Taoiseach hails McIlroy's win as 'one of the greatest'
Rory McIlroy will get a heroes' welcome when he arrives back to Co. Down later this week.
The 22-year-old is the youngest golfer to win the US Open since 1923, after finishing the tournament on 16 under par.
The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, has described the win as "one of the greatest achievements in sport".
There were jubilant scenes at Rory's golf club in Holywood last night where his supporters cheered him on.
McIlroy’s uncle hailed the US Open winner for leaving his competitors mere spectators in the race for one of golf’s most prestigious trophies.
Colin McIlroy reflected on an “exciting and emotional” night after watching his nephew claim his first major title on TV.
McIlroy became the youngest champion since 1923 and gave Northern Ireland back-to-back victories following last year’s success of Graeme McDowell.
The Northern Irishman romped to an eight-shot victory at the Congressional Country Club in Maryland.
His uncle was among hundreds of people who packed Holywood Golf Club near Belfast to watch his triumph.
“It was incredible. Tears of disappointment from the Masters were replaced with tears of joy,” Mr McIlroy said.
“He was completely focused and he learnt so quickly from his mistakes at the Masters.
“His preparation was better, he has so much self-belief, he just went out and played all the right shots.
“The field he was playing in, they were just spectators at the end of the day.”
He said his nephew had won everything possible as an amateur so was well-prepared for turning professional.
McIlroy’s father Gerry worked long hours behind the bar at the clubhouse in Holywood, Co Down, to help give his son the best chance.
He was hitting plastic golf balls from the age of two and spent hours practising at home and later on the lush fairways of Holywood, overlooking Belfast Lough.
Mr McIlroy said: “It is very hard to sink in at the minute, but we always knew Rory had great potential.”
McIlroy crumbled on the last day of the US Masters this year when he was on the cusp of victory.
But he emphatically made up for that by setting a record for the lowest tournament score last night.
McIlroy’s former headmaster at Sullivan Upper School also applauded his ex-student’s ability to learn from his experiences.
John Stevenson said: “I think the talent is a given with Rory. The question mark has been about his attitude and maybe his character, but he has two tremendous attributes.
“This boy really learns, this is what the golfing fraternity had not fully understood about him, every experience he has he builds into that golf computer in his brain and he learnt from the Masters.
“On top of that he has got steely determination. He is a young guy, he looks good and he is friendly but don’t underestimate the attitude he brings to his game. He showed it in spades at the US Open.”
Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have been among the first to recognise his achievement and tributes have poured in from the world of sport.
