Darren O’Neill: Team Ireland ‘better off’ without Rory McIlroy

Boxer Darren O’Neill took to Twitter to join the whirlwind of reaction following Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal from the Team Ireland, saying they are “better off without him”.

McIlroy will not travel to Brazil due to concerns over the Zika virus.

This has called into question his desire to compete at Rio 2016 for some people, with former Olympian O’Neill tweeting: “I have cried tears & spilled blood in trying to qualify for Rio. This (McIlroy’s choice) affirms my opinion.”

The Kilkenny native captained the boxing team at London 2012 but his hopes for 2016 came skidding to a halt this week when he came up short in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio, O’Neill added: “I’m sure it was a difficult one [decision] for him, but for the likes of myself, it’s a kick in the teeth,” he said.

“I’m in Azerbaijan at the moment where I was hoping to try and qualify myself and unfortunately came up just short. I’m still feeling the pain of that. To see somebody someone who had a chance to represent their country at the Olympic Games, in my opinion, has degraded the achievements and sense of pride you can have.”

Modern pentathlete Natalya Coyle also tweeted: “Seriously?. It’s the ultimate honour to represent your country at Olympics and we’ve top medical staff looking after us.”

However, the Olympic Council of Ireland took a more benign approach towards McIlroy.

Despite their disappointment, they have acknowledged that “it is down to the individual and of course we respect his decision”.

Although McIlroy is a big loss to Irish medal hopes, the OCI now see it as a big opportunity for another Irish golfer to bring home a medal when golf makes a return to the Games after 112 years.

With the Zika virus being chief among the concerns for Olympic athletes, the OCI have ensured their athletes everything will be done to protect Team Ireland’s welfare.

“We are now following the International Olympic Committee’s recommendations, as well as the recommendations of the Rio 2016 organisers, the World Health Organisation and national health authorities, to ensure that Team Ireland’s athletes are kept fully updated with the latest and best advice and that they are equipped to take all necessary precautions.

The OCI is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the welfare of Team Ireland’s athletes at Rio 2016.”

The International Golf Federation (IGF) expressed its disappointment with the golfer’s withdrawal, labelling the health concerns a “unique set of circumstances”.

Although Team Ireland have lost one of their leading lights, the IGF were quick to remind the Olympic golfers of the historic event that lies ahead.

“The Olympics is the world’s greatest celebration of sport and we remain excited about golf’s return after a 112-year absence.

“It will truly be a special occasion for our sport and we are confident that the 60 men and 60 women who will represent their respective countries will find it an experience they will cherish forever.”

Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said he respected McIlroy’s decision but was disappointed.

“I am aware that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the Department of Foreign Affairs have also been liaising with the OCI concerning the Rio Games.

“The International Olympic Committee has provided the OCI with every assurance and the OCI has indicated its confidence that the Rio Games will be safe for all athletes.”