Irish Cup glory for Glenavon

Ballymena United supporters were hoping to see their side win the Irish Cup for the first time in a quarter of a century — Image caption,
Ballymena United supporters came to Windsor Park hoping to see their side win the Irish Cup for the first time in a quarter of a century

Glenavon suffered an early setback when their defender Gareth McKeown was sent-off for elbowing Ballymena goalkeeper Aaron Shanahan

But Glenavon took the lead soon afterwards when keeper Shanahan was beaten by Kyle Neill's long-range free-kick on 35 minutes

It was the second time Neill had scored the opening goal in an Irish Cup final - he netted in 2002 when his Portadown side lost out to Linfield

It was the second time Neill had scored the opening goal in an Irish Cup final - he netted for the Ports in 2002 when his Portadown side lost out to Linfield

Ballymena's numerical advantage did not last long as they were also reduced to 10 men when Gary Thompson was ordered off for a high boot on Shane McCabe

Ballymena celebrate after skipper Allan Jenkins scored their 76th minute equaliser against Glenavon in the Irish Cup final at Windsor Park

Mark Patton strikes the winning goal for Glenavon against Ballymena United, giving the Lurgan club their first Irish Cup triumph for 17 years

Glenavon's cup final goal scorers Kyle Neill and Mark Patton celebrate with skipper Kris Lindsay after the 2-1 victory over Ballymena United

The party begins as Glenavon celebrate winning the Irish Cup for the first time since 1997

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