Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton paid “special tribute” to captain Rory Hale for his role in their 2-1 Irish Cup victory over Glenavon – which came just a matter of days after losing his grandfather Danny.

Former Irish League striker Danny Hale, who scored over 300 goals across his career, passed away earlier this week aged 84.

Magilton revealed skipper Hale was determined to be involved despite his personal heartbreak and the 29-year-old came off the bench to play an important part in 10-man Cliftonville’s come-from-behind victory.

While Rory celebrated an Irish Cup win, younger brother Ronan also paid perfect tribute to their grandfather by scoring twice in Gillingham’s 2-1 League Two triumph over Tranmere on Saturday.

placeholder image — Cliftonville captain Rory Hale in action. (Photo by Alan Weir/Pacemaker Press)

Here’s what Magilton had to say after the match, which was won courtesy of Jonny Addis’ last-gasp thunderbolt.

GREAT WAY TO WIN?

"It's sheer elation when that ball goes in the net and nestles into the top corner, knowing there's very little time to play, it was near enough the last kick of the game.

"The sheer elation and the whole place erupted, the fans, the players, everybody. You can never describe scoring a goal, you can never describe winning a game in that manner.

"It is a wonderful moment. A bit harsh probably on Glenavon, I thought they were very good, but to win the game and to go through, it shows you the spirit and determination of the group.

"The first half was iffy from our point of view, although we did get off to a really bright start, Brian (Healy) probably should score.

"We didn't take that opportunity and as the game went on in the first half, I thought Glenavon dominated proceedings.

"We had to make changes, went down to 10 men, it's a massive shift from the players. The substitutes made a massive difference to us.

"We have to pay special tribute to Rory, he lost his grandad, who he was very, very close to. That isn't easy but he wanted to be part of the group, he wanted to play a part today, and he certainly did.

"He showed real quality when he came on the pitch. So, overall, absolutely ecstatic to be in the hat and there are things to work on.”

GOT THE REACTION YOU WANTED FROM LAST WEEK?

"If that one goes in from Brian, literally in the first move of the game, then it's a different game.

"You never think you're as bad or as good when you're watching back. We were bad last week, there's no getting away from that, and I was critical of the players because that's not how they represent themselves when they come into this club.

"They train so well and to put on a performance like that was really poor and I was very critical of them.

"This week, the fans stayed with us, the supporters were amazing today with us, and that's what matters most. We're going to have them with us from now to the end of the season, but we have to give something back.

"Today, the guts and the character and everything that they showed to win a game of football, we're going to need that from now to the end of the season.”

NEED SENIOR PLAYERS TO STEP UP WHEN HAVING A BAD PATCH?

"They've been amazing since I've been at the club.

"Those three (Gormley, Hale and Addis) and there are others, Ryan Curran again, Conor Pepper has been amazing.

"The senior players at this club deserve special mention, they certainly do, because without them we would not have enjoyed anywhere near the success that we have enjoyed.

"People have to remember, we've lost two cup finals...I'd rather be in them to lose them.

"The guts that these players have shown is huge. Now we've got to build, we've got players that are coming back. Luke Conlan isn't far away, which is great, Adam Carroll has been chomping at the bit.

"There are lads who are ready to come in because we're going to need them. It is a squad game.”

JONNY ADDIS – SPECIAL STRIKE AND SPECIAL PLAYER?

"You look at someone like Jonny Addis, his legacy at this club, that won’t be just because he's a wonderful footballer but you think of the partners he's had and how well we've played and how he's been able to manage that.

"That is not easy and that will always be a legacy for me with Jonny, the amount of players he's been able to develop alongside him, giving them the composure to go and play.

"We had a 16-year-old (Shea McGarry) make his debut at Ballymena, he was absolutely outstanding.

"They're so important for us, we're going to need them now until the end of the season and probably now, the way we finish the game is the way we have to go right from the very first whistle.

"It's a magnificent strike and obviously he has that (capability). When he was coming up, I was just screaming at him just to hit it...normally he ignores me!”