'He's on cloud nine' - Shane Lowry makes Toy Show kid's dream come true at Irish Open
Seven-year-old Toy Show star Declan Ryan joins his favourite golfer, Offaly’s own Shane Lowry, at the Amgen Irish Open at Trump Doonbeg, Co Clare
Offaly golfer Shane Lowry has kept his promise to a young boy he met on the Toy Show last year as he hosted the seven-year-old as his caddie during the Irish Open Pro-Am in Trump Doonbeg.
Declan Ryan from Cork appeared on RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show last Christmas, revealing his love of golf and sporting hero, Shane Lowry before being surprised by the Clara man.
Shane appeared live on video, saying, “I heard you’re a really big fan of mine, which means a lot, so I’ve set up something pretty special for you. At next year’s Irish Open, I’d love for you to come along and spend the day with me and experience what it’s like to be a pro inside the ropes at the Irish Open.”
Declan was then left in shock when the Offaly golfer appeared live in the Toy Show studio and gave him some golfing advice.
“Practice hard, never stop enjoying it and follow your dreams,” is the advice Shane gave to Declan.
Shane kept his word and made Declan’s dreams come true on Wednesday, as he joined him during the Pro-Am at Trump International Golf Links in Clare on Wednesday.
Shane later took to Facebook, saying, “Great to see you again today Declan and hope you enjoyed your day.”
Declan’s mother wrote in the comments, “Declan has come back in home on cloud nine.’ Thank you so much Shane for the most wonderful, memorable day for my little boy! As you know, you are his hero and it meant the absolute world to him. He was in awe being inside the ropes with you today! Wishing you all the best this weekend, from Declan & Family.”
The reunion came as the Offaly golfer prepares for his 18th Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links. Shane famously won the tournament as an amateur back in 2009 and will aim to take the trophy from good friend Rory McIlroy who won the event at the K Club last year.
The heartwarming moment was enjoyed by many golf fans on social media, with one commenter saying, “beautiful, such a wondering memory for Declan.”
As Shane himself said on last year’s Toy Show, maybe one day we will be watching Declan golfing on television.