Gary O'Neill provided the perfect end to what has been a memorable year as he scored the winning goal for Sporting Fingal in Sunday's FAI Ford Cup final.

 

Having opted to drop down from the Premier Division and link up with the ambitious Dublin club, the tricky striker secured his place in cup history by popping up with the crucial goal in the 2-1 victory over Sligo Rovers.

 

The former Bohemians ace recently became a father for the first time and showed no sign of shirking responsibility on the pitch as he kept a cool head in the dying seconds to provide the all-important finish.

 

After beating Bray Wanderers in a promotion play-off to book a place in the top flight for next season, Sporting viewed the cup final as a 'bonus' and O'Neill was certainly pleased to enjoy that extra bit of success.

 

'It showed great character from everyone. It's been a long, hard season,' said O'Neill with a big grin on his face.

 

'We got promoted by going the long way about it but we got there in the end.

 

'This is a bonus this week. We never gave up right until the end.

 

'We're in Europe as well which is another bonus for the club and all the lads for all the hard work during the year.'

 

O'Neill reserved some special praise for team-mate Colm James, who fired in the penalty on 85 minutes to get Sporting back into the contest having conceded earlier in the second period.

 

Bemused looks were passed around when James stepped up to the spot, but the makeshift right-back made no mistake as he blasted his effort past Sligo keeper Ciaran Kelly.

 

'He (James) used to take them last year. He showed great bottle,' said O'Neill.

 

'I don't think there would have been too many people that would have fancied it.

 

'He put it high into the top corner as well. I wouldn't have fancied it myself, to be honest.'