Ronan Hale’s iconic clear run at goal will be etched into Cliftonville folklore

Steven Beacom

The long, long wait is over for Cliftonville. Following 45 years of hurt the Irish Cup finally brought joy to the Reds again on a day their jubilant fans inside Windsor Park will never forget.

The Cliftonville class of 2024, inspired, guided and cajoled by the brilliant Jim Magilton, are Solitude legends now. None more so than Ronan Hale whose extra time double against Linfield in a 3-1 victory brought the trophy back to north Belfast.