"I don't want to be dissing it on Croke Park but it's not good enough. If one of our young corner-backs slipped there at a crucial moment and the ball ends up in the net, he'll never be let forget that moment. And there was a lot of slipping going on. We had a big issue about studs this morning and what they were going to wear."

The Croke Park surface wasn't up to scratch following last weekend's U2 gig, according to Kevin McStay.

"We're happy top get a second bite at it because the performance at times didn't necessarily warrant it, but we're still there and I know we'll be giving it as big a fight as the previous game."

Mayo are still in the hunt and that's all that matters to manager Stephen Rochford.

"We've another day out and we'll put the heads down for the next week."

Roscommon captain Ciarain Murtagh is hoping they can make the most of their second bite at the cherry.

"The beauty about these big games is that you can't beat context; our training is really informed for the next couple of weeks now, the areas that we need to improve on and that's a positive. The big thing is that we need to eradicate that sloppiness, you just can't afford to have that in Croke Park. We were lucky enough today that we did enough to win the game. On other days that could cost you dearly."

Eamonn Fitzmaurice and Kerry have work to do ahead of their penultimate stage clash.

"There were shots made and there were saves made, but what the angles were like I don't know but our lads got in there and cut them open a few times. We felt if we did that and if a bit of luck at all went our way or if a few high balls went in, then it could have been different. There were a few at times and they tended to break out to the green and gold. I thought over-all the guys did show spirit."

Galway manager Kevin Walsh was left to regret a number of missed goal chances against the Kingdom.

"We were very clinical in the first half so we were lucky enough from that aspect. Obviously the goal made a big difference, a lot of it had to do with the pressure they were taking their shots under because a lot of our defenders were pressing them pretty strongly, maybe that put them off a fraction."

Armagh took the chances that came their way and selector Paddy McKeever is looking forward to a last eight encounter with Tyrone.

"They'll learn a lot from this year and we'll come back bigger, stronger and better. Ultimately we hope playing in Division 1 will take us to the level we need to be to perform in the championship against the top teams."

It's back to the future for Cian O'Neill and Kildare.

"We're now in an All-Ireland quarter-final and it's not where we want our season to end. We have a tough game coming up against either Dublin or Tyrone but this is where Armagh should be. We're really looking forward to the challenge next week."

Orchard County sharpshooter Jamie Clarke was on top form against the Lilywhites.

"It's either going to be Tyrone or Dublin and they're probably neck and neck in terms of favouritism for the All-Ireland. They're at a different level completely and we have an awful lot of work to do if we're going to be competitive."

All-Ireland champions Dublin are up next for Malachy O'Rourke and Monaghan.

"I feel very passionate about Down. I played for a long time and I would really like to work hard with them and try to bring them down the line where we should be."

After a year of progress, Eamonn Burns is keen to continue in the Mourne County hot-seat.

"I can enjoy Davy Fitzgerald as much as the next man but no-one craves the spotlight more than Davy. I was behind Davy at the Leinster final and every time he knew the camera would come to him he would go hyperactive. I have no doubt watching him that that is all a part of the act. Don't tell me that Davy loves the spotlight, he craves it. He wants to be the centre of attention at all times."

Joe Brolly has his say on the Davy Fitzgerald v Michael Duignan war of words.

Tweet

Most Read Stories