Ryan Brennan was delighted to help Drogheda United to a second Sports Direct FAI Cup title as they saw off Derry City by two goals to nil at the Aviva Stadium.
Underdogs coming into the showpiece game, Drogs defended resolutely and took their chances when they were presented to them to get over the line.
Andrew Quinn and Douglas James-Taylor got a goal in either half as Derry offered little in the way of a response on another disappointing day for the Candystripes.
It means European soccer for the Louth club in 2025, be that in the Europa League or the Conference League depending on yet to be determined UEFA coefficients.
"Unbelievable," was Brennan's response when he was asked how it felt to have a Cup winners medal.
"I said at the start of the week that we weren't favourites by any means, that Derry were going to throw the book at us. They probably needed to do that after a disappointing campaign in the league.
"We're warriors in the dressing room, characters, lads that work hard, lads that know how to put the ball in the back of the net when it counts.
"When we go 2-0 up it's backs to the wall. We ground it out and lucky enough for us we end up with the trophy at the end of a brilliant day."
Quinn's opener involved a superb finish at the back post, as he tracked Shane Farrell's lengthy delivery off a free kick, before volleying past Brian Maher.
"I was expecting Andy to shank that, he normally does in training," joked Brennan.
"He took it really well. It was a great ball in by Farreller. For us, that was the start. Dougy gets the second and we're under the cosh for the rest of the game.
"We dug in deep. We've been to the well many times over the last couple of months. Grinding out results, that's what we're good at."
Brennan was involved in one of the more contentious moments of the match. Just before half time, he challenged Patrick McEleney in the air for a header, with both players requiring treatment afterwards.
McEleney, who had looked sharp in the 20 minutes before the clash, had to come off while Brennan was booked.
But the Drogheda man was satisfied that it was a footballing incident.
"The ball's in the air a long time and I think I'm entitled to go for it," he said.
Drogheda United may have a promotion/relegation play-off against Bray on Saturday, but Ryan Brennan is determined to enjoy his might as an FAI Cup winner
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 10, 2024
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"Obviously their lads weren't happy but there was no malice in it at all. I wouldn't go in to do any player. That's not the type of lad I am.
"I wish McEleney all the best, he came out the wrong side of it. It was 50/50 in the air, I must have been a little late and caught him really bad but I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery."
Just a few weeks ago, Derry supporters were looking forward to 2025 as potential double champions, with a European campaign as an added bonus.
But all of that is gone after a run of just three wins in their last 10 games in all competitions.
Goalkeeper Brian Maher cut an understandably disappointed figure when he spoke to the media afterwards.
"Bitter disappointment is the overriding feeling," he said.
"We didn't turn up today from minute one. Drogheda were deserved winners, and I don't think anyone can argue with that.
"Especially in these kinds of games the first goal is really important. They've had chances and we've had chances and they've gone and stuck one away at a great time.
"I don't think we created enough overall. We got into positions that the manager spoke about and showed us and didn't take advantage of it. We allowed them to get back behind the ball.
"At 2-0, everything you've prepared for goes out the window and you're just trying to get a goal by any means. It wasn't to be."
