A Nation Divided: Conor McGregor's Fall from Grace in Ireland Following Civil Verdict**

Following a jury ruling against MMA fighter Conor McGregor, Irish public sentiment has shifted dramatically, leading to widespread removal of his branding and diminishing support for the fighter.**

 

Conor McGregor, the renowned mixed martial artist, announced on social media, “The fight game awaits!” But in stark contrast, retailers are swiftly distancing themselves from him, pulling his products from shelves, painting over murals, and terminating partnerships. This swift repudiation comes in the wake of a civil jury's ruling in Dublin that deemed McGregor guilty of sexual assault against Nikita Hand, who alleged the assault occurred at a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Ms. Hand was awarded nearly €250,000 (£208,000) in damages. McGregor has since vowed to appeal the verdict.

Hand’s case follows a series of legal troubles for McGregor, who's long been a polarizing figure in Ireland. After controversies including an arrest in New York for an incident involving a bus and a bar fight conviction, many speculate that public support was already wavering. However, the aftermath of the recent ruling is far more impactful, as hundreds of retailers across the UK and Ireland swiftly pulled products associated with him.

Major companies have also severed ties; Proximo Spirits, which acquired McGregor's Proper No Twelve whiskey brand, announced plans to drop his name from marketing strategies. Furthermore, collaborations with gaming company IO Interactive and the removal of a wax figure from Ireland's National Wax Museum illustrate a broader repudiation.

McGregor's fame had initially inspired many, depicting a rags-to-riches story as he overcame the recession-era struggles of Ireland and rose to prominence in MMA. Journalist Petesy Carroll recalls a time when McGregor ignited national pride in his sport, but he believes that the scandals have overshadowed these achievements. The narrative has unfortunately shifted from admiration to disdain as people withdraw support.

Legal experts detail the gravity of the civil case, highlighting its impact on the discussion surrounding consent and sexual assault in Ireland. Following the verdict, there has been a notable increase in calls to support services, indicative of a societal shift brought about by the highly publicized case.

As the dust settles on the trial, public sentiment around McGregor has turned sour. A gym owner in Galway took a stand by painting over a mural of McGregor, a testament to a changing tide in Ireland’s reception of its fallen hero. The gym’s owner, Gary Scully, stated, “People want nothing to do with him... the way he’s behaved is just absolutely terrible.”

While McGregor hints at a return to the fighting world, his legacy is now marred by controversy, leaving Ireland with deep divides over the complex relationship it once held dearly with its most famous athlete.