YOUNG golfer Rory Hill doesn’t just share a first name with his idol from Northern Ireland.

He too can say he has been selected on the Ireland U18 golf team, just as Rory McIlroy was when he was an up and coming golfer.

“I was delighted when I got the news, it was a personal goal for me all year to get on the Ireland team,” said Rory from The Spa.

The member of Tralee Golf Club is coming off the back of a terrific season where he finished 1st in the Munster U17 competition and in 10th spot in the U18 All-Ireland championship.

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“My parents are really happy. Before I started playing they didn’t really have an interest in golf, but now they’re mad into it” said Rory.

There are 12 players in total on the Ireland panel. With the season now over Rory will be looking ahead to competitions next year. These include the European Championships and the Home International Championships.

“One of the best aspects of getting on the team is that a good friend of mine, Jesse Stafford Lacey is on the Ireland soccer team and another Andrew Barry is on the Kerry minor team,  so I can say now, I’ve made it onto a major sports team as well!” said Rory.

The next step for Rory with the Ireland team will be a team meeting in November in prestigious surroundings of Carlton House Golf Club in Kildare, a former host of the Irish Open.

Principal of Mercy Mounthawk, John O’Roarke, also had these words to say about Rory’s achievement.

“It just goes to show Rory’s dedication and commitment for the sport. He’s a very motivated young man right across the board. He’s one of those kids who’s all-rounded, so we’re not surprised he’s got this far.”