“Some fella told me it was a controversial free, I didn’t mind. I’d take it either way and we could probably have claimed a few more controversial frees during the day.”

Cork’s Orla Cotter won and converted the free that broke Kilkenny’s brave resistance.

“I’ve had a look at it in the dressing room and, without criticising Eamon, definitely Orla was already falling.”

Cats boss Ann Downey had a different take on referee Eamon Cassidy’s stoppage time call.

“To retain a title is important. It takes a good team to win back-to-back All-Irelands. That was our goal all year and we knew it was going to take a great effort.”

Downey’s Cork counterpart Paudie Murray is targeting a three-in-a-row in 2019.

“I was just saying to the girls, ‘Is this after happening? Is it real?’ We’ve been fighting for this, to get over the line and get up the steps of the Hogan Stand for so long and it’s just unbelievable. It’s a great feeling.”

It was a day to remember for Cork camogie as Fiona Neville and her team-mates also captured intermediate honours.

“I’m incredibly proud of the girls. I couldn’t ask any more of them. Not all fairytales have happy endings. To be here and part of the occasion is amazing. We’ll maybe not appreciate it today or tomorrow or next week but the girls will look back on this and learn from it and come back stronger.”

Down manager Martina Rooney was proud of her players.

“It’s a credit to the girls, they left nothing out there. It’s great for the girls and great for Dublin Camogie going forward.”

Shane Ploughman and the Dubs made up for the disappointment of last year’s junior final defeat to Westmeath.

“We don’t get the stuff that people say and because we’re winning, stories grow legs.”

Don’t believe everything you hear about the Dublin set-up, according to Kevin McManamon.

 “If St Peter gets me at the gate I couldn't be happier now they've won that cup.”

98-year-old Boston-based Limerick fan John Hunt stole the show on The Late Late Show on Friday night.

“In Kerry, people expect a lot all the time ... It doesn’t matter if you ask them to be patient, they want the All-Ireland, it’s as simple as that. And if the All-Ireland isn’t in Kerry then that year is a failure.”

Eamonn Fitzmaurice reflected on the burden of expectation that comes with the territory of managing the Kerry footballers.

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