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JONATHAN MCCAMBRIDGE, REBECCA BLACK O'Neill calls for 'huge party' to welcome ace

- JONATHAN MCCAMBRIDGE, REBECCA BLACK

THE North should have a "huge party" to welcome home golfing champion Rory Mcllroy, First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said.

It came as Stormont's Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, said he is looking forward to "formally marking" Mcllroy's success in the coming weeks.

Ms O'Neill said people are "bursting with pride" at Mcllroy's achievement in winning the Masters, which should be celebrated "in the best possible style".

Holywood, Co Down golfer Mcllroy, who achieved the career Grand Slam with his victory in Augusta, Georgia, lives in the US.

Speaking moments after winning the coveted green jacket, Mcllroy said his parents, Gerry and Rosie, were back in the North, but that he was looking forward to celebrating with them.

Ms O'Neill described Mcllroy's victory as "an emotional rollercoaster for everybody".

She added: "We all were behind him every step of the way.