Cork's Alan Cadogan paid tribute to a game display from Clare despite beating them to win this season's Munster Championship.
The Rebels beat the Banner by 1-25 to 1-20 to banish the memories of a poor 2016.
Speaking to Newstalk Sport's Oisin Langan after the match, he said: "We just looked out on the pitch there - the amount of Cork support that was there just showed how much it means to us but what it means also to them, it's outstanding.
"After 2014, we had a disappointing 2015 and last year was very, very disappointing and we knew ourselves, we didn't do ourselves justice as a team and this year thankfully we turned it around. We're after working extremely hard for the last couple of months - both management and players.
Cork captain Stephen McDonnell lifts the cup. Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
"As I said, we're just taking it one game at a time. Tipperary first, then Waterford and then today obviously.
"We've obviously blooded a few new players and they bring a bit of freshness but also I think you can't beat work-rate. If you just look at the amount of fellas who are working extremely hard for each other, we have each other's backs and that for me is the only is difference this year compared to last year.
"The young fellas have settled in quite well. Nothing fears them - we've a good blend between young and old experienced lads and we just take it one game at a time. We're not getting over complacent and obviously we'll enjoy tonight and we'l' get back to the drawing board for an All-Ireland semi-final," he added.
On keeping players up the field and not dropping back too far,he said: "Yeah, I think that's what hurling is about I suppose and Clare, to be fair to them, are very similar to us.
"There's a huge rivalry, a healthy rivalry there over the last couple of years. I think there was not one dirty stroke in the game today and it was pure 15 on 15 hurling and for a forward obviously - that's what you want to see."
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