"I'm very proud but I was definitely worried the last quarter there."

Joe Kernan has now enjoyed success with club, county, province and country.

"It's great to test ourselves against Australia. I think that series breathed life into the game again and I'm just delighted."

Two goals from Mayo star Aidan O'Shea laid the foundations for Ireland's success.

"We put in a good fight, but came up a bit short but everyone in this locker room gave everything they could. We were serious ... we had a red-hot crack."

Australia captain Luke Hodge had no complaints.

"Our performance levels were good in the first half. We probably left behind two goals and three or four points and that would have made life a bit easier for us in the second half."

Jeff Lynskey guided Ireland to a two point victory over Scotland in the Shinty/Hurling test.

"I am sure over the next 48 hours, I will be getting a call to sit and meet with them. Each day you turn a new page. Of course I am looking forward to it - it has been an ambition."

The Mayo job beckons for Stephen Rochford.

"Against the All-Ireland champions you don't get too many goal chances. But we got a great goal in the second-half as well for Neil [Douglas] which gave us the cushion we needed."

Castlebar co-manager Declan Shaw reflects on their second Connacht victory in the space of three years.

"We'll have to see amongst the players what they thought could be improved on coming up to the All-Ireland series. It is difficult because you've got December and January and half of February to train for."

Na Piarsaigh manager Shane O'Neill has set his sights on All-Ireland club glory following their Munster success.

"That is the next thing. It is not about celebrating this, we will celebrate it but we can go on further now if we want, and that is what we will be focusing on, taking the next step."

Sarsfields will take on Cushendall next February and player-manager Cathal Murray is not content with Galway success.

"He seemed to make it difficult for both teams. It was like basketball, when you put a hand on a fella it was a free and that's disappointing."

Ballyboden boss Andy McEntee wasn't impressed with the performance of referee Fergal Smith in Mullingar.

"I want to make it clear the referee didn't cost us the game but I have to question his appointment." 

McEntee's St Loman's counterpart Luke Dempsey echoed his sentiments.

"We showed a lot of desire in the second half of normal time and you could see we were that bit fresher. We had a lot more in the legs, I felt, and that's where we came into it and we pushed on in extra-time."

Killian Young and South Kerry got their hands on the Kerry SFC silverware after overcoming Legion in extra-time.

"We know a little bit about Ballyboden, we had a challenge with them a couple of months back. They are a strong outfit, strong runners, physically fit. Again, we'll have to be at our best."

Portlaoise manager Malachy McNulty was a happy man following their 16 point victory over Emmet Og.

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