While Rory McIlroy’s success can be attributed to talent and hard work, broadcaster Gerry Kelly reckons he also lent a helping hand. 

Speaking to The Anton Savage Show about his latest project, Mr Kelly reflected on some of his best interviews as a broadcasting legend in Northern Ireland. 

In particular, an interview with a nine-year-old Rory McIlroy will go down in history. 

“We heard that young Rory had won the under 10 World’s Championship in America,” Mr Kelly explained. 

“We thought it's worth a five-minute interview, so we spoke to his mother.” 

After learning a young Mr McIlroy spent the winters practicing golf in the hallway of his home, Mr Kelly decided to help him practice on his show Kelly. 

“We've got a washing machine, and he putted the balls,” he said. “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." 

The video regularly circulates when a now mature Mr McIlroy reaches tournaments, something Mr Kelly is delighted with. 

“He wouldn’t be the golfer he was without me,” he joked. 

Gerry Kelly and Garth Brooks

The ever-humble Mr Kelly also claims credit for getting singer Garth Brooks to Belfast in 1998. 

“I had interviewed him when he came to Dublin first,” he explained. “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 hearing 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.” 

Conversations with Gerry Kelly is a 10-part weekly series available Saturdays on UTV and YouTube now.