No-one was giving up; no-one was backing down.
With the inter-county season all wrapped up, attention turned to club football and there were a heap of games to catch-up on.
Many of the players that helped Dublin to their second successive All-Ireland title were in action for their club teams. A couple of familiar faces stepped up and took on the scoring responsibilities.
Dean Rock’s 1-9 helped Ballymun Kickhams to a six point win over St Brigid’s in the Dublin SFC. Johnny Cooper’s Na Fianna were off the boil as they lost 1-14 to 1-16 against Diarmuid Connolly’s St Vincent’s. Connolly chipped in with 1-1 for his side in another impressive outing.
Skerries, Castleknock and Raheny were all winners in Dublin but it no-one was giving a bloody inch elsewhere across the country.
All told, four SFC finals ended in draws. Leads were wiped out, teams clawed back scores, there was late drama and players stood up, placed the burden of responsibility on their shoulders and kicked the scores that mattered.
Eight teams giving it all they had; no dividing them.
In Cavan, Tyrone, Laois and Clare, all the sides were lace up and go again. Just what club football needs – replays!
Coalisland and Killyclogher could not be separated in Tyrone, the final score was Castlerahan 3-8 Ramor United 2-11 up in Cavan while there was no daylight between Cratloe and Kilmurry-Ibrickane in Clare.
Meanwhile, in an Senior Hurling Championship amazing contest in Laois, Rathdowney Errill and Borris-in-Ossry Kilcotton shared four goals and 52 points. It was thrill a minute stuff but still, no-one was giving in until the final whistle.
There were victors declared in four other county finals, with Palantine [Carlow], Aughawillan [Leitrim], Gusserane [Wexford] and Baltinglass [Wicklow] all holding the day and emerging with silverware.
Glen Rovers are the Cork SHC champions after defeating Erin’s Own 0-19 to 2-11 at Pairc Ui Rinn.
Breathless stuff.
