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Interview By DARREN KELLY O ne of the country's most lethal attackers will finally make her bow in Croke Park when Laois take on Wexford in this year's TG4 All- Ireland intermediate final. Following a pulsating extra-time win over Clare, the O'Moore County are back on the game's greatest stage, five years after their relegation from the senior ranks. It's their first trip to headquarters since the county's greatest day when Laois won the Brendan Martin Cup, the All-Ireland senior title, for the only time in their history after a late free beat Mayo 2-14 to 1-16 in 2001. Their seven-year mascot that day had dreams of emulating her heroes and the team's top scorer has played her part in get Laois back to Croker. "Thank God. Twenty-one years later," said Mo Nerney leading into the game. "Yeah, I'm back there. It's a brilliant feeling and we've got such right support behind us now. And we really will look forward to it against Wexford. "There's even no one from the '01 team so no one actually played there. So, it will be a great occasion. It's something we'll look forward to it and hopefully we'll have great support on the day." If the support at their semi-final win is anything to go by, they won't be lacking for numbers. A wonderful atmosphere contributed to a great game as Laois weathered a Banner first half onslaught and got themselves six points up in the second half before letting it slip. Then Clare went four ahead in extra-time before two points gave Laois hope. Nerney stepped up when needed and the scores came during the second period of a a stunning 2-21 to 1-19 win in Kiltoom. "We're just delighted after that win," adds Laois's taliswoman. "So, so tiring but nothing beats a feeling like that. I'm just so happy to get over the line, especially going to extra time. We really dug out. "You could say there were times, especially the start of the first half of the extra time period. Mo Nerney Chasing the Top Flight www.ladiesgaelic.ie | SUMMER 2022 | 33 This Image: 10 July 2022; Mo Nerney of Laois celebrates a late score during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Intermediate Championship Semi-Final match between Clare and Laois at St Brigid's GAA club in Kiltoom, Roscommon.