When I was six years old, I used to be able to recite large paragraphs from Roald Dahl novels off the top of my head and give a description of each of the planets. A year later, a teacher asked each member of the class what they wanted to be when they grew up – standard replies included; an astronaut, a soldier, a businessman and even a priest. I stunned both the class and the teacher by responding “I want to be Prime Minister or President of Ireland.” I have my pupil progress report from that year, where the teacher actually quoted me, with the added caption “And I think there’s a fair probability the Boy-Wonder will end up doing it!”
All children are special and our youthful ambitions sometimes cause us humour, awe and embarrassment when we look back on it all. But what about the people who actually go on to achieve them? What about those, who despite any odds against them, actually secure their place in the stars after long periods of struggle and toil? We read their autobiographies with the burning desire to know what makes them tick, searching for secrets to excellence.
I often remember the age old adage that if you aim for the ceiling you will land on the floor but if you aim for the stars you will land on the ceiling. But again, what about those who propel towards the stars and remain up in the firmament? It’s always nice to see people succeed, but it’s even nicer when it’s a working-class person with firm roots in their local community. It gives people, young and old, hope and inspiration while reinforcing the lessons of much needed role models.
North Belfast has been through an awful lot – with very high suicide rates and anti-depressant consumption; but has still remarkably produced two Presidents and many fine scholars, doctors, business-people, tradesmen, activists and community pillars. But there’s one star that continues not only to keep shining but to continue rising – North Belfast lad Ryan Burnett.
Belfast has a great history of boxing talent, particularly the North of the city. Carl Frampton is legendary and always seeking to encourage young people into the sport. Paddy Barnes is a formidable figure. There’s something about the Irish (Northern or Southern), and Belfast-folk in particular, which makes them resilient, tough-minded and leads them to proverbially punch above their weight. Ryan, Paddy and Carl, in Samurai-like manner, have an ethic and motivation for what they are doing which I have rarely seen matched in other human beings. It’s quite simply superlative and a stunning display of effort.
Notwithstanding his current WBO European, British and WBC International Bantamweight titles, there are actually no limits with Ryan Burnett. He is on a journey to the commanding heights of boxing stardom and at the same time remains a friendly and affable young man, well-respected throughout his community. Boxing is who he is, and he isn’t prepared to settle for any precedent less than exceptional. He understands and applies what wisdom Shakespeare espoused in Hamlet – “To be or not to be, that is the question.” To be ourselves in this life or not to be ourselves. And he’s making one fine job and example out of being himself. He is the real Boy-Wonder!
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