The parish priest in Rory McIlroy’s hometown of Holywood in Co. Down has hailed the golfer following his historic victory in the US Masters, describing him as “a really great kid and very caring in every respect”.
Fr Stephen McBrearty told The Irish Catholic he mentioned McIlroy at every Mass over the weekend before he became the first player in a century to complete the career grand slam.
“At all the Masses at the weekend, I mentioned that we were having an event up at Holywood Gold Club, and then I said ‘and talking about Gold clubs, here’s for the wee fella today’ and everybody laughed and cheered. We are all behind him, he’s so likeable,” Fr McBrearty said.
“Everything you hear about Rory McIlroy is all true, he is a really great kid and very caring in every respect,” he said.
The priest knows McIlroy’s family well, including his father Gerry and mother Rosie, saying that he recently celebrated the wedding of the daughter of Rory’s uncle. Fr McBrearty said that the wedding was a “great event” but Rory’s win was “equally up there with it”. “They are just ordinary people, he has done so brilliantly and he has certainly not forgotten his roots here that is for sure,” the priest added.
Upon the world-famous golfer’s return Fr McBrearty said “there will be massive celebrations” and the whole of Holywood will be involved but “especially the parish, he belongs to the parish, as do the family – not that we would make a selfish claim on him – but he is a Holywood kid who does not forget the place”.
McIlroy’s Catholic primary school were also thrilled after his victory. Speaking to the paper, Principal Chris O’Neill of St Patrick’s Primary School in Holywood said: “What an amazing achievement by Rory. He really made it an emotional roller coaster for everyone watching here in Holywood.
“The staff and pupils are so proud of all his achievements over the years but to become the first European Grand Slam winner is fantastic and so inspiring for our pupils. Congratulations, Rory!”
