What they said ... the weekend in quotes
November 26, 2018
Corofin players celebrate in the dressing-room after the Connacht club SFC final victory over Ballintubber at MacHale Park, Castlebar. ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson.
“There is nothing mysterious about Corofin. It’s just hard work and move the ball quickly. When we’re not at that level we can be beaten by anyone really.
Corofin stalwart Kieran Fitzgerald picked up his sixth Connacht SFC medal in Castlebar yesterday.
“I made no bones about it, this time last year we were a tired team, we had no excuses whatsoever. We were complacent and didn’t handle our business right, but we did handle our business right this year. Fellas are really focused and today it’s a lot different than this time last year, coming out of Cork with our tails between our legs, deservedly.”
Dr Crokes learned from the hard lesson of 12 months ago, according to selection Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan.
“We were inviting trouble onto ourselves at times. When we moved the ball, we caused them problems but we didn’t do it enough. It was a good learning experience – lads will come on from that.”
Johnny Magee believes there is room for improvement from his Kilmacud players.
“It’s 15 v 15. We’ll just plan as we’ve planned for every game, so our homework and go out and try and play the best we can.”
Crokes ‘keeper David Nestor insists they won’t take Mullinalaghta for granted ahead of their Leinster Club SFC final date.
“It’s huge. And especially we’re the smallest team in Longford as well – we’re only a half-parish. So, what they’re after doing, to win a county final even... but just to do this is fairytale stuff.”
Mullinalaghta manager Mickey Graham underlined the magnitude of their achievement in qualifiying for the provincial decider.
“They put us under pressure right to the finish and it’s a good way for us to go forward.”
Oranmore-Maree were put to the pin of their collar by Tooreen in the Connacht Club IHC final and manager Gerry McInerney thinks the game will stand them in good stead ahead of an All-Ireland semi-final clash with St Gall’s of Antrim.
“In general the sentiment of having a second-tier championship in the discussions so far has been positive. Today's gathering was about being more specific, about what shape that competition might take.”
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