Aiming for Olympic stardom

The two golfers who are aged just 14 and 15 have already collected a range of golfing trophies as members of Birdies Special Olympics Golf Club.

Shea who took up the sport only a year and a half ago after asking his parents for a set of clubs for Christmas, is already playing at level five in the games while he plays off 24 at Silverwood Golf Club.

When he's not on the golf course, Shea plays for GAA Club Clan na Gael, but has been warned by his mum Siobhan to take it easy in order to prevent injury before his debut at the games.

Shea told the MAIL: “I am really excited to be going to the Special Olympics but I think mum is probably more excited than me, when I grow up I want to be a professional golfer, just like Rory McIroy.”

Shea’s signed picture of his golfing hero takes pride of place in his bedroom and is a most treasured possession.

The 14 year old who attends Ceara School said of taking up golf: “I just wanted to give it a go.”

A total of eight athletes will attend the Special Games from the Birdies club and it will take a mammoth 3,500 to send them there, an average of 400 per athlete.

Alex Dawson who has just turned 15 has been a member of the Birdies club for the past three years.

At the games Alex will be partnered with Droll Mainly who has been huge a golfing influence on him and who spotted his golfing talent.

The Ceara student, qualified for both Athletics and Golf at the Games but chose to go down the golfing route.

Alex’s Mum Sheila told the 'MAIL': “Alex seems to have great eye to ball co-ordination and he just loves to play and loves anything that involves a ball.”

When he is not practicing his playing power Alex plays football, basketball and he even plays for the school football team.

His mum said: “My seven-year-old grandson loves to see Alex so they can kick a ball about together.”

As well as his sporting talent Alex is also involved with music and is a member of the Ceara Makaton Choir.

He also has an ambition to be the drummer in his brother Peter’s Rock Band Signed by Jeff.

The Special Olympics are to be held in Athens, the home of the Olympics, next year, and both boys are hoping to secure a place.