Kealan Dillon celebrated a season of progress as Dungannon Swifts pushed toward another European adventure. After clinching a historic Irish Cup win over Cliftonville last summer, the Swifts have surged from relegation play‑off days to the brink of continental football. Dillon, who netted the decisive goal against the Reds, now eyes a winner‑takes‑all showdown with Linfield at Windsor Park next.

Dillon reflected on the club’s rapid rise, noting the jump from last year’s relegation fight to today’s cup final glory. He said, “We were in a relegation play‑off a couple of years ago and now we’re competing for Irish Cups and European play‑offs, so we can’t be too disheartened even though losing an Irish Cup was a one to take.”

After beating the Reds, the Swifts face Linfield at Windsor Park on Tuesday night, a match that could land them in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Dillon, 32, tells his side, “If you can’t play in Windsor Park for a final and a chance to reach Europe, you’re not meant to be here for the club's pride and history together.”