What they said ... the weekend in quotes

October 19, 2015

Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen at the Offaly SHC final.
©INPHO/Donall Farmer.

"We've a second chance at it. We were a man down in the last few minutes and any time you come out of a county final with a drawn game like that you're delighted."

It's still all to play for in the Cork SFC final and Nemo Rangers manager Steven O'Brien is looking forward to next Sunday's replay.

"Mark felt it tailed in at the end, but look it was called wide. We'll take it and move on again to the next day."

Castlehaven selector James McCarthy reflected on Mark Collins' late effort which was signalled wide.

"We needed to negate the good starts that Rynagh's have been getting the last couple of games and we put a lot of emphasis on that. It worked to a certain degree, we were in a comfortable position at half-time. Things turned slightly but ultimately we were full value for the win."

Johnny Kelly's Coolderry charges came good in the end to capture Offaly SHC title number 30.

"I suppose what Coolderry had was the experience of winning before. We didn't have that, but in fairness we hurled so well in the second half, put ourselves in a great position. We just couldn't see it out."

The two point defeat was a bitter disappointment for St Rynagh's boss Francis Forde.

"This is just fantastic and we showed great character to take it today. It's so good that I just can't put it into words. I knew it was going to take a lot to beat us and thankfully we did it."

Captain Leo McLoone led by example in Naomh Conaill's Donegal SFC final victory over St Eunan's.

"It is devastating and it is not nice to lose a final. I have lost quite a few in my earlier years and this is a bit like Groundhog Day."

St Eunan's veteran John Haran had no complaints after the final whistle in Ballybofey.

"When we went down to 14 men in the second half, the lads showed terrific character. After losing two county finals in two two years, there was an awful lot of hunger in the camp."

Kildare star Alan Smith came off the bench to play a leading role in Sarsfields' late surge against Athy.

"Going a men down lifted them. They threw the kitchen sink at us near the end and unfortunately we couldn't hold out."

Athy captain Mick Foley was left to contemplate what might have been.

"Those goals were vital scores, they came at a good time and gave us a foothold in the game."

Scotstown manager Mattie McGleenan acknowledged the importance of their two first half goals in the Monaghan SFC decider.

"When Scotstown got that advantage over us it was always going to be difficult to turn it around and the Monaghan Harps dressing room is not a very happy place this evening."

The goals left Monaghan Harps and their manager Cathal McAnenly facing an uphill battle.

"We pulled away and the goals were the difference."

John Joe Kearney was a happy man as holders Slaughtneil comfortably negotiated the challenge of Derrygonnelly in their Ulster Club SFC preliminary round clash.

"On behalf of the County Board, I would like to wish Peadar all the best in his new position."

Cork chairman Ger Lane announced the appointment of Peadar Healy as the county's new senior football manager on a two year term.


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