Intro:

World number two Rory McIlroy admits it is a 'dream come true' seeing the Irish Open hosted by Royal Portrush in his native Northern Ireland later in the year.

The US Open champion has confirmed he will play at the tournament - which runs from June 28th to July 1st - rather than compete in the US PGA Tour's AT&T National tournament.

The championship was last held in Northern Ireland in 1953.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English)

SUPERCAPTIONl: Rory McIlroy:

"For the Irish Open to come to Royal Portrush it was a huge thing for any Northern Irish golfer - you know, myself, G-Mac, Darren (Clarke), Michael Hoey... there is a host of guys and to play an Irish Open at Royal Portrush is a dream come true for a lot of us."

SOUNDBITE: (English)

SUPERCAPTIONl: Rory McIlroy:

"I'm not so sure. In Northern Ireland we are lucky to have two of the best golf courses in the world in Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. But Portrush - I think the word that everyone uses for Portrush is fair. It is such a tough golf course but it is very, very fair, it's very well designed, some beautiful scenery by the fifth green, sixth tee. It's just a fantastic golf course - anyone who plays it just absolutely loves it. It will just be great to get back."

SOUNDBITE: (English)

SUPERCAPTIONl: Rory McIlroy:

"Irish golf in general has been riding a crest of a wave for a few years - obviously since Padraig (Harrington) won his three majors in quick succession. I think Graeme saw that and thought that he could do it. Being so close with Graeme and after seeing him win the US Open I felt like it was about time I won a major as well and I think myself being so close to Darren he thought he wanted to get in on the act. So, I think we all sort of inspired each other and that's one of the reasons why the majors came so quickly."