Talented 10-year-old TikTok star hurler has Royal ambition

A HURLING wonderkid who has become a TikTok sensation hopes to one day line out for his county.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

Ben Smyth has dazzled social media users with his slick stick skills since his account was created last September.

The 10-year-old from Meath plays as a half-forward for the Ulls side at St Peter's Dunboyne, and proud dad Niall says that his small stature doesn't stop him from scoring.

Speaking to this paper, Niall, who also plays for St Peter's Dunboyne, said: "Ben has always been tipping away with a ball since he could walk.

"I realised he had a knack for hurling when he was really young - when he was able to hit the ball with one hand.

"He has really good hand-eye coordination.

"He's always playing hurling and Gaelic football, and he's always out practising.

"The hurl is never out of his hand."

Niall said his son practises for around two hours each day, in addition to two weekly training sessions and weekend matches.