London Irish director of rugby Conor O'Shea hailed the Exiles' 38-7 Powergen Cup Final victory over Northampton as the greatest day in the club's history.

Irish swept Saints aside, scoring five tries - two each by centre Geoffrey Appleford and wing Justin Bishop - while full-back Michael Horak also touched down and fly-half Barry Everitt kicked 13 points.

But while Irish celebrated securing the first major trophy in their history, Northampton could reflect on a third defeat from three cracks at English rugby's Premier domestic prize.

"The guys have given every last bit to the cause. This is a great, great day for the club - the greatest in its history," said rugby director and former Ireland full-back O'Shea.

"In our wildest dreams, we couldn't have expected a winning margin like that, but we got the breaks today.

"We are delighted for the supporters, and it is difficult to take it all in at the moment, and all the credit goes to the players for what they've done.

"The guys deserve as many bottles of champagne and bottles of Guinness that they can get their hands on tonight," he added.

O'Shea paid tribute to Bishop, who apart from his try double was a tower of strength in defence when Northampton tried to claw their way back either side of half-time after falling 24-0 behind.

"I thought that Justin was phenomenal. He is one of the best defensive wings in Europe, and he has given everything in every match this season," O'Shea said.

Irish skipper Ryan Strudwick hailed the Irish defensive effort, which restricted Northampton to just one try, scored 20 minutes from time by their England wing Ben Cohen.

"We have a competition in the team to see who makes the most tackles, and if you haven't put it in, then you see it on the stats sheet on Monday morning," Strudwick said.

"No one hides out there - everyone gets stuck in and does some hard work. It was a great team effort, especially from the experienced internationals, who stood up and led from the front, and everyone followed."

Irish technical coach Gary Gold saluted South African Appleford's display, which he rounded off by scoring an 80-metre try when he intercepted Northampton and England scrum-half Matt Dawson's pass.

"I've always thought that Geoff was a really good player, but going away with the England sevens squad has given him much more confidence," Gold said.

"Playing sevens has done wonders for him as a player, and I would like to see Clive Woodward take him on the senior tour to Argentina this summer because I think he would be a real asset."

While Irish began their celebrations, Northampton were left to reflect on what might have been.

Their New Zealand coach Wayne Smith has transformed them since arriving at Franklin's Gardens earlier this season, but a team containing 14 internationals just did not function.

"We didn't turn up in the first half," admitted Cohen.

"At 24-0 down at half-time, we were always struggling, and it is the supporters that I feel really sorry for.

"It is always nice to score a try, but there is no doubt that Irish deserved to win."