A TERMINALLY-ILL Irish teenager received an unexpected message of support this week — from All Blacks rugby star Dan Carter.

Sixteen-year-old Donal Walsh from Blennerville, County Kerry, made national headlines following a moving interview on RTÉ’s Saturday Night Show earlier this month.

Walsh was a budding young rugby player with dreams of playing for Munster before he was diagnosed with a tumour on his leg at the age of 12.

Yesterday morning he picked up a short message from one of the game’s greats, the reigning IRB World Player of the Year Carter.

“Check your voice messages mate as just tried calling you,” the out-half tweeted him yesterday. “Best wishes with everything & keep smiling #truechampion.”

Walsh replied: “Thanks very much! It means a lot coming all the way from New Zealand not to mind you!

“Ill do my best and hope you’re keeping well.”

Carter was also in touch with another young Irish fanatic when he posted a video message for 12-year-old Dubliner George Morgan.

Morgan, who plays for Terenure College, caught his eye with a skills video he uploaded to YouTube with the message: ‘Hey All Blacks check this out.’

“I just wanted to let you know how awesome your YouTube video was,” Carter said. “Absolutely loved it.”

“I believe you’re pretty famous now in Ireland. Good luck with your future and I’m sure you’ll be wearing the Irish rugby jersey one day. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to play against the mighty All Blacks.”