Joe Gormley was singing the praises of the Hale brothers, Rory and Ronan, in the wake of Cliftonville Irish Cup celebrations.

The duo played a key role in the Reds ending their 45-year wait to win the trophy. Rory picked up the Man of the Match award with Ronan scoring a brace to secure the trophy against Linfield.

Gormley said he had never seen such talented siblings before. And while he doesn't want to see Ronan depart Solitude he feels it is inevitable.

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"I've never been prouder of a group of lads. I said about two years ago that this team is the one to look out for," said Gormley.

"Some of these boys are ridiculously good. Kyle McClean is a super player and well done to him for winning Player of the Year but Rory Hale is something else. If you asked the other teams in the league who they would like to buy it would be that man sitting there.

"Then you've his brother Ronan. I don't think I've seen a family with two kids who are so good at football. I said to Ronan after the game 'It's a pleasure playing with you, but if i'm still playing with you next season then there will be something wrong'.

"If someone doesn't take a punt on Ronan Hale then they must be blind. He deserves all the plaudits and I told him for as long as he lives he won't have to buy a drink in my company!"

Rory Hale also talked up his brother's qualities. The midfielder feels he had done more in recent seasons than other who have secured big moves out of the Irish League.

"I think players have got moves across the water doing less than what he has done over the past two seasons," said Hale. "He took a chance to leave Larne to come to Cliftonville, play week in, week out and enjoy his football.

"I think he's hit 55 goals in two seasons which is remarkable, absolutely outstanding and he played left wing last season. He missed the first few months of this season and has still hit over 20 goals. His goal return is absolutely outstanding and he doesn't get the credit he deserves.

"What Ronan does for that second goal [in Irish Cup final] not many other players in the Irish League could do that. I'm probably his harshest critic because I know what he's capable of. That's just the confidence that he has, the celebration and enjoying the moment.

"He ran his socks off for 120 minutes, battled well against three good Linfield centre-halves and come out with two goal so fair play to him. I'm very proud of him."

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