Cliftonville win the Irish Cup: Reaction from the Reds camp

Cliftonville lifted the Irish Cup for the first time in 45 years on Saturday, and manager Jim Magilton has promised to celebrate "long into the night".

Jim Magilton The Reds boss told the BBC: "You talk about effort, pride, determination, playing against all the odds. We lost our goalkeeper and centre half, two players who have been unbelievable for us this season. Then we go a goal behind and have it all to do. What can you say about a group of players. I am immensely pride.

Magilton admits he never expected to lift the Irish Cup in his first season in charge. He said: "When the third goal goes in it is a sigh of relief. It is such an emotional rollercoaster. That's what this game brings, and we are going to celebrate into the early hours for all it's worth. Hale also praised brother Ronan on his two-goal salvo which won the cup, adding: "I thought he would have pipped me to the man of the match. He was outstanding and led the line brilliantly. His first goal was sensational, out of nothing."

Reflecting on his first goal, a superb right-foot strike in the first minute of extra-time, Hale said: "I was very frustrated I hadn't had a chance in the game, and I felt when it came onto my right foot there was no stopping it. I knew what I wanted to do and I executed it."

BBC North Belfast Windsor Park Cliftonville FC Linfield FC

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