"As somebody said in there, we're already in the championship longer than Wicklow ever were for the past 30 years. So we'll have to keep it going now." This was Mick O'Dwyer in the thick of another classic championship contest, and loving it. Are there no limits to this man? He's starting to wonder himself.

"I don't know if that ticker of mine will stay going at all. Sure it was mighty stuff. Where you would get better than that? Not in any other game, I don't care what you say.

"It was so tight it was unbelievable, and I think all the players out there should be complimented for the display of football they gave. And I suppose at the end of the day a draw was a fair result. Maybe we were unlucky to concede that goal at the finish, but it shows the character of this team as well that they were able to come back again and level it."

O'Dwyer admitted he felt Wicklow had chances to win, especially when up two points in the closing minutes of extra time: "Well I did, but I know as well two points is a very dangerous score to be in front. Sometimes if you're a point in front you're better off, as the other team will go for the point and try to draw rather than the goal. As we found way back in 1982. We were two points up, and what happened? The goal crucified us. But we didn't lose today . . . I'm not disappointed."

And back to Croke Park next Sunday? "Sure that's where we want to be. And they'll have to let us in there now. There's no team ready for Wexford anyway. And the more games we get the better. We're building this team, and gaining in experience. And we're just hoping we can perform again next Sunday."

Louth captain Peter McGinnity had the facial scars to prove what was a bruising contest, and he too was looking forward to the third chance to put Wicklow away - even if that means putting off his honeymoon, again, for another week.

"Both teams gave it everything . . . I have a few scars though from both matches and I could feel the legs tiring and it will be a matter of recovering this week.

"The way I look at it, I've been training with Louth for years and this year we have been at it since last September and I was not going to throw that away for a week or two on a honeymoon and I think that paid off here today . . . When we nicked the goal I was surprised but you don't come back by accident. There is very little between the sides."