Replying To CCFabu:  "I think the nature of the defeat to Kerry in the final has us written off in a lot of the national media which won't do any harm really. There was a lot of talk of the zonal defence being completely dead after Kerry's performance but in reality I think the structures are not what let us down that day.

but as I say I'm happy enough to be under the radar, even though we are back to back Ulster champions we are third behind Tyrone and Armagh in a lot of the chatter I've seen. I think both those counties are very strong too. It'll be great to see how we get on in Croke Park this weekend.

great to see the performance of some of the young lads at the weekend there, it was my first game of the year - fair weather fan only going to finals! I was very impressed with Shea Malone especially the finish for the second goal, and also thought Turlough Carr got on a lot of ball and played well. Mark Curran I thought played well too and great to see big Hughie moving so well, he is so important to us in my opinion.

Monaghan hit a lot of wides in key moments but you always felt we had another gear especially with the strength of the bench."