"The boys showed great composure when we were under the cosh and especially when Cork brought in their marquee players. The lads didn't panic under pressure. Very pleased with the win but we are not getting carried away. It's all about the National League."

Beating Cork to qualify for a first McGrath Cup final since 2002 will mean nothing if Waterford fail to build on it in the National League according to Tom McGlinchey.

"It's obvious all around the camp, with everybody from manager all the way down to number 39. There is definitely a huge commitment to training, a huge focus. It's always great to win. These lads are hurt by what happened last year, they aren't happy with their performance and how the summer panned out for them."

Davy Fitzgerald left it up to new Clare selector Michael Browne to do the talking after the Waterford Crystal Cup win over Tipperary and he outlined their desire to make amends for a disappointing 2014.

"I was surprised when we were under a bit of pressure, we were happy with the game. It was really competitive and brought us on, I'd say. We need those games so we're happy enough."

Tipperary manager Eamon O'Shea wasn't overly disappointed following his side's narrow defeat in Sixmilebridge.

"There's great resolve and great character in this team - that was demonstrated there today. Some players have joined the squad over the last month and for them to buy into that culture is a real positive."

Jim Gavin will now turn his attention to next Sunday's O'Byrne Cup decider against Kildare in Newbridge.

"We started a team today that had seven fellas who were not involved in last year's Championship. What we're trying to do is build a base of players that can compete at this level. Overall, you'd have to be very proud of the second-half display."

Meath and Mick O'Dowd will approach their league opener against Galway in a confident frame of mind following their spirited second-half showing against the Dubs.

"It's good to get competitive games, the National League isn't far away now, and certainly Armagh will give us that, as we remember from a few weeks ago. But it's still the McKenna Cup and there'll still be experimentation going so, so we probably won't see anybody's full hand at this stage."

Mickey Harte and Tyrone will renew acquaintances with Armagh in the semi-final of the McKenna Cup on Wednesday night.

"It's great to get the extra game next weekend against Galway, especially with the National League coming up. It was a good tough game and we played some lovely football. We had kept our powder dry for today."

John Evans was in bullish mood after the Rossies claimed Mayo's scalp to set up a FBD League final against Galway.

"We knew there was going to be a step-up in quality and intensity today, we had played two colleges teams up to this, and that proved to be the case. But it served a purpose for us, we always said that the FBD League was about looking at players and it has done that."

The FBD League has served its purpose for Mayo joint-managers Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly.

"We had five or six new guys that played today for the first time at senior level and it's great for them - they'll get it again next weekend. They are in pole position now and it is up to the guys who are trying to come back on to the team - whether they are our or not fit enough to start - to fight for that position. That's the way we want it."

Anthony Cunningham is hoping he will have some difficult decisions to make in the months ahead as competition for places on the Galway starting 15 is heating up.

"All three impressed and I am very pleased with what I believe was our first win against a county team in this competition since 2006."

The performances of Limerick newcomers Adrian Breen, Cian Lynch and Pat Begley against Waterford in the Waterford Crystal Cup quarter-final was a big plus for coach Paul Beary.

"The referee calls them and it doesn't suit anybody getting red cards. In the heat of the moment these things happen and there'll be regrets afterwards."

Terry Hyland gave his take on the four red cards issued during Cavan's 1-13 to 0-13 victory over neighbours Monaghan.

"Conor McManus has an injury that's giving him a bit of bother and he hasn't been able to do much training with it. Kieran Hughes is doing a wee bit with Jordanstown. Chrissy McGuinness is more long-term. Vinny Corey is just back in the panel."

The physios are working overtime in Monaghan as Malachy O'Rourke highlighted their injury woes ahead of their Division 1 campaign.

"A big thing in January is to give fellas game time and see what they have to offer, and today there were a number of guys got their first start - Seamus Hanafin, Eamon Murphy, Ollie Lyons, Tom Corley and a few more got their first game. Cian Bolton hadn't played before, and James Robinson, so it was good to give a lots of fellas a taste of the inter-county game."

Jason Ryan and Kildare's newcomers will welcome Dublin to Newbridge next Sunday.

"It's a pre-season tournament. It's nothing other than that, really. It was a good workout for the lads. We're just pleased with how they are going forward."

Jimmy Barry-Murphy wasn't reading too much into Cork's Waterford Crystal Cup victory over CIT.

"There's be no deadline on anyone. We said to Leo that we'll chat sometime in February again. He's trying to establish his plans. Leo is a fella who would get into shape very quickly. We'll be opened-ended in terms of the squad."

Leo McLoone will be given all the time he needs to make up his mind on whether or not he will commit to the Donegal jersey this year according to Rory Gallagher.

"Patsy Bradley is out. Fergal Doherty isn't available to us at the minute. Neither is PJ McCloskey. So we have our work cut out over the next couple of weeks."

Ahead of their Division 1 opener against Donegal, Derry manager Brian McIver is a bit short in the midfield department.

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