Paul McAreavey and Glenn Ferguson celebrate Setanta success

"We were disappointed not to win our own league but this is a fantastic end to the season," said Bailie after Linfield's 2-0 win over Shelbourne.

"We took our chances and then defended well. I expected Shelbourne to come at us and was surprised go two up.

"It has been a great competition and it is brilliant to be the first winners."

Match report: Shelbourne 0-2 Linfield

Blues boss David Jeffrey praised his players, and the hundreds of fans who followed the team down to Dublin.

"I thought we played the better football in the first half and were in control," said Jeffrey.

"In the second half Shelbourne's full-time fitness showed and we had to work very hard."