Young sports stars - Real talent is a real challenge

YESTERDAY the Irish Examiner was proud to acknowledge and honour the achievements and talents of 18 of Ireland’s finest your sportsmen and women.

There are few things as alluring a young talent and the process involved in realising that potential can be one of life’s greatest adventures. Squandering a great talent will always remain one of life’s great disappointments and regrets.

Though not all of those honoured yesterday will go on to achieve great things in their chosen sport. If even one or two go on to emulate two of their predecessors as Junior Sports Stars — Roy Keane and Anthony Foley — they will have achieved great things.

The Olympics will be on our doorstep in London in just four years. How wonderful it would be if yesterday’s recognition encouraged one of the award winners to develop their talent and aim for gold in 2012.