HE hasn't lost it you know! Moments after watching his new charges secure a thrilling victory over neighbours Carlow, Mick O'Dwyer informed reporters that Wicklow are already on a par with last year, when they won just one match, against Waterford in the 2006 Allianz National Football League. The implicit message is that from now on, anything else is a bonus. And you'd swear he scripted this yesterday morning. Wicklow were stunned by a suckerpunch goal from stand-out Carlow forward Derek Hayden four minutes from time which left the hosts trailing by two, 2-6 to 0-10.

But showing the fire, grit and determination that we have come to associate with teams assembled by O'Dwyer, Wicklow drew level with a brace of Tommy Gill points and in the first minute of injury time, Aughrim exploded when substitute Paul Phibbs, from junior club Lacken, rolled home the winning goal. A dream finish for O'Dwyer and Wicklow was in keeping with the theme of the afternoon. It began with popping flashbulbs, a carnival atmosphere and a bumper crowd touching the 4,000 mark.

All was well with the world in Wicklow, the only county in Leinster never to win a senior provincial football title.

Turnstiles clicked merrily, replica shirts were on sale and the crowd waited for the Messiah. Then, Wicklow County board PRO Jack Napier took the microphone to greet Waterville legend O'Dwyer prior to throw-in and a huge roar went up. O'Dwyer strode from the dressing room area and as his players gathered for the obligatory pre-match photograph, Micko turned to face a pack of eager photographers and with clenched fist, gave them exactly what they wanted. O'Dwyer's smile lit up a chilly afternoon as sparkling early morning sunshine was quickly replaced by angry, black clouds overhead.

Midway through the first half, the sun came back out again, according to the script of course. In a cold, concrete room adjacent to the Wicklow dressing room afterwards, O'Dwyer confirmed that he had thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

"We have been told over the years that Wicklow are bad finishers but it changed today, " O'Dwyer beamed. "There were two goals got against us at vital stages in the second half and most teams would have caved in under those.

But we kept plugging away, Tommy Gill and that young fella Phibbs made a big difference and showed great heart. He comes from a junior club (Lacken) and they're the guys we'll be bringing through as this thing goes on. We're playing Wexford here next Sunday and that will be another game to help us on our way.

We would hope to improve the standard here in Wicklow and that's a start.

"I enjoyed every moment, great atmosphere and it's great for the people of Wicklow. Carlow got the goals but it proved one thing, this crowd can fight, " O'Dwyer smiled.