For Mo it all goes back to that day in 2001

IT is hard to believe that Mo Nerney has been involved with the Laois panel for close on 14 years. So it is no surprise that she can identify with both ends of the age spectrum that is involved with the panel this year.

“We have a lot of new young players this time, which is great, but there is also such togetherness, which I love.

“Maybe we didn’t have that as much (in 2022) as we lost a lot of players after the All-Ireland for different reasons,” she said.

“We met last November in the Killeshin Hotel, and the three things we talked about were unity, commitment and resilience. If we have that in abundance, I think we can go far.

“We have brought that with us, and now it is just to drive on to the last game of the season All-Ireland final day and it's do or die. Now all we have to do is bring the cup home,” she said.

But it’s not all about the youth.

“It is great to have seven or eight players from 2022 back with their experience. It has been brilliant to have them back and has really driven us on since the Leinster final loss to Westmeath. We have really upped our game since then.” “I feel there is huge competition this time in the squad. Everyone is fighting for their place. Nobody is guaranteed their place we are driving each other. It is the 35 on the panel that are doing that not just the starting 15.

“You need somebody beside you who is on your heals for your place. That competitiveness this year has been great.

“A young player coming into the set-up is going to be chomping at the bit to get on. At the end of the day, they are the future of Laois ladies. They are driving the older ones on and keeping us going,” she said.

Mo is only too aware that this is going to be one tough outing.

“Tyrone bring a huge experience. Any northern team are going to be tough and strong. They have a great running structure through the middle of the field with superior forwards.

“But we are focusing on ourselves and what we are doing right, the simple things - the blocks, the right kick passes, the person in the right position taking the score.

“So as much as we are looking at Tyrone, it is all about Laois for the next few days,” she said.

To many Mo Nerney is the face of Laois football. Is that disconcerting?

“To me every player in this team is a leader. If you are an inter-county player you are a leader, you are standing for your own club, so I don’t think of it as any one person - across the board, there are leaders,” she said.

Equally, does she feels Croke Park might have an adverse impact on some players.

“It’s a massive pitch with great space and great noise. Each girl takes onus and responsibility to know what they are at.

“Some girls have never played on the pitch before and it as absolutely amazing achievement to be there. Look we focus on what we are doing. We go back to our principals every time - hard work, unity and commitment.” It is a day that should also be enjoyed.

“I will never forget 2022 as long as I live. Even going back to 2001 when I was only seven it still lives with me. When I was younger I thought Laois were going to be in a final every year. I was that naive at seven years of age.

“I think for younger girls coming into team they have to just take the day as it comes because you don’t know when it will come again. When you look back it was 2001 to 2022 - that was a massive gap,” she said.