"In fairness I've being saying a bit about the players (character) for a good while now. I just thought they did really well today. They worked really hard and they believed in what they were doing. We could have won it and we might have lost it but we were playing against a fantastic team."

Tipp's players emptied the tank for manager Eamonn O'Shea.

"I thought it might have been for us, to be honest. I presumed it was for us but, look it, it wasn't. If it had gone over the bar it was their game, end of story, so thanks be to God it didn't."

Brian Cody questioned referee Barry Kelly's decision to penalise Brian Hogan at the end.

"We dogged it out in the end and managed to get the draw. It is something that people have questioned us about in the past, but we answered some of those questions there today."

Padraic Maher and his Premier team-mates answered their critics in the best possible fashion.

"I am absolutely over the moon. I can't believe it yet. It is still a bit of a shock. Right up to the very end even though we were a couple of points ahead it was but, but, but. I am just delighted, delighted for the players."

Pat Hoban guided 'the kittens' to a 21st All-Ireland minor hurling success.

"I would hope to see these young lads back playing for Limerick in the future and that is part of our job. We want to get these boys representing their county for many years to come. And I have no doubt that a good cohort of those lads will play with distinction for Limerick."

Defeated Limerick manager Brian Ryan turned his attention to the future.

"He is very vocal around the place in terms of helping lads. He will have the same role, an important role. While of course because of his injury he is no longer captain, he is still our captain in a way."

Not for the first time, Kerry football boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has ruled out a Lazarus-like comeback for the Gooch against Donegal.

"We wouldn't rule that out. That's something we will have to talk about and something we will have to deal with if that is the case."

Jim McGuinness remains to be convinced.

Tweet

Most Read Stories