Hat-trick hero McGuinness praises 'outstanding' Reds

Cliftonville striker Caitlin McGuinness lauded an "outstanding" season for the club as they completed a domestic treble.

McGuinness scored a hat-trick in the Women's Challenge Cup final as the Reds beat Lisburn Rangers 5-0 to win the trophy for the first time since 2015.

They had already won the League Cup and strolled to the Women's Premiership title with 16 wins from 16 games.

"The girls have put a shift in all year. Training has been unbelievable, and you can tell it's been so competitive, and we've brought it onto the pitch," she told BBC Sport NI.

"Everyone has been outstanding this year."

McGuinness, who received the player of the match award after a superb all-round display alongside her three goals, said it was the perfect way to finish off a tremendous season for the Reds.

"I'm delighted. A hat-trick in the Irish Cup final - what more could you want!"

Echoing her team-mate's sentiment, winger Danielle Maxwell admitted it was a campaign to savour, fuelled by the disappointment of missing out on the league and Challenge Cup last season.

"It is unbelievable, to win the league alone is a big achievement but to do the treble is creating history for the club," she said.

"Every game this season we were hurt from last year in the league and in the cups, and tonight we had that feeling so the girls were really up for it.

"We're an attacking side, once we get one goal, they keep coming. We're that kind of team."

It was an emotionally charged evening for midfielder Marissa Callaghan as it marked just over a year since the death of her nephew, Ryan, in October 2023.

She was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, hitting the crossbar and the post, but she was happy for Caitlin McGuinness to receive all the plaudits.

"My nephew Ryan passed away this time last year and my family is here tonight, and we are wearing our armbands and it's dedicated to him tonight," she explained.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't get myself a goal I hit the crossbar, the post - everything!

"It has not been easy, but the girls were outstanding tonight. Caitlin McGuinness - what a hat-trick! I'm so happy and proud of them."

Callaghan believes the historic first treble is just reward for the effort put in by players and staff alike this season.

"We have worked so, so hard together. We put in the shifts with late hours and early mornings, and it means everything."