"We're in dreamland now, up against the best in Kerry! It's absolutely unbelievable."

The Nire manager Benji Whelan articulated what his meant to his players to overcome Clare champions Cratloe in the Munster Club SFC semi-final.

"They are a good side with some really good players and I thought over the hour and 20 minutes they were the better side."

Whelan's opposite number Colm Collins was gracious in defeat.

"His contribution overall, his appetite, when you consider what he's been going through with Kilkenny at inter-county level and leading them. He's still driving the lads, he's our captain and he leads by example."

Ballyhale coach Colm Bonnar hailed birthday boy TJ Reid's contribution to Ballyhale's 15th Kilkenny SHC success.

"There were two very committed teams going at it who came through two tough campaigns and were worthy winners of both county championships. I would argue if we weren't prepared mentally in the way we were they could have beaten us. I think that was important."

The Stephen Stack managed Austin Stacks were left standing at the end of a war of attrition against Cork's Ballincollig.

"Maybe we just ran out of legs, because Austin Stacks probably finished that bit better than us. But overall, the players gave it everything. Lads can't even walk, coming off the field. You can't ask any more than that. I'm just proud to have managed them."

Ballincollig manager Michael O'Brien couldn't fault his players for effort.

"For the hour, that has been the best performance we put in. That second half was a testament to our players' resolve to win that match and get to an Ulster final."

Slaughtneil produced the goods when it mattered most according to assistant manager John Joe Kearney.

"They were the better side, they got a foothold in the game and we found it difficult to get going."

Clontibret's Dominic Corrigan admitted they played second fiddle to the Derry champions.

"It was a poor final 20 minutes from us. We didn't cope well when we lost Joe but once again, the boys battled to the end."

Omagh St Enda's manager Laurence Strain was delighted with how his side coped with the set-back of losing Joe McMahon to injury against St Eunan's of Donegal.

"That was down to the wire again. We seem to be making a habit for ourselves of pushing it all the way."

Ciaran Slevin shot nine points in Kilcormac/Killoughey's Leinster Club SHC semi-final victory over Westmeath's Raharney.

"It could have been an injection for the whole of Westmeath for us to get a step further. We're getting a bit sick of moral victories now."

Raharney manager Johnny Greville struggled to contain his disappointment.

"It's absolutely unreal. The lads played savage stuff today, I couldn't ask for any more from them. It's a great occasion for the islands, it was great to have that crowd behind us."

Aran Islands manager Ciaran Foley is now turning his attention to a quarter-final clash against John Mitchels in Birmingham in two weeks having got the better of Achill in the Connacht Club JFC final.

"He was one of those guys who could win a game for us on his own and he often did that for us. We will be sad to see him go but we still have to celebrate some of the magnificent performances he gave in the Tyrone jersey."

Sean Cavanagh paid tribute to his retiring Tyrone team-mate Stephen O'Neill.

Tweet

Most Read Stories