It was, as President ain na hEireann, Mary McAleese described it, a "wonderful, wonderful occasion". Showing no signs of jet lag after her return from an exhausting trip to Australia, she must have been pleased when the Artane Boys Band struck up The Star of the County Down as she was introduced to the players before the match in the company of the other president of the day, Joe McDonagh of the GAA. Later, after the stirring match, she described the day as wonderful. "It was a day and a match to be proud of. A really great occasion of skill and excitement," she said. "It was wonderful. Just wonderful," she said.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Senator Joe Doyle, having confessed that his main sporting interests were soccer, racing and golf, paid full tribute to the skill and speed of the game. "It was a really punishing day and a great exhibition of the skills of the game. The players never let up in their efforts.

"They all deserve great credit for their superb skill and sportsmanship. It was a wonderful spectacle. Their ability to control the ball at such speed and deliver it so accurately to an opponent is marvellous. It was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish."

The patron of the GAA, Dr Dermot Clifford of Cashel and Emly, was equally enthusiastic. "It was a splendid spectacle, from first to last. It was a great credit to the game and the people who support it. The spectacle and the colour was wonderful. Kilkenny will feel that they were a bit unlucky, but Offaly really deserved their win with a stirring performance," he said.

Among the observers in the Hogan Stand were three former Taoisigh, Liam Cosgrave, Albert Reynolds and John Bruton. The first of these, always present with his wife, Vera, on such occasions, was among those who were captivated by the speed and skill of the players. "It was an excellent match and a credit to all concerned. I look forward to seeing the Croke Park development programme brought to completion. It will, surely, be one of the best stadiums in Europe and something of which we all can be proud," he added. Albert Reynolds was equally enthusiastic. "A match like that gives all of us a lift and I can only feel sorry for the lads who lost, but they still have a lot to be proud of," he said.

John Bruton seemed more interested in the coming All-Ireland football final between Kildare and Galway. He seemed to be only slightly leaning in favour of Kildare, the neighbouring county to his own Meath. "It seems to me that Offaly were playing as though their lives depended on it in the second half. They threw themselves into everything and they never gave Kilkenny any space to work.

"I was impressed by the way both sides approached the match. It was tough but it was fair, and it was well controlled by the referee," he said.