"Our character has been questioned over the last couple of years and the way the game went today, it was tested more than ever. We kept finding something, just getting that score or two to keep us ahead."

Francis Forde guided St Rynagh's to the Offaly SHC holy grail.

"We weren't breaking their defensive line at all in the first half. But we did more in the second half and we worked really hard. In the last ten minutes we probably had the legs because they were pushing forward and the bench made a huge difference as it has done all year."

Former Clare manager Michael McDermott enjoyed Cavan SFC success with Ramor United.

"We were here last year in the same situation and we came back today.We are still young and we'll have lads back for next year. There's a lot of football in these boys yet."

Castlerahan are down but not out, insists manager Michael Reilly.

"They are ambitious and maybe they've underachieved, let's be honest about it. They've a great opportunity next Sunday to show what they can do."

Ballygunner's celebrations will be put on ice, says manager Denis Walsh, as they have a Munster Club SHC date with Thurles Sarsfields next Sunday.

"They have really matured. If you look at the quarter-final, semi-final, I don't think anyone came close to them. It would be unusual to go through the last three rounds of any championship without a real fight being put up to them. It shows the quality they have."

Defeated Passage manager Peter Queally took his hat off to Ballygunner.

"I'm just delighted for the club, the backroom team and the players. We were very low last year when we were deservedly beaten by Clann na nGael. You hear people talk about effort but what these players have put in has been incredible."

St Brigid's are top dogs once again in Roscommon and joint-manager Frankie Dolan highlighted what their win over Padraig Pearses meant to the Kiltoom club.

"We did well and this atones for our one-point defeat against Na Piarsaigh in last year's final. There was a lot of hurt from that game and I was proud of the way they played today."

Gary Kirby and Patrickswell went one step further in the Limerick SHC.

"That's a super win, great to win a county title. It's four-in-a -row, it's the first time we have talked about it. I am absolutely thrilled for the guys they are a great group of players."

Kevin O'Brien was a happy manager as Corofin maintained their vice-like grip on the Frank Fox Cup.

"He was the main driver of this dream. His spirit today lived in all of us."

Slaughneil captain Chrissy McKaigue dedicated their breakthrough Ulster Club SHC victory to their late mentor Thomas Cassidy.

 

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