They Said It ....

July 2006

“A nightmare unfolded in front of us. If we had it over again, and with the benefit of hindsight, of course we would not have played the games.”
Leinster Council Chairman Liam O’Neill admits that the provinces two hurling quarter-finals should not have been allowed to be played on a waterlogged Portlaoise pitch

“It certainly didn’t suit us because we are a light team. I don’t think it suited anybody. We had prepared for that match since December and were very focused on it. It was only when I watched the game on TV that I realised just how bad the conditions were."
Westmeath hurling boss Seamus Qualter hits back at the claim that the bad weather conditions helped his side overcome Dublin in the Leinster championship

“We have not won much in recent years and we treated this as our All-Ireland final. We have worked six months to get ourselves into this position and to beat the All-Ireland champions on their own ground is massive for us.”
Derry captain Johnny McBride on his side’s win over Tyrone in the first round of the Ulster championship

“Like all good teams, once you let them off the hook they’ll punish you and Cork did that to us. It’s very disappointing. Cork are the best team in the country but I don’t think we are a million miles away from them.”
Clare boss Anthony Daly rues his side letting a four point first half lead slip against Cork in the Munster SHC

“You are not going to know if the hunger is there until you are put to the pin of your collar. That’s the only way you can show the hunger. We would like to think that we have the hunger but it remains to be seen. You are only playing football for a short time and you want to do the most you can and give the most you can whenever you are there.”
Tyrone All-Ireland winning captain Brian Dooher talks about some of the obstacles that have to be overcome if his side hope to retain the Sam Maguire

“There is an expectation on any Cork team to win an All-Ireland. If you don’t, then it’s a failure. That’s a big driving force in Cork.”
Cork hurling captain Pat Mulcahy on the pressures that drive the Rebel County forward

“Mayo need to start performing. We have to win the All-Ireland. It’s as simple as that. That’s the ultimate goal. If we don’t it will be another unsuccessful year. In years to come we don’t want to be looking back with a lot of regrets.”
Sharpshooter Conor Mortimer stresses that he doesn’t want to retire without winning a coveted All-Ireland senior title.