Pupils at Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School in north Belfast welcomed Cliftonville star Joe Gormley back to school alongside the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday afternoon.
The 35-year-old forward scored the winning goal during Sunday’s Irish League Cup final to help the side retain the trophy for a second year running.
Joe ‘The Goal’ Gormley, who works as a classroom assistant at the school, was brought on as a substitute to score the winning goal against Glentoran at Windsor Park.
More: Joe Gormley wins it for the Reds as they make it two wins in as many finals
His extra-time goal in the 99th minute of the match means he now has scored seven goals across five League Cup finals.
On Tuesday, he received a hero’s welcome as he brough the BetMcLean Cup back to school to the delight of a sea of red-wearing pupils.
Pupils got to see the silverware up close and have their shirts signed during the reception.
Cliftonville boss described the Ardoyne man as a “genius in the box” following his performance on Sunday.
He is the Reds’ all-time top goal scorer, but said last December that he might have one more season left in him given his recent form.
“This was probably going to be my last year but the way I’m playing at the minute, I might deserve another year,” he said at the time.