Paddy Burns: Irish Cup win is for Cliftonville legends Chris Curran and Joe Gormley

Rory Hale may have started the showpiece with the captain’s armband and produced an inspired performance at Windsor Park, but Burns felt it was fitting that Solitude legends Curran and Gormley lifted the trophy amid ecstatic scenes.

Burns arrived at Solitude on the final day of the transfer window and now he’s an Irish Cup winner, while the wait for this golden moment has been much longer for the long-serving Reds favourites.

Curran is now bringing the curtain down on his career, while Gormley, who was unable to feature in the showpiece, still has the appetite for more remarkable chapters.

“A massive motivation for us was to repay boys like Chris and Joe, who have enjoyed unbelievable careers with this club,” said Burns, the brother of Glentoran ace Bobby Burns.

“They have given the club so much service, and it’s been amazing for me to learn from those players and be welcomed into the group.

“It’s been an honour for me, I can remember going to games with my mates from St Malachy’s to watch players like Chris and Joe, so to be playing with them is amazing.

“I thanked them after the game because they are role models and amazing players to play with. Hopefully, retirement treats Chris well.”

Cliftonville needed all their resilience to win the Final after falling behind to Ethan McGee’s opener and suffering injury setbacks to goalkeeper David Odumosu and Odhran Casey.

“You know Linfield have quality and they can hit you at any time but we had to hang in,” said Burns.

“I had a groin issue and wasn’t sure whether I would be fit for the game, but I took painkillers, and extra-time felt like an eternity.

“I had faith we could see the job through. We have conceded one goal in the Irish Cup and were willing to do anything it took to get over the line.

“We had one mission but faith we could do it.”

Burns had three years with Notre Dame University, with whom he won the Atlantic Coast Conference title in 2021, and in 2024, he has found himself on a steep learning curve at Solitude.

“I feel very lucky just to be part of such a fantastic group,” added Burns, who had a spell with the Cliftonville Academy.

“When I came back from America, I was thrown into the starting 11, which was great, but it had been six weeks since I played and I needed a mini pre-season.

“I had never played in that left centre-back position before. I had to get used to a new style of play and my team-mates, but the lads rallied around me and the coaching staff kept faith in me. I was eager to learn and put things right.

“I’m fortunate to be in an environment where you can learn and grow as a player, with the help of guys like Chris (Curran), Ronan Doherty and Jonny Addis.

“Irish League games are different, I had some experience with Glenavon, but this is another level, especially a game like this. I really wanted to repay the manager’s faith in me.”