Jack Keaney plays part as Cliftonville clinch BetMcLean Cup in extra-time thriller

Donegal Town’s Jack Keaney started in the BetMcLean Cup final as Cliftonville secured a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Glentoran at Windsor Park.

The former Sligo Rovers, UCD, and Drogheda United player joined the Reds in January and has already secured a medal with the side.

Substitute Joe Gormley was the hero, scoring in the 99th minute after a pinpoint cross from Ryan Corrigan. The goal sealed Cliftonville’s seventh triumph in the competition and their first since 2022.

The match was a tense affair, with Cliftonville dominating possession and creating several clear-cut chances. Ryan Curran was denied twice by Glentoran goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai in the first half, while Gormley saw an effort superbly saved in normal time.

Glentoran had opportunities of their own, most notably when David Fisher capitalised on a misplaced pass but failed to beat Reds goalkeeper Lewis Ridd. Jordan Jenkins also forced a vital stop from Ridd as Cliftonville’s defence held firm.

The breakthrough finally came in extra time when Corrigan burst down the left flank and delivered a low cross to the near post, where Gormley instinctively flicked the ball beyond Gyollai.

Glentoran had a late chance to take the match to penalties, but Jonathan Russell failed to make clean contact with a bouncing ball in front of goal. Cliftonville held on to lift the trophy, capping off a hard-fought cup campaign.