out a bedroom window meant something good was happening. Like a World Cup, or a St Patrick’s day parade or the visit of foreign dignitary.