Dylan dedicates his sports star award to grandad Alf
THE honours have been coming thick and fast for schoolboy Dylan Keating in recent times and the new title of Drogheda Independent Coca- Cola Sport Star of the Year crowned a remarkable 12 months in the Seapoint golfer’s life.
The 16-year-old, who now plays off a handicap of 0.8, came from four shots off the lead to win the Irish Boys Under-16 Championship last summer, finished top of the pile in the Under-16 Irish Order of Merit, represented his country in the Italian Championship and got picked for the Irish Under-18 squad.
And to put the icing on the cake, he has already won two tournaments this month and has just become Seapoint Junior Captain for 2019.
‘It’s been a fantastic year, a surprising and a brilliant year,’ he said, ‘and to cap it off with Sport Star of the Year in this place with people like [ Young Sport Star of the Year] Karl Martin is just class,’ he said.
The Dundalk Grammar School student paid tribute to his grandfather Alf Dwyer when he collected the award on Saturday night.
‘My grandad passed away this year and he was a person I looked up to and he was a big idol for me. He was amazing, well known in Dundalk, and for him to go this year was very tough and I’ll miss him.
‘But I’ll take everything that he said to me on to next year and for the rest of my life. He was an amazing man.’
Dylan also thanked his proud parents Valerie and Gary for their support and his uncle Ronan - better known as Ronan Keating whose famous band performed their final Irish gig just 24 hours earlier in the 3Arena.
‘Uncle Ronan is doing what Ronan does. He’s doing brilliant with Boyzone and with his new kid Cooper. He’s flying and loving life. He plays a bit of golf and I’ve played him a few times. He’s took the money off me a few times - I probably shouldn’t say that because he’ll probably hear this and be boasting about it! Drogheda Independent Sports Star of the Year winner, Dylan Keating receiving his award from Jennifer Brennan, Director, Coca-Cola International Services.
‘But he’s brilliant. He’s a great uncle and a great person to have in my life, big time.’
Dylan doesn’t take success for granted, as after a serious health scare he must have wondered whether he’d ever get back playing at the top level. Certainly he’s come to appreciate each success all the more after what he went through a couple of years ago.
‘As a young amateur I won a lot. I was used to winning and then one day I was out playing Gaelic against the older age group and I gave it socks for
the match - let’s just put it like that! - and it took its toll on me after.
‘ Thankfully one of my friends’ dad is a doctor and he was there. I had an SVT [rapid heart rate] when he was there and went straight to the hospital and I had surgery three months after.
‘It took a toll on my body - mentally as well. I was always conscious about hurting my chest and something happening, but it’s all good now.
‘ To win as much as I did for my parents, my family and the people that support me is brilliant and I feel
like my game is good, I’m playing well and I don’t really see any reason why I can’t go on this year.’
Dylan’s sense of optimism is built around a supportive family and also his coaches - Neil Manchip when he’s with the Irish squad and Shane O’Grady at other times.
‘My personal coach Shane has been there for the past few years and I think he’s really the main reason why I’m up here getting these awards and winning all this stuff,’ said Dylan.
‘I think he’s the best coach in Ire-
land and one of the best around. He’s phenomenal and he’s changed me, and hopefully me and him can keep on going next year and try and represent Ireland and win a few more trophies. That’s really the aim.
‘He’s changed my golf mentally, physically - he’s changed me into a different person and he’s the main reason why I am here. I can’t really explain what he’s done. He’s amazing and he’s just the best.’