Broadcaster Gerry Kelly believes he played a part in Rory McIlroy’s rise to fame.
McIlroy won the Under 10 World’s Championship in America at the age of nine before being interviewed by Kelly on the achievement.
Speaking on the Anton Savage Show, Kelly said he thought McIlroy’s achievement was worth an interview.
Read More Jordan Spieth's Masters prep dealt major blow after taking different approach to rivals
“We heard that young Rory had won the under 10 World’s Championship in America,” Kelly said.
“We thought it's worth a five-minute interview, so we spoke to his mother.”
“We've got a washing machine, and he putted the balls.
“It was no more than just that I thought he’s a very capable nine-year-old who can play golf.
“But look what's happened... and you know something? He never sent me a thank you note.
“I started his career, and not once did he send me a letter to say thanks Gerry."
“He wouldn’t be the golfer he was without me,” he laughed.
Kelly also went on to explain his first interaction with singer Garth Brooks.
“I had interviewed him when he came to Dublin first,” he added.
“I told him, ‘Right the next time you come, you'll have to make sure you're coming to Belfast’.
“I'm not sure whether he knew Belfast existed or not.
“a couple of years later, there was a press call at Croke Park, and someone said to him said ‘I hear you’re invading Belfast on your tour this year’.
“He said, ‘Yes... I promised Gerry Kelly’.
“He’s a real gentleman, I have to say.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
