Cliftonville striker Caitlin McGuiness was the toast of north Belfast last night, after scoring a superb hat-trick in her side’s 5-0 Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup final victory over Lisburn Rangers.
The win is the Reds first since 2015 and completed the league and cup double for an imperious Cliftonville team.
Louise McDaniel and Victoria Carleton also got on the scoresheet as Rangers had no answer to the goal threat of their opponents, however, they can be proud of their achievements in making the final having just completed a successful return to the top-flight of women’s football.
Having completed the season undefeated in domestic action, McGuiness believed it was a team effort that led to grabbing the silverware on Saturday night.
“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 explained.
“Everyone has been outstanding this year.”
Unsurprisingly, McGuiness collected the player-of-the-match award and was proud of her personal performance.
“I’m delighted. A hat-trick in the Irish Cup final - what more could you want!”
Captain Marissa Callaghan admitted it was an emotional evening for herself on a personal level.
Just over a year since the death of her nephew, Ryan, in October 2023.
She went close to scoring, hitting the crossbar and the post, but she was happy for Caitlin McGuinness to receive 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 said.
“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 – after also winning the League Cup earlier in the year – shows that her team have what it takes to be the best in the competition.
“We have worked so, so hard together. We put in the shifts with late hours and early mornings, and it means everything.”
