Rory McIlroy speaks to the media at Augusta National -Credit:Getty Images
(Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy’s lighthearted comment about Irish cuisine at the Masters has drawn criticism from the CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
Ahead of hosting his Champions Dinner on Tuesday, McIlroy joked that he avoided featuring more Irish dishes on his menu because he isn’t particularly fond of them. “People keep asking me why I didn’t go more Irish,” he said. “I said because I want to enjoy it as well.”
The self-deprecating remark drew laughter from the assembled media. However, it appears to have struck a nerve with Adrian Cummins, who responded with an extended statement on X. “Rory is an exceptional golfer and a fantastic ambassador for Ireland globally,” he posted. “However, we would respectfully disagree with his comments regarding Irish food.
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“Irish food is among the very best in the world, built on exceptional local produce, world-class chefs and a strong farm-to-fork tradition.
“As Gordon Ramsay has said, Ireland is ‘the sleeping beauty of European cuisine’ and that reputation is now being realized every day across our restaurant sector.
“When Rory returns to Ireland for the Irish Open in Doonbeg later this year, we would strongly encourage him to experience some of the very best Irish produce on offer and we would be more than happy to show him a few spots ourselves.
McIlroy hosted his first Masters Champions Dinner -Credit:Getty Images
(The Masters)
“Ireland’s food offering is a central part of our tourism and cultural identity. We look forward to working with Government on a new food tourism strategy that fully showcases our strengths, from farm to fork, and supports the continued growth of our world-class hospitality sector.
“I will be sending Rory an invitation to launch this new strategy when it is completed. We wish Rory and Shane Lowry the very best in Augusta this weekend.”
McIlroy’s quip also came up on podcasts, with some commentators feeling the media’s laughter was slightly excessive.
Discussing his menu selections in more detail, the 36-year-old revealed he found the whole experience highly enjoyable.
“I was trying to achieve something that I would enjoy,” he said. “And it ties back to experiences that I’ve had, but also wanted it to be something that all the other people in that room would enjoy as well.
“So I tried to do a few things that I thought everyone would eat.
“The club encouraged me to do one vegetarian dish in the appetizers, so that’s where the peach and ricotta flatbread came from. I think that one was probably for Gary Player.
“Yeah, it’s been fun to work through. The club have been amazing to work with. As I said, the fun part was getting access to that wonderful wine cellar that they have. I’m excited to share those wines with everyone tonight as well.”