‘Unity, commitment, resilience’ motto for Laois star going to Croke Park

Mo Nerney must be in the discussion when choosing the best Gaelic football player to play for Laois in the 21st century.

Her skill, athleticism, scoring, leadership and courage set her apart in both the ladies and mens codes over the past 25 years.

The Timahoe player also has the achievements to back up the case, having been key to the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Final win over Wexford in 2022.

Her talent and 14 seasons of experience with Laois could be central to what happens in Croke Park on August 3 against Tyrone who are sure to have her name circled in their planning.

“It’s a special feeling again, but it is just another game and, on Sunday, August 3, we have to do the business, and please God, we will be bringing the Mary Quinn Cup home,” she told the Leinster Express at the open night in the LOETB Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise.

She identifies a unity this time.

“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.

The Kildare-based Garda traces the ethos of the current Laois team. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Mo Nerney in action in Croke Park during the victorious 2022 All-Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football Final against Wexford. Pic: Sportsfile

“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,” she said.

Some of those who departed after 2022 are back in the fold. Others who missed out that year are also in the camp. Mo sees the difference they’ve made.

“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,” she said.
But this experience has been bolstered by recruits.

“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.

“I feel there is huge competition this time in the squad. Everyone is fighting for their place. Nobody is guaranteed their jersey, 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,” she said.

The native of The Heath sees lots of players willing to step up in the squad. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Mo Nerney ties the boots of young fan Finn at the 2025 All-Ireland fan night in the Laois GAA LOETB Centre of Excellence in Laois Hire O'Moore Park Portlaoise. Pic: Paul Dargan

“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.

Mo agrees that it was an up-and-down year for Laois, but form steadied and Laois are now on the up.

“We were not happy with our league performance this year. It was 50:50 on wins and losses, and you know, I think the team turned the corner after that, going into the Leinster Championship.

“We got another hiccup when we lost the Leinster Final to Westmeath fair and square. We weren’t good enough on the day, and we didn’t put away our chances up front. At this level, if you don’t take your chances and not on your game, you are going to knocked off it straight away.

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“I really think in the last eight weeks that we have been peaking at the right team,” she said.

Mo knows the county scene more than most and knows what Tyrone will bring to the table.

“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.

“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.

Having played in Croke Park in 2022 and been a mascot in 2001 when Laois took the senior crown, Mo is well versed on the stadium’s challenges on a big day.

“It’s a massive pitch with great space and great noise. Some girls have never played on the pitch before, and it’s an amazing achievement to be there.

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“It’s great. 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 the final every year. I was that naive at seven years of age. I think for younger girls coming into the team, they have to just take the day as it comes because you don’t know when it will come again,” she said. MORE BELOW PHOTO

Mo focused on final. Pic: Paul Dargan

She concludes with a message to Laois sports fans.

“It's an All-Ireland final for Laois. We don’t get to Croker too often, no matter what the code is. We are just asking people to get their tickets and get the train up and have a good day out, and please God, it will be Laois who win the Intermediate All-Ireland.

“It makes a difference - we heard the roar from the Hogan Stand in 2022. It was amazing when we were running onto the field, and with every score we got. That is like having an extra person on the team,” she concluded.

The final will be played in Croke Park on Sunday, August 3 with the throw-in at 1.45pm.