“It Made Me Who I Am”: Years After Opening Up on His Irish Pride, Conor McGregor Hailed as the Flag Bearer of One of Ireland’s “Classic” Dream

They say to succeed, you should never forget where it all began, where you came from. And one of the most popular sportspeople in the world lives by this theory. Who is it? Conor McGregor. The two-weight UFC champion opened up about why his Irish roots are so dear to him, crediting his upbringing in Crumlin to having taught him everything he needed to get to where he is now. And being Irish is as big a part of his personality as being a mixed martial artist is.

In a 2020 interview with Irish Mirror, he said about Ireland, “It’s where I learned how to fight, where I learned to do everything. Growing up there taught me the values of loyalty and brotherhood – that ‘One For All’ life. It made me who I am. It’s a place I am still very much a part of every single day of my life. I love Ireland. I was born here, I will raise my children here, and I will die here.” And this mindset urged another Irishman, Eddie Jordan, to pick him to spearhead an Irish dream.

Conor McGregor is the man to introduce the Irish GP

Ireland, with its rich and fascinating arts and entertainment culture, has an equally fascinating sports culture, with personalities like Conor McGregor and Rory McIlroy, who have excelled in their respective fields. And with Formula 1’s growing interest worldwide, Ireland has taken a strong liking towards it too. And maybe an Irish GP is in the cards for the country.

In their Formula For Success podcast, Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard were asked if there have ever been discussions about hosting and promoting an Irish GP and if there’s a possibility of one in the future. Jordan explained how, 10 years ago, no one would’ve thought there would be three races in the Middle East, implying that races can happen anywhere, so long as the country is opening to hosting them. While talking about Ireland’s growing GDP, he said, “Ireland is the dream country of Europe. Whether or not they’re mad enough to spend their money on a Grand Prix or not, I doubt it. I think they should be better off keeping their money for other things. However, it’s just a very small country, but it would be a classic.”

While Jordan explained this, Coulthard mentioned who he thinks can help bring it to life. “One man who could help coordinate that is someone that used to be involved in Formula 1 and has got s**t loads of money and a load of free time. I’m thinking Eddie Jordan.” But Jordan responded quickly, saying, “I was hoping you were going to say Conor McGregor.”

McGregor has proved his devotion to his country, and he’s established himself as a role model for people worldwide, not just in Ireland. According to Jordan, if anyone can make the Irish GP happen, it’s The Notorious. The UFC champion has also portrayed his love for F1 in the past, so Eddie might be onto something.

Read More: Weeks After Attending the Monaco GP, Conor McGregor Compares the “Speed” of His Lethal Weapon With F1 Cars

Conor McGregor flaunted his Irish devotion at the Monaco GP

The Monaco GP is a race every F1 fan dreams of attending. With its glitz and glamour, it’s a congregation of celebrities every year. And this year, Conor McGregor decided to float his way into the paddock on his $4 million Lamborghini yacht. But the yacht wasn’t what caught everyone’s attention. It was what was on the yacht that did.

The deck was decked with orange, white, and green balloons—the colors of the Irish flag. And McGregor stood atop it drinking his own whiskey, Problem No. 12, named after the suburb he grew up in—Dublin 12. As lavish as the Monaco GP is, part of the reason for the glamour is the celebrities who attend it and make it that way. And Conor McGregor lit the paddock up.

What do you think are the chances of an Irish GP featuring in the F1 calendar?

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