What they said ... the weekend in quotes

April 25, 2016

Dublin's Dean Rock scores a point from the penalty spot ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

"They are the athletes people came to watch today, and for them to be treated that way I don't think was appropriate."

Dublin's celebrations were interrupted by drug testers knocking on their dressing room door and Jim Gavin wasn't pleased with the timing as four players missed the Laochra show.

"They're a serious outfit. In fairness to Jim Gavin, he's a fella that really flies below the radar - but he's obviously brilliant at his job because he's able to keep the levels of hunger that he has in a group that has been so successful over the last couple of years."

Kerry's Eamonn Fitzmaurice took his hat off to his Dublin counterpart Gavin.

"We just look at every game as it comes along. It will be great when I eventually retire and see what I have won."

Dublin captain Stephen Cluxton is only concerned about the here and now.

"We believe we are good enough to be in the top company, of course we are. But you have to prove that time and time again."

It's onwards and upwards for Tyrone under Mickey Harte.

"We battled and we kept trying to get back into the game. In fairness Tyrone were the better team on the day so we can't take away from that and we have to go away and learn from the mistakes we made today."

It was a learning experience for Terry Hyland and his young Cavan team.

"It's very early days. Our thoughts are all on the 22nd of May in Celtic Park. Derry is going to be a massive challenge and our thoughts are completely on that game in four weeks' time."

The championship is all that matters to Tiernan McCann and his Red Hand team-mates.

"To walk up the steps as a Clare man to lift the Cup and wear the Clare jersey is very special, and I've no doubt I'll treasure that for a long time to come. Hopefully that will be just a step along the way to greater things for Clare football."

It was a day to remember for Clare captain Gary Brennan.

"Absolutely, nothing else matters. This day is over. It's the Limerick game now. Totally focused on that in five weeks' time."

Colm Collins wasn't getting carried away by the Banner's success.

"As you saw yourselves, a goal that really is inexcusable in terms of the level we're playing at, was given away. In fairness to Clare, they pushed on from there and they were worthy winners."

Kildare manager Cian O'Neill has work to do on his team's defending in advance of the Leinster SFC.

"What's most pleasing about this is those lads have worked their arses off since pre-Christmas. And we're trying to set standards that if you work hard you get the rewards. But it's small steps."

The hard work paid off for Colin Kelly and the Wee County.

"I think we had six wides in a row and one or two dropped short into the keeper's hands but that's the difference. If you want to go to the next level you should keep the scoreboard ticking over."

Frank Fitzsimons was left counting the cost of Antrim's profligacy in front of the posts.

"Obviously, getting promotion was the main thing and it was a bit of a bonus match but once you're here you want to win it. You could see that in both teams, we both went hell for leather. Thankfully, we came out the right side."

There was no holding back from either team according to Louth's 'man-of-the-match' Jim McEneaney.


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