Traveller is true sports hero but still can’t win nation’s backing
Tyson Fury in ring The Edge and adam Clayton heritage in the end. It’s a shame it didn’t work out because it’s not like Ireland has too many Olympic champions to boast about – we’ve produced nine in the past 90 years.
Ironically, Fury is where he is today because he didn’t get to the Olympics. He decided to turn pro after his unsuccessful attempt to be selected for Ireland or – with his second choice – Great Britain at Beijing 2008.
Perhaps he is still being snubbed for offensive remarks he made in the past. But he apologised in 2016 and vowed to become a better person.
And he’s quite literally putting his money where his mouth is and plans to give away the $10million [€8.8million] from his last fight.
He said: “I’m going to give it to the poor and I’m going to build homes for the homeless. I don’t really have much use for it, I’m not interested in becoming a millionaire or a billionaire.
“You can’t take it with you so I might as well do something with it and help out people who can’t help themselves.”
Doesn’t such wonderful generosity more than atone for his past sins? This, in my book, makes him a far better role model than Mcgregor who likes to boast ad nauseam about his obscene wealth.
I wonder if Fury is not being celebrated as much as is richly deserved because he’s from the Travelling community.
He wouldn’t be the first famous Traveller to be snubbed either.
Love/hate star John Connors – himself born in London – made one of the biggest Irish films in years with Cardboard Gangsters but says he can’t even get an agent.
He added: “Nothing is happening acting-wise. I have heard from directors and casting agents my politics doesn’t help – not least the Traveller movement which I speak out about.”
It’s appalling how the Travelling community still faces discrimination in this day and age, which was an issue back on the national agenda during the Aras election.
But I think even Peter Casey would be the first to agree Fury is as Irish as Mr Tayto.
Fury epitomises the fighting Irish mentality – he’s literally a born fighter having been delivered three months premature.
It’s a shame we’re not celebrating him more. Hopefully that will change if he regains the world champion crown in the rematch. John Connors