Calling off a divorce is “highly uncommon” in Ireland, according to a leading psychotherapist.

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy confirmed earlier today that he was “looking forward to a new beginning” with his wife Erica Stoll after the couple called off divorce proceedings.

In a statement to the Guardian, McIlroy also said he’s as “close as ever” to securing a fifth major title, a decade after his 2014 Open Championship victory, as he tees off in the US Open tomorrow.

On Lunchtime Live, psychotherapist and relationship expert Stephanie Regan said it was “lovely news” to see the County Down native is giving things another go with his wife.

“I think it’s lovely news and highly unusual; it’s not something we would hear a lot in Ireland,” she said.

“There’s usually a lot of waiting before people live apart and all of that before a divorce here, so it would certainly be highly uncommon.

“Sometimes people go to the brink, and it is the very brink that actually shows them what they got and what they really have and what they can lose.”

Public eye

Ms Regan said it’s not easy managing a relationship in the public eye.

“There has to be a lot of stress in that high exposure world and in the competitive world that he is in and it’s always hard to do these things in the public lens,” she said.

“But this is a young love, a young relationship and it has the potential.

“They have looked into it; they’ve come back from the brink and found a way forward.”

Rory McIlroy with his wife Erica Stoll, 01-10-2023. Image: PA Images / Alamy

Family law solicitor Keith Walsh said the process of divorce is quite drawn out in Ireland.

“You have to be living separate and apart for two years before you can apply for a divorce,” he said.

“It used to be four yours until the referendum in 2019.”

Divorce law

Mr Walsh said divorce law is much different in Florida where McIlroy lives.

“We’re able to find out all this information; for example, we found out they have a prenuptial agreement and we found out about the age of their daughter,” he said.

“We know the basis for divorce was ‘irretrievable breakdown’ and that they intended to do a shared parenting plan.

“That information is not publicly available in Ireland, it’s behind closed doors, and there is a greater degree of privacy which is aimed at protecting the husband, wife and most importantly, the children.”

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll tied the knot in Ireland in 2017.

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Main image: Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll, who called off divorce proceedings. Image: Tribune Content Agency LLC / Alamy Stock Photo