Picture: Noel Brosnan
IT’S a long way from Celtic Park in Killarney to Wembley Stadium in London but footballing talent shortened the journey for Youri Tielemans who became an FA Cup final hero yesterday.
The 24-year-old Belgian footballer netted one of the greatest goals ever seen in the showpiece decider to earn Leicester City their first ever FA Cup final success against a star-studded Chelsea side.
But while the former Anderlecht star graced the greatest stage of all yesterday, when he rifled an unstoppable effort into the top corner from 25 yards, it’s just nine years since he was displaying his silken skills in Killarney.
He was one of the standout players when Belgium took on the Republic of Ireland in an under 15 international on 8 March 2012.
And, just like his golden goal in the cup final, midfield ace Tielemans also found the net that day at Celtic Park.
The memory of that visit is vividly remembered by Celtic stalwart Noel Brosnan who even captured the special moment on camera with Tielemans – who was named man-of-the-match in the cup final yesterday – in the line-up alongside Killarney mascots Evan Cosgrave and Ruth Doyle.
