Penalty drama as Beaumont National School land title at Aviva ...

SIMON Zebo was one of their star players 22 years ago when Beaumont last tasted national soccer success. 

We'll have to wait and see what the future holds for the pupils who emulated those school heroes but for now, they can bask in the glory of an incredible victory at the Aviva Stadium in front of a huge crowd.

The current crop beat Leinster champions St Declan's of Ashbourne on penalties to be crowned national champions last week.

Like 2002 when the school last won the title the victory brought great excitement to the school and satisfaction to the supporters, family members, teachers and players, after the youngster held their nerve to take penalties after the game finished 0-0.

Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Coach Ken Bruton said it was a tough path to the top, getting out of Cork and Munster to make it to the Aviva.

It was probably one of the best feelings I've had in soccer to be honest!"

Ken's son Sam was one of the players on the team and the laugh afterward amidst the celebrations was that it was Sam's first time taking a penalty, on the big stage no less!

"I had asked Sam to take a penalty and thankfully he slotted it as I would have carried the guilt with me forever if he hadn't, as he had never taken a penalty before," smiles Bruton.

"It was an incredible occasion for all the players, their families, the huge school support and of course their manager and Sixth Class teacher Johnathon Rahmoune.

SETBACK

"Seven of the eight players, just days before, suffered a loss in the Sciath na Scol hurling final so while it was a disappointing start to the week. The boys showed great character to lift themselves and head to the Aviva in good spirits, and finish the week on an unbelievable high having been crowned All-Ireland champions.

We had many tough battles en route to the final in the Aviva which I think stood to us on the day." 

They won their initial group stage in the large school’s division in Lakewood back in March, then played in a two-group, eight-team tournament in Musgrave Park to decide who would represent Cork in Cahir. They progressed having edged out a very good Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh side on penalties in the final.

"From there we played in a two-group, six-team tournament against the winner from each Munster county level tournament in Cahir to decide who would represent Munster. We progressed beating a very good Kerry side 1-0 in a tight and tense encounter."

Then it was onto the Aviva for the national decider. 

"We were 3-1 down against the excellent Leinster champions in the first group game before showing their resolve to score two goals to salvage a very important point. 

We then beat both the Connaught and Donegal champions by a 3-1 margin ending the group stage on seven points and setting up a five-minute playoff against Leinster who were also on seven points." 

This ended in a stalemate with both teams well-matched before another nail-biting penalty shootout. 

"Our keeper Donnacha McCarthy pulled off the only save of the shoot out to a rapturous response from the four busloads of Beaumont kids that the school organised to bring to the Aviva!

"Jonathan Rahmoune, their teacher and Aston Villa fan, managed the side and luckily for me, asked me to coach them back in February as both Ian Horgan and Trevor Murphy who would normally take the role were assisting in other sports at the time with the school. I knew the boys from coaching them with Avondale so was delighted to help out. 

Beaumont with the cup at Aviva Stadium. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

"Special mention must also go to the school’s second team who were unlucky to lose out in the initial group stage but were a constant support to the eventual winners along the way.

"For the lads to play in the Aviva was amazing. To win was a bonus and the joy on their faces is something I will never forget.

"It is a moment that I imagine will live with the boys forever."

Beaumont 2002 squad: 

Cabdi Mohammed, Simon Zebo, Brian O'Sullivan, Hassan Mohammed, Ribena Rep, Matthew Kelleher, Mark Drummond, Patrick Parfrey, Richard Dineen.

The Beaumont NS 2002 team picture hanging on the wall in the school.

Beaumont 2024 squad:

Conor Browne, Sam Bruton, Donnacha McCarthy, Cian Shannon, Kieran Stack, Fionn O'Leary, Sean Connolly, Tadhg Quirke.