World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is delighted he was the first ‘Rory’ to get his name on the trophy after Rory McNamara captured the prestigious West of Ireland trophy.

McNamara, and aged 23 like McIlroy, defeated Niall Gorey winning four holes in a row from the ninth to go 4up and then closed out the match with a solid par at the 14th, and adding the Rosses Point title to his North of Ireland success.

Rory McIlroy’s name back-to-back on the West of Ireland honour board at Rosses Point.  Shane Lowry captured the event in 2008. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“I don’t Rory really that well although I used to see him at amateur events but he must be a good player as he also won the North of Ireland last year,” said McIlroy.

“So I’m just pleased I got my name on the trophy before he did.”

Although McIlroy was disappointed it wasn’t good friend, Harry Diamond who was successful.

“I was hoping Harry would win back-to-back as I was the first one to win the event back-to-back and that would have been great to see,” he said.

“But Harry gave it a great go which is good see.”

Rory McIlroy being presented with the West of Ireland trophy in 2006.

A very young looking Padraig Harrington captured the West of Ireland championship in 1994.