Cross-channel sides would be mad not to snap up Ronan Hale: Cliftonville hero Joe Gormley

Cross-channel scouts have been impressed with Hale’s goalscoring heroics in the 2023/24 season, and his double blast in the showpiece will alert even more clubs.

The former Crusaders striker’s first goal in extra-time was a thing of beauty, a moment of individual brilliance worthy of the occasion.

Reds legend Gormley, who had the biggest smile at Windsor Park on Saturday teatime despite not playing a minute of the game, feels it’s an honour to be in the same side as a player of Hale’s quality.

“I watch the boys train, and it is scary,” beamed Gormley.

“We have the best players in the League. Some of them are ridiculously talented.

“Kyle McClean is a super player, well done on him winning Player of the Year, but this guy (Rory Hale) is something else. If you ask any team who they would like to buy, it is that man.

“Then you have his brother Ronan Hale. I don’t know a family of two brothers that good in this game.

“I shook Ronan’s hand and said it was a pleasure to play with them. If I am playing with Ronan Hale next season, there is something wrong. If someone doesn’t take a punt on him, then they must be blind or drinking what I am drinking.

“Ronan’s first goal was special, but he does that every week in training. When he shoots, good luck to the keepers. As long as he’s in my company, he won’t have to buy a drink.”

It was a special day for the Hale family as Rory and Ronan delivered for their boyhood club, and Rory also feels his brother doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

“I think players have got moves across the water doing less than what he has done in the last two seasons,” argued Rory.

“He took a chance to leave Larne to enjoy more regular game time at Cliftonville.

“I think he has something like 55 goals in two seasons, which is outstanding, remarkable, and he played left wing last season.

“Jim (Magilton) has a system now where he has two up front, and Ronan still has more than 20 goals despite being injured for a few months.

“His goal return is outstanding, and he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.”

For Gormley, this was one of the best days of his life. For someone who has lost two Irish Cup Finals and cares passionately about the north Belfast club, you couldn’t have written a better fairytale script.

“I thought Linfield were better in the first half, but we were outstanding in the second half, and we have been like that all season,” said the club’s record goalscorer.

“I have never been prouder of a group of lads. I said two years ago, this group is one to keep an eye on. Now, we have won the Irish Cup for the first time in 45 years. A few guys have been waiting six months for this, I have been waiting 13 years.

“My wee lad is two weeks old and he’s seen it already!

“This team is something else. When David (Odumosu) and (Odhran) Casey went off injured, it reminded me of the Cup Final defeat to Glentoran, Liam Boyce had a shoulder knock and I was thinking the worst.

“It’s a close-knit club and community, and you know virtually everyone in the crowd.

“It’s an amazing feeling, and the fans deserve this, they are the best fans in the country.

“They travel far and wide. I spoke to a friend of Rory’s who travelled over from Australia.

“They have waited for this day for so long, and we are seeing grown men in tears.

“It means so much to the people. No one gives us a chance, but the Irish Cup is back at Solitude.”