McElroy heads West in footsteps of hero Rory

BALLYMENA teenager Dermot McElroy ticks all the boxes as he pitches up at County Sligo today bidding to become the youngest winner of the West of Ireland Championship since Rory McIlroy.

Boy wonder McIlroy proved he was a unique talent when he won as a 15-year-old in 2005 and then retained the title the following year.

But Irish amateur golf believes it may have found its next big star in 17-year old McElroy, who has quickly made a name for himself at home and abroad.