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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Cliftonville hero Joe Gormley delights kids with County Antrim Shield 'tour'

Cliftonville hero Joe Gormley is a man in demand these days.

So much so that the Reds striker - known as 'The Goal' - has ended up on tour over the past few days.

Joe has been visiting a number of youth football clubs in North Belfast with a very special guest - the County Antrim Shield trophy.

Cliftonville beat Ballymena United in a dramatic Shield final last week, winning 2-1 after scoring two injury time goals.

Joe's brother Ciaran is involved with Crumlin Star Youth, and invited his sibling to bring the Shield up to the club to show it off to the kids.

During that visit, Ardoyne YC 2008/09 side were also in attendance so they got to see and hold the trophy.

The visits seem to be catching on, as Joe revealed a number of other clubs have been in contact hoping the Reds striker can extend his 'tour'.

"My bother asked me to come up to Crumlin Star Youth on Tuesday night with the Shield, and when I was there the Ardoyne YC team was also there," Joe said.

Joe Gormley with members of Ardoyne YC 2008/09 team (Ardoyne YC 2008/09 Facebook)

"They got to see the Shield up close and hold it.

"I do some other work at Ardoyne After Schools Club during the day so I also brought it up there."

And the demand is growing, with Joe set to visit North Belfast United FC and Cliftonville Primary School next week.

"I am taking the Shield to Cliftonville PS on Monday and then North Belfast United on Wednesday," Joe added.

"It is great that the local community has an interest in the Shield and I enjoy taking the trophy around to show the kids.

"But I might have to hand the Shield back next week before any more people ask for a visit!"

The visits have certainly been going down a treat with the clubs and kids.

Crumlin Star Youth said on their Facebook page: "Massive thanks to Joe tonight for coming along to our training with the Shield, all the lads were buzzing. You're a great role model for this area and our young players look up to people like you, top man."

Ardoyne YC said added their own Facebook page: "Big massive thank you to Crumlin Star Youth for getting Joe The Goal up with the Shield to training last night and letting our boys and girls get photos, two Gormley bros legends."

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