Ciaran Kelly believes Sligo Rovers' FAI Ford Cup victory over Shamrock Rovers could be the stepping stone to even greater success for the Bit O' Red.
Kelly was the hero of a dramatic penalty shootout that saw him save all four spot-kicks from Shamrock Rovers players after the game had ended scoreless.
The FAI Ford Cup was Sligo's second trophy of the season, as they also won the EA Sports Cup against Monaghan United in October.
The cup successes were complemented by an impressive Airtricity League campaign that saw Sligo finish third and just four points behind champions Shamrock Rovers.
Kelly said: 'With Sligo Rovers there's going to be more atmospheres like that. We play a brand of football that's different to other teams in the league.
'We try to do the right things in the right areas. We can move a step forward now and challenge for the league next year.
'If we didn't fear anyone in the second half of the season, then we won't fear anyone next season.'
The 30-year-old from Ballinrobe enhanced his reputation as a good penalty saver, which stems from his days in the Mayo League. However, he was quick to praise his team-mates for the role they played in the victory, particularly the back four.
'Cup finals are won and lost. The penalty shootout was just something that I got lucky with. If it was to be taken again, Alan [Mannus] could have been the hero. It was my day today,' beamed Kelly.
Sligo have attracted many plaudits for their style of play but have often been let down in front of goal since the departure of Padraig Amond to Portugal in mid-season.
They created the better chances yesterday afternoon but were hindered by the absence of main striker Matthew Blinkhorn through suspension.
'Don't get me wrong, we are a good side, but there was a little bit of naivety in the way we were finishing some of the chances,' admitted Kelly.
'Even though as a team we knew we were playing well, we still needed a kick up the backside because we were missing soft chances that could have helped us to win it in 90 minutes.'
The first final at the revamped Lansdowne Road attracted an impressive crowd of over 36,000, which was a triumph for the FAI's cheap ticket policy that saw admission prices of €10 and €5 for children.
The large attendance was a boost for the players and Kelly believes it made the occasion even more special.
He said: 'There is a lot to be said for opening up the top deck. I know there were a lot of fans in Sligo on Thursday and Friday who were struggling to get tickets to the game.
'Shamrock Rovers fans and our own fans were tremendous. The buzz in the stadium while the game was being played was tremendous. It's probably the best atmosphere I've ever been involved in.'
