"We're a bit like kids in a sweet shop coming up to Christmas time and the shopkeeper is gone. We don't know whether to turn left or right at the moment - we're enjoying the experience."

The fairytale continues for Cratloe and hurling manager Joe McGrath.

"I've gone to see them this year, they beat my own club, Clarecastle. "They are a serious outfit.  I'm a great admirer of Cratloe hurling and football and the next game could be an epic too, two good hurling teams meeting each other."

Clare All-Ireland winner Ger 'Sparrow' O'Loughlin and Kilmallock await them in the Munster Club SHC final.

"We created four clear goal chances early on, possibly could have had a penalty, and missed them all. When you're creating chances it's a plus but we needed to be more clinical. At half-time we talked about what needed to be done and put that to rights quickly."

Whatever Tommy Conroy said to his St Vincent's players at the break worked as they outscored Portlaoise by 2-7 to 0-4 in the second-half.

"I think we can take it to another level from today. Moorefield here in two weeks' time, they will be coming gunning but sure look, it will shorten the winter."

Rhode manager Pat Daly has turned his attentions to the Kildare champions after seeing off the challenge of Navan O'Mahonys.

"Seanie would normally put them over and his free-taking has been exemplary in the last two games, but there were other chances we had too that we didn't put away so I'll not dwell on that one chance."

Cavan Gaels manager Peter Canavan exonerated Seanie Johnston- who missed a late 35m free - for their Ulster defeat to Slaughtneil.

"It had a good first half and a poor second half. We were five points up and going smoothly but we were hanging on at the end."

Slaughtneil assistant manager John Joe Kearney breathed a sigh of relief at the final whistle as they hung on for a two-point victory.

"It's huge for this group of players and today was a special day for everyone. I thought we showed good patience and used the ball through hands when we had to. The overall composure of the team was good."

Captain Rory Kavanagh outlined what their victory over Roslea meant to St Eunan's players.

"Brigid's were champions in 2013 and Castlebar were All-Ireland finalists 2014 so to beat teams of that quality in the last three weeks is hugely important and very satisfying for all of us in the club and parish as well as all the players."

Ballintubber claimed the notable scalp of St Brigid's and joint-manager Peter Ford is now looking forward to a final clash against Corofin.

"They are a great team with a lot of pedigree. Conditions were very slippery and it was very tough and tight for long periods."

Garrycastle's five point hero Dessie Dolan had words of praise for Emmet Og Killoe.

"There was a lot of talk about the bookies and the odds. It was crazy and that could seep into players' minds a little bit. Thankfully it didn't for us."

Moorefield captain Ronan Sweeney and his team-mates produced a clinical display against Rathnew.

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