Class act Rory Hale is targeting more silver linings with Cliftonville

This is Hale’s second Irish Cup success, however he didn’t play in the 2019 final when Crusaders won the prize.

On Saturday he was centre stage, driving his team to an historic victory over Linfield in the first Reds v Blues decider in 90 years.

The former Derry City man’s quality, experience and leadership skills helped the north Belfast side storm to a 3-1 victory after extra-time.

“This is my third full season and we have had three great groups but, unfortunately, at the end of every season we have lost one or two key players,” said the 27-year-old.

“I’m hoping we can keep the team together and build on this. I think this is my sixth winner’s medal which I am very proud of.

“These days are great for everyone but I want more. This is what you are in the game for. European football and challenging for league titles is great but I want trophies. I want more of this and I want the same feeling this time next season.”

The Reds had to come from behind to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. They dug deep, with Ronan Hale’s double in extra time leaving them in dreamland.

“We needed to come through an early storm which was a kick up the bum for us,” said Hale.

“We had to start playing football and everyone grew in confidence as the game went on.

“You have nothing to lose and everything to gain when you are losing a football match and a game can swing with a tackle or good pass.

“Our game changed when we got the goal. The main word is relief for everybody. There was a lot of pressure ahead of the game and we were underdogs.

“We were in the lion’s den and we knew how strong Linfield would be. The boys were dropping like flies, I was sick, the boys were suffering from cramp but the fans gave us an extra bit of energy.

“There was so much at stake — people were shouting out of windows during the week ‘make sure you win that, we need you’. There is huge relief we got it over the line.”

Hale was delighted for his brother Ronan who sprinkled his magic dust on the showpiece with a memorable double, including that glorious third which triggered wild celebrations.

“Ronan leads the line very well, he won the majority of headers against Ben Hall who is aggressive and likes to win headers,” said Rory.

“I thought Ronan was super and not many players in this country can do what he did for the second goal, I see that week in, week out. I would be his harshest critic because I know what he can do. When he doesn’t do it he gets an earful from me.

“His second goal, with the early celebration, reflected his confidence. He ran his socks off and competed really well against three strong Linfield defenders.”

Rory was also proud of young warriors like Shea Kearney and Sean Stewart who showed class and composure in difficult circumstances.

“I felt some of the senior boys were nervous and once Ronan Doherty settled into the game that helped us. We needed him to pass the ball and you noticed Linfield targeted our young boys,” said the former Aston Villa youngster.

“We had to settle and when the young boys played the short passes they got into the game.

“We had to give the lads help and they grew in confidence.”