Celtic Tiger

BELFAST, AP:

Rory McIlroy is being hailed in Northern Ireland as the 'Celtic Tiger'.

Politicians united in tribute yesterday to the 22-year-old golfer who gave the country its second straight US Open champion following the title of Graeme McDowell from a year ago.

McIlroy's record-breaking performance, he broke the scoring record by four shots and finished at an astounding 16-under 268, allowed members in the Northern Ireland Assembly to suspend usual business.

Democratic Unionist Party legislator Peter Weir, who represents McIlroy's native Holywood, said: "I stand here tired but elated.''