Comeback inspires Brogan

THE 2010 footballer of the year Bernard Brogan believes Rory McIlroy’s record-breaking victory in the US Open, just 70 days after his Augusta meltdown in the final round of the Masters, can inspire him and Dublin.

Brogan stayed up late on Monday morning to watch McIlroy be presented with the trophy at Congressional, having marvelled at the 22-year-old’s mental strength to come back from blowing a winning position in Augusta.

“I’m delighted for him after the torment of the Masters,” said Brogan yesterday. “To see him bounce back like that was unbelievable and shows the mental strength that he has.

“The Dubs have been down a lot of times in the past and he showed mentally that he can come back and get the victory so I’d be taking a lot from that there on the mental side of it. I’m delighted for him, delighted for an Irish guy to win such an illustrious competition.”

Irish hockey international Julia O’Halloran is also hoping to draw inspiration from McIlroy’s achievements as preparations for the European Championships in August step up but, as she points out, Ireland has a habit of over-achieving in sport.

“It’s something you can look to. In the recent past it was Kevin O’Brien boxing above his weight [in the cricket World Cup].

“[Rory] is such an inspiration to be such an expert at such a young age. Definitely something to take heart from.”