Hacks, snappers and golf fans huddled outside the Four Courts from early this morning hoping to get a look at the man whose financial affairs were set to be focus of eight weeks of intense scrutiny. 

Rory McIlroy, the world's top golfer, was still the number one ticket in town.

As time ticked closer to H-Hour of 11 o'clock, a nervous energy set in over the gawkers.  Where was he?”¨”¨ The approach of a blacked-out Mercedes people-carrier, identical to the one which ferried the four time Major winner yesterday brought a sense of relief. Disappointment followed just seconds later when the driver offered a comical chuckle but an unhelpful shrug. Bogey.

By 10.30, even more had joined the party on Inn's Quay with many remarking that, by now, a Ryder Cup-like carnival atmosphere had set in.

A head-the-ball on a passing Dublin Bus confirmed that view and kicked the delirium into overdrive with a cry of "FORE!". 

11 o'clock came and attention shifted to Court Number 1 to see if this case would get off the ground. There was still no sighting of Rory, who had just one day earlier walked into court in high spirits, a smart navy suit, and by now infamous glasses. His manner had reflected confidence and his quips to the gathered golf writers showed he wasn't daunted by the experience. 

That same confidence was very clear by 9 o'clock last night when the man from Holywood, Co Down, walked out into Dublin's northside after several hours of intense talks with Horizon.

The outcome of those frenzied discussions became quite clear when it dawned on the waiting media when the star attraction didn’t arrive.

When Judge Brian Cregan entered, he was immediately told by Rory's vastly-experienced lawyer Paul Gallagher that the multi-million euro dispute had been "resolved" to the satisfaction of all concerned. Done deal. 

The judge congratulated both sides on a job well done, wishing both McIlroy and Horizon's MD Conor Ridge the best in their futures.

A statement from both sides said there would be no further comment on the matter, which had threatened to see the financial affairs of golf's biggest name brought into the public eye. The deal which ended the acrimony is believed to be worth $20 million plus legal costs. Team McIlroy and Horizon said the were satisfied with the outcome, with one source close to the latter using the word "delighted". 

But those who came in hope of a quick snap of their hero, not to mention the world's media, were left empty-handed. One colleague perhaps best summed up the feeling inspired by the whole fruitless saga with an eagle of a headline: ”Waiting for Golfo".