The spectacular effort earned his team a 1-1 draw in injury time, and Kearns is enjoying his newfound internet fame.
“It hasn’t really sunk in, to see yourself all over social media and to get everyone calling you, it has been something else,” he said.
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“I’ve never really gone up for corners before in my life as I’ve never needed to. I knew what I had to do when I went up there and in training, I’m always confident on the ball.
Obviously, I’m not a natural goal-scorer. I might have done it to joke around before but really, I was just as surprised as anyone else when it went in.”
Kearns’ goal brought him attention across Ireland and beyond, with the youngster subsequently being invited to appear on Sky Sports’ Soccer AM show and repeat his famous bicycle kick.
I was concentrating not showing myself up in front of my mates. I had to do one in the rehearsal and I missed it completely so I knew when it came round to it, the pressure was on.
“It was a bit of fun and I didn’t take it overly seriously. It was a relief to see it go in and maybe it shows it wasn’t as much of a fluke!”
Ahead of their game with Cabinteely, Kearns hopes his side can build on what was a good point against an impressive Cork side who featured in the UEFA Youth League last season.
The Students won the SSE Airtricity U19s League title last season and the goalkeeper is determined to continue their winning ways.
We’d never picked up a point down at Cork before so it was a really good result for us. The way we’ve started this year, it’s really good and positive for us.
“Everyone at UCD is really close, from the 17s to the seniors as we train together quite a lot. It wasn’t just a win for the team but a win for the entire club.
“The 17s narrowly missed out in the final last year so we won’t to do it again this season and push for more silverware.”
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UCD goalkeeper reflects on THAT goal and Soccer AM appearance
UCD GOALKEEPER CONOR Kearns has been reflecting on a “surreal” week after his last-minute bicycle kick goal against Cork City U19s went viral.
The spectacular effort earned his team a 1-1 draw in injury time, and Kearns is enjoying his newfound internet fame.
“It hasn’t really sunk in, to see yourself all over social media and to get everyone calling you, it has been something else,” he said.
“I’ve never really gone up for corners before in my life as I’ve never needed to. I knew what I had to do when I went up there and in training, I’m always confident on the ball.
Kearns’ goal brought him attention across Ireland and beyond, with the youngster subsequently being invited to appear on Sky Sports’ Soccer AM show and repeat his famous bicycle kick.
“It was a bit of fun and I didn’t take it overly seriously. It was a relief to see it go in and maybe it shows it wasn’t as much of a fluke!”
Ahead of their game with Cabinteely, Kearns hopes his side can build on what was a good point against an impressive Cork side who featured in the UEFA Youth League last season.
The Students won the SSE Airtricity U19s League title last season and the goalkeeper is determined to continue their winning ways.
“Everyone at UCD is really close, from the 17s to the seniors as we train together quite a lot. It wasn’t just a win for the team but a win for the entire club.
“The 17s narrowly missed out in the final last year so we won’t to do it again this season and push for more silverware.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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Goalkeeper League of Ireland LOI moment of magic Soccer AM surreal week UCD THAT goal