Letters to the Editor: Shane Lowry displayed true dignity and honesty at The Open

Irish Examiner

5 days ago

In a world too often clouded by conflict, ugliness, division, and noise, there are rare moments that break through like sunlight, reminding us of who we are and who we still can be. One of those moments came not from a political podium or a viral speech, but from a simple, genuine gesture on the windswept fairways of Portrush at The Open Championship and from the heart of a man many of us know not just as a golfer, but as one of our own, Shane Lowry.
With pressure mounting and dreams on the line, Shane made a decision that won't earn him a trophy but will stay with many of us far longer. He called a two-stroke penalty on himself.
The footage was inconclusive. He could have argued. He could have walked away. But Shane chose honour. He chose truth and the strength of choosing what is right, even when no one would blame him for doing otherwise. In doing so, he reminded the world of something far greater than sport, he reminded us of dignity. He reminded us that the soul of sport and of life lies not in winning, but in how we carry ourselves through it all.
To those of us from Clara and Co Offaly, where Shane was born and raised, this act did not come as a surprise. Because Shane is Clara and Offaly through and through. He's the child of good people, the grandson of kind hearts, raised in a town where your name matters, where people care, and where values like humility, respect, compassion, and quiet strength are woven into the fabric of every family and every street. Clara is a small but deeply proud town, a place where people know your story, where values like decency, kindness, humility, and integrity are lived daily, not just spoken about. Shane carries that spirit in every swing, in every quiet moment when no one is watching, though this weekend, the world was. For those of us from Clara and Offaly, it didn't surprise us in the least.
Shane didn't just show us the kind of golfer he is. He showed us the kind of man he is. And perhaps even more importantly, the kind of world we still hope for, one where character matters, where truth matters, where grace under pressure is still possible, and where doing the right thing, even when it hurts, still counts for something. And like he birdied the 15th hole moments after learning of the penalty, he carried on with grace, resilience, and courage, the weight of his values steadier than any club in his bag.
Clara is a place of warmth, of hard work, of community. And Shane carries it all with him in every round, every decision, every step he takes on the world stage. He brings us with him. And in that moment of profound honesty, we saw not just a sportsman, but a reflection of everything good we still believe in.
We in Clara and Offaly are proud beyond words, not only of Shane's sporting achievements, but of the countless ways he gives back: supporting families, supporting young people all over the county, lifting people in need, and remembering always where he comes from. He makes us proud not just when he's holding a trophy, but when he shows the world that character still matters. That the smallest, unseen choices often define us the most.
In a time when hope can feel fragile, Shane Lowry reminded us of something enduring, that integrity still shines, that honesty and quiet courage still counts. That love for your roots, for your people, and for doing the right thing, no matter the cost is what truly defines greatness and that when everything is on the line, the most courageous swing is the one guided by truth.
From all of us in Clara and Offaly, Shane, we're not just behind you cheering you on, we're beside you, always. With heartfelt love, endless pride, deep gratitude, and a few candles lit for you and your family always — keep her lit.
Ronan Scully, Knocknacarra, Galway
Connolly's talent is needed in the Dáil
Now that Catherine Connolly TD has launched her bid for the presidency, political commentators are beside themselves with excitement.
But given that it has been often said that 'a government is as good as its opposition', we must ask ourselves if it is politically wise to consign this stand-out parliamentarian to Áras an Uachtaráin.
The presidency is largely a ceremonial role with minimal impact upon public policy, where the most important function is to sign whatever act of parliament is presented to them, and where they cannot address the nation or leave the country without government approval.
In the Dáil, as an Independent TD free from constraints of party strategies and agendas, Ms Connolly has held the Government to account on many issues, from the provision of local health centres to the outrages currently perpetrated upon Palestinians.
Almost alone she called out the national antipathy generated by our government towards those who, having assessed the available evidence together with their GP, concluded that taking the covid jab was not for them.
Perhaps most memorably before the two failed referendums last year, she was one of very few public figures to call out the absence of legislative scrutiny, disingenuous claims, and the ambiguous language associated with them.
We badly need Catherine Connolly's talent and skill set in the Dáil. She is too important to be confined in the Áras enclosure.
Gearoid Duffy, Lee Road, Cork
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CAP fund changes
There is no doubt but that the EU's proposal to amalgamate the CAP budget with other funding, with the hint of 'benefits for all', belies a devilish plan to downgrade funding for CAP and allow Ursula von der Leyen to divert funds for other purposes, chiefly unfettered arms and military spending, without the democratic input of the good people of the EU.
That's not to say increased military resources are not necessary.
It's the underhand misrepresentation of the true intention and unfettered accountability that is the devil in the detail.
Each of the proposed reforms of the administration of the CAP can be successfully done with the CAP budget rightly separated as it is now.
Kevin T Finn, Mitchelstown, Co Cork
Abortion figures
The latest figures released by the Department of Health regarding the number of abortions carried out in Ireland in 2024 indicate there were 957 abortions in Co Cork alone, and a total of 10,852 abortions nationally — an average of approximately 30 each day.
When the law was changed, the prevailing belief and promise in public discourse was that abortion would be a rare occurrence. However, the current trend shows a steady rise in numbers, signalling a need for deeper reflection and action.
It is clear that many individuals and families are facing complex, often heart-wrenching situations. Rather than meeting these challenges solely with the availability of abortion, I believe our society must do more to provide robust social, emotional, and financial supports that empower people to choose life for their unborn babies. This means greater access to counselling, practical assistance for parents, affordable childcare, secure housing, and meaningful community networks.
When women and families are equipped with real choices and comprehensive supports, they are better positioned to continue pregnancies and raise children in stability and dignity.
Let us strive to be a society that not only responds to crisis pregnancies with compassion, but also with creative solutions and solidarity — ensuring that no one feels abortion is their only option.
Liz O'Sullivan, Clonakilty, Co Cork
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Triple lock removal
When discussing the possible re-introduction of town councils, it is noteworthy that Taoiseach Micheál Martin tells us 'democracy matters'. Would that the same logic apply when he is addressing the bill, currently before the Dáil, on the removal of the triple lock. Successive opinion polls have demonstrated the wish of the Irish people to be peacemakers, and not to be a member of a military alliance.
If Mr Martin succeeds in his mission to remove the triple lock, it would remove the need for UN authorisation of overseas missions, and unlock the possibility of Irish troops going abroad on military missions at the behest of the EU.
To remove the triple lock would be to further the militarisation of the EU and fly in the face of political reassurances given to voters in the Nice and Lisbon referendums, who changed their vote after the initial 'no' vote.
The breach of trust is shocking and very undemocratic.
Elizabeth Cullen, Kilcullen, Co Kilkenny