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www.ladiesgaelic.ie | AUTUMN 2021 | 45 Junior final had to be played at Parnell Park instead, Wicklow were shocked by Fermanagh on 5 December. Eimear Smyth and Róisín McDonald scored the goals for Fermanagh and it was heartbreak for Mark Murnaghan's side. "I was pregnant at the time so I missed out last year but even going and being on the panel with the girls and no supporters, and the game being played in Parnell Park, they didn't get the big day out which we all long for," said Fusciardi. "That's why we all play football, it's to try and get to Croke Park on All-Ireland final day." But Wicklow were transformed this year as losing last year's decider proved a catalyst for this group to go one step further. And after welcoming her son Frankie into this world, Fusciardi was back in action too. Wicklow only just survived in Division 3 of the Lidl National Football League after a one-point win against Fermanagh in the relegation play-off. They kicked things off in the TG4 Junior Championship with a comprehensive 1-13 to 1-6 win against Limerick in Round 1. Wicklow then had eight points to spare against Carlow next time out. Their 1-17 to 1-12 Round 3 victory over Antrim at Mullahoran on 8 August provided plenty of confidence heading into the All- Ireland final. Then Derry and Limerick were put to the sword, with Wicklow rocking up to Croke Park backed by massive momentum. There was only one result in their minds. "I was pregnant last year and I just had my baby so I just wanted to get back for the championship so I'm so happy," said Fusciardi. "It was just the build- up throughout the whole championship. It just made it so worthwhile because we knew the end result was to get a chance of playing in Croke Park and obviously, hopefully, win the game. "I think workrate, hard work, the pre-season through Covid, the girls really put an overall massive effort. Everything just gelled, the vibe was really really good. "I honestly put it down to workrate. As a team we gelled and we gelled on the days we needed the performance, for it to come out in our favour." And with a second All-Ireland Junior medal in her back pocket, the ecstatic Fusciardi can now focus on her family after another heroic day at Croke Park. "I am literally like hyper. I felt pressure playing the game. I am one of the more senior girls, one of the older girls on the team," said Fusciardi. "I wanted to end on a high. I more than likely won't be playing county football anymore just with my family and stuff. I was just so delighted to get a win under the belt. "And I got to play my last game in Croke Park so it's just unbelievable. What a way to go, I'm just so chuffed for my team. "I am just delighted." Clockwise From Top Left: 1 Wicklow manager Mark Murnaghan speaks to his player. 2 Meadhbh Deeney of Wicklow celebrates scoring her side's second goal. 3 Lorna Fusciardi, Wicklow 4. Wicklow players celebrate INTERVIEW