What Connacht star did for teenager “down in the dumps” gives whole new meaning to role models

Jack Carty will forever be a source of inspiration for at least one man.

The Connacht fly half has carved out a good career for himself in Galway and his right boot has already won him plaudits, honours and it has made memories. Through it all though, Carty is as empathetic as ever. He's never lost touch with the people and, clearly, the Athlone native has an altruistic side to his nature that extends way beyond signing autographs and stopping for photos. On Wednesday, the Connacht star bumped into a 14-year-old at the park, a young man who was feeling down so the former Irish underage player thought nothing of spending a little time with him and having a chat to see if he could do anything to cheer him up. The pair kicked ball and spoke and Carty imparted some wisdom. If that wasn't enough, he called around to his house later in the day with a signed jersey and a card that had a note to reinforce some of their talking points.

"Always remember to keep the head up," it read. "Don't mind people who are jealous of you and your soccer skills. "At your age, I wish I had as good a right foot."

Carty went on to offer him abd his family a trip to a Connacht game the next time they are around and, because of him, a 14-year-old who was down is now feeling six-foot tall. Jack Carty, an everyday hero. https://twitter.com/sidmonton/status/1004457490585673729?s=19