The collapse of plans to host matches in football's Euro 2028 tournament in Belfast damaged Northern Ireland's reputation in the world of sport. The spectacular pictures and smooth running of The Open at Royal Portrush have helped to regain some of the reputational ground which was lost.

Six years after his emotional missed cut at Royal Portrush, McIlroy stuck around for four days of heavy praise from the hometown crowd, which showered McIlroy all the way through his 10-under performance and T-7 finish.

Rory McIlroy is resetting his focus and his schedule in order to be on top form for Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup.

If McIlroy didn’t quite deliver, then Royal Portrush — where he shot 61 as a 16-year-old for the course record — certainly did, gaining widespread rave reviews.

It was not quite the glorious homecoming Rory McIlroy had dared to dream of on his return to Royal Portrush but it felt like redemption for Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son after the heartbreak of six years ago.

Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy played out their final round of The Open together as the Englishman had his say on the behaviour of his former Ryder Cup team-mate

Rory McIlroy didn’t leave Portrush with the Claret Jug under his arm Sunday night, but he was a winner nonetheless at the 153rd British Open.

Rory McIlroy couldn't have asked for much more at Royal Portrush, save one thing. But there just happens to be one man unparalleled in his generation.

McIlroy capped the Grand Slam in April, and called this “an awesome week' after tying for seventh place at Portrush.