Cliftonville manger Jim Magilton praised his team as they came from behind to beat Linfield 3-1 in the Irish Cup final.
Ethan McGee put Linfield in front and Sam Ashford before Hale’s superb strike made it 2-1 early in extra-time and he added a third in the dying seconds.
It is the north Belfast club’s first Irish Cup triumph since 1979.
“You talk about effort, you talk about pride, you talk about determination, against all the odds if you like,” said Magilton.
“Our keeper and our centre-half, two people that would be unbelievable for us this season [go off injured], then we had to really dig in, go a goal behind but what can you say about a group of players that have just done so much today, it’s just unbelievable, I’m immensely proud.
“I have to add that David Healy was magnanimous in defeat, it’s so tough to lose a final but they were so gracious and I appreciate that but the day belongs to us and the day belongs to the fans and the players, it’s just monumental.”