Shane Lowry pulls out of Olympics

Offaly’s Shane Lowry has pulled out of the Olympic Games in Rio due to concerns over the Zika virus.

The 29-year-old tweeted a statement in relation to the games today.  He said he made the decision with a “heavy heart” but he was acting on firm medical advice.

“I am a very proud Irish man and I love my country. Hence, I was really looking forward to walking out behind the Tricolour with the rest of the Irish Olympic team in Rio,” Shane explained.

The Clara man, who married his wife Wendy earlier this year, said he will represent Ireland in the World Cup of Golf in Australia later this year and will work hard to qualify to represent Ireland at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.