'Another feather in Northern Ireland's cap': TUV MLA Timothy Gaston congratulates back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy

McIlroy became just the fourth golfer in history to win back-to-back Masters titles after a one shot victory at Augusta National on Sunday.

It marks McIlroy’s sixth major title overall as he overcame a difficult start in his final round to come up trumps yet again.

Speaking in the Assembly on Monday about Rory’s achievement, Mr Gaston outlined how it will be a memory the 36-year-old will never forget as his family were all there to cheer him on.

“Rory McIlroy's win in Augusta last night is another feather in Northern Ireland's cap on the world sporting stage. Rory's success in the Masters, not once, but twice in a row, has cemented his place as one of the all-time greats, not just in golf but in the world of sport.

“There used to be talk about the challenge that the US Masters was for him, as it was the elusive title that had denied him a career grand slam. That was put to bed last year, and, last night, he became the fourth ever back-to-back champion, which is a legacy-defining moment for him. To do it in front of his parents, his wife, Erica, and his young daughter, Poppy, is a moment that I have no doubt will live long in the memory of our proud Ulsterman, and he will cherish it forever.

“I noticed in the press that Rory said that he had waited for a victory in the Masters for many years. When someone says that, you could be forgiven for thinking that he is in the twilight of his golfing career, but not Rory McIlroy. At the tender age of 36, he has many more years of golf ahead of him in what has already been an inspirational career.

“It is a special moment for Rory McIlroy and his family. I send him warm congratulations and look forward to his further success on the green for many more years to come, and, more importantly, his continuing to inspire the next generation of home-grown golfers. Well done, Rory McIlroy.”