Main attraction

The top three pay-per-view nights in UFC history have featured a common element: the presence of Irish fighter Conor Mcgregor:

1. UFC 202, Mcgregor vs. Nate Diaz II, 1.6 million buys. 2.Ufc196,mcgregorvs,diazi,1.31. 3. UFC 205, Mcgregor vs. Eddie Alvarez, 1.3 “He’s probably the best that Ireland has ever had.”

Smiling Irish eyes

At the end of the day — or when Mcgregor finally shows for an official UFC 229 function, whichever comes first — that probably best explains why fine Irishmen and average ones alike spend thousands to cross the pond to watch him punch guys in the face and shout invective.

A story in the Irish Post proclaimed there being “no shortage of famous Irish athletes through the years.” But outside of golf ’s Padraig Harrington and Rory Mcilroy and soccer’s Keanes (Roy and Robbie) and George Best, few have resonated beyond the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway.

The Republic of Ireland has qualified for only three World Cups. It’s primary accomplishment: advancing furthest in the global soccer tournament without winning a match.

“I think that’s part of it for sure,” Cormac Davidson said as he patiently waited for Conor Mcgregor to make Irish eyes smile again. “It’s a small country, and any big stars that come out of Ireland get a lot of support.”

Consider James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.

Bono and The Edge and the other two guys in U2.

Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson. Or just ask the lad who turns on the lighted sign at the Krispy Kreme in Blanchardstown signaling the original glazed are hot out of the oven.

Contact Ron Kantowski at rkantowski@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0352. Follow @ronkantowski on Twitter.