Autism meant that young Darragh Dowling wouldn't talk or go outside but a passion for hurling and football has changed all that.

Darragh, who is 8-years-old, now travels all around Ireland to see GAA games. The Carlow lad is a huge follower of the Kilkenny hurlers and has got to meet many of his heroes, including Henry Shefflin and Tyrone's Mickey Harte over the last year.

His mum Michelle said the change that has occurred within Darragh since he discovered hurling and football

"Darragh comes across different challenges every day but one day he was looking at GAA on the TV. He grew a serious interest in hurling and football after that and eventually I got around Darragh to go to a hurling match and that is where it all started," explained Michelle.

"Darragh has now began to socialise a lot more because he has something interesting that he likes that most Irish people have the same interest in and of course that is sport."

Darragh's 15-year-olld brother Jason made a youtube clip which shows Darragh out and about all around Ireland gouing to games and meeting his heroes.

"Jason decided to make this video for his little brother because we are so proud of his achievement going from a child that wouldn't talk or go outside to a child that will travel all over the country to see matches," said Michelle.

"I think it is very inspiring to young children to follow their dreams even if they have a disability." Tweet

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