We won it for our supporters - Donnelly

He said: “A big thank-you should be given to all the Sarsfields fans that supported us today and to all the supporters who were, for one reason or another, unable to attend the game."

The Sarsfields boss, who received a huge boost recently when his team consolidated their position in the First Division, can now look forward to an Ulster Intermediate quarter final against either the Monaghan or Donegal champions.

According to Patsy Donnelly, past managers of Sarsfields Senior teams and underage teams, all played their part in bringing the current group of players to maturity.

He said: “John Byrne brought a lot of these players through as did Brian McAlinden, and more recently Kieran McGurk brought the side back to the first division where we always thought we belonged."

He continued: “It has been a pleasure to be able to follow on from all the good work previously done by these men”.

The Sarsfields manager was also keen to praise his backroom team: “I am very grateful to my fellow selectors Francis Reynolds and Liam Murray and our trainer Paddy Murray who brought a level of professionalism to our structures. Special praise should also be given to people like Denis McAlinden, Jim O’Hagan and Dr. Claire Magee who were on the sideline all year."

Patsy continued: “The club’s committee have been fantastic, particularly in the build up to the final. I would personally like to thank chairman Declan McAlinden and his office bearers who provided us with everything we asked for and more. Our sponsors provided us with much-needed funds and equipment and as for a very important group, namely the players, we couldn’t have asked for anything more from all the squad members who did their club and their families proud."