Kieran Shannon: McIlroy accepted imperfection en route to Irish sport's finest feat

By taking his time about winning the Masters, Rory McIlroy made it the greatest win of all.

IRELAND'S FINEST FEAT: Rory McIlro celebrates with caddie Harry Diamond and the Masters trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony. Pic: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

It seems laughable now but when Rory McIlroy parred the 12th on Sunday night we naively had the thought: He’s not only going to win this, he’s going to win it comfortably now. Without any further fuss, drama or stress, either for him or the rest of us.

It was a pleasant feeling – for few sportspeople evoke feelings quite like Rory McIlroy; the notion of that procession, the image of him striding towards the 18th green, taking off his cap and humbly yet gleefully lapping up all the love and applause from the galleries.