"There has been a bit of talk that I have been doing it against lesser opposition. Other players around the place are doing it against better opposition. I can do it any day. It doesn't matter who it is."

The bigger the challenge, the better as far as Aidan O'Shea is concerned.

"When you have had the success we had the last few years - winning one and getting to the final of another - that's ultimately what we have been interested in. It just depends if it is a road people feel they can go down again and reach where we want to go."

What does the future hold the elder statesmen of the Donegal panel? Rory Gallagher says we'll have to wait and see.

"It's good to win a game and come out with a lot of things to work on, and that's one of them for sure."

Mayo joint-manager Noel Connelly wasn't getting carried away with their 2-13 to 0-11 victory.

"The game probably opened more for us in the second-half and we probably created a bit more. The goal in the first-half was crucial, but it was just a great game, I felt."

Brian Cody is looking forward to a remarkable 14th All-Ireland SHC final appearance as Kilkenny manager.

"When you lose a game it's probably because the other team is better than you so I think we have to acknowledge that."

His Waterford counterpart Derek McGrath didn't hide behind any excuses following their six-point loss.

"It's always a big challenge against Kerry, no matter what era you're talking about."

Mickey Harte will renew acquaintances with the Kingdom on Sunday, August 23rd.

"We were better in the second half but we always seemed to be chasing the play. Tyrone were able to get up the pitch that bit quicker."

It's back to the drawing board for Malachy O'Rourke after Ulster champions Monaghan flattered to deceive against the Red Hands.

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