You really have to feel sorry for Rory McIlroy. He's forced to tippy toe around the idea of national identity every couple of months and it must be incredibly tedious.
Take this week for example. On Thursday he was in Windsor Park with Carl Frampton watching Northern Ireland progress to the European Championships for the first time. Given that was also the night Shane Long banged one past Manuel Neuer, Rory took part in his second favourite pastime, political tightrope walking.
Unbelievable result for the republic too! Great night for the island of Ireland, north and south. Hopefully see both teams in France next yr
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) October 8, 2015
The replies to that tweet are decidedly mixed but at least it was finished and he could concentrate on the rugby this weekend without having to avoid stepping on anyone's toes. One island, one team and all that.
And yet...
Thankfully, Rory dropped the politician's Twitter rulebook and went for the decidedly more enjoyable emoji jibe.
Why can't I like football and rugby? 😉🔔🔚 https://t.co/cG7E0JvSta
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) October 11, 2015
Calling someone a bellend on twitter may not always be the classiest response but in some cases you just have to go for it.
