''We were preparing the team (on Tuesday) evening in Cusack Park and somebody sent a text to somebody that this was said by the County Chairman. Now, there was no consultation whatsoever with me as manager of this team or the players as regards this, and I can assure you we’re not pulling out of any Championship, the players and management are not pulling out of any championship.' Clare hurling manager Tony Considine strongly rejects the idea that Clare will withdraw from the SHC despite comments made by County Chairman Michael McDonagh.
'Armagh try to stop you playing altogether. So we are expecting a bit of free-flowing football against Tyrone, the two forward lines will want to express what they can do.' Donegal midfielder Kevin Cassidy looks forward to a more open game against Tyrone following their hard fought victory over Armagh.
'Perspective! Something that was sorely needed in the Cork/Clare affair. Seven players have been suspended as a PR exercise – nothing more, nothing less.' The Star's Kieran Cunningham's take on the CCCC's ruling to suspend seven Cork and Clare hurlers for their part in the pre-match melee in Thurles.
'The main thing is that we are developing a team that is competitive again at that level of Championship and really I think that Leinster is wide open.' Meath selector Tommy Dowd believes the Leinster title is there for the taking.
'This stand is not just about well appointed seats from which you can closely watch a game, it is much more than that. The dressing rooms are an impressive size and have ice baths and extensive shower facilities, including the latest communications technology. The middle tier to the rear of the seated area is a full row of offices, display area, catering facility, manager’s office, drugs testing room and a post-match media area.' Leitrim PRO Brendan Doyle proudly details the features of the new €3million stand at Páirc Seán MacDiarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon, which will be officially opened by GAA President Nickey Brennan on Sunday week.
'The former manager managed the considerable trick of combining an almost belligerent passion for football with a mischievous twinkle. His death at the age of 59 is very sad but to have known him even tenuously was great fun.' The Irish Times' Seán Moran following the recent passing of Derry's All-Ireland winning manager Eamonn Coleman.
'Mattie is now 100 per cent and looking forward to the game. He will be there even if we have to wrap him up in cotton wool over the remainder of the week.' Wexford manager Paul Bealin insists star forward Mattie Forde will be ready for Sunday's Leinster SFC clash with Louth.
'We were as good as Fermanagh allowed us to be and I think that Fermanagh played particularly well on the day. There are very few really fluid games in the first round of the Ulster Championship and I think that it is definitely doing a disservice to Fermanagh to suggest that we were poor.' Tyrone manager Mickey Harte dismisses suggestions that Tyrone were particularly poor in their victory over Fermanagh.
