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McConville's Wicklow fought back from a huge 13-point deficit to win the Tailteann Cup for the first time [Getty Images]
Wicklow manager Oisin McConville said their stunning first Tailteann Cup win is "a day we never thought we would see".
McConville's side rallied from 13 points down against Down with a super second-half comeback to prevail 1-21 to 2-16 in the final at a sunny Croke Park.
And the Garden County boss was delighted that his side showed a spirited response in the second 35 minutes after a tough first half.
"We just didn't turn up, too nervous and the occasion definitely got to us in the first half," McConville told BBC Sport NI.
"I suppose, we didn't want to be 13 points down, but we knew we would probably be chasing the game and when we were chasing the game, we had the elements and all the momentum and more importantly, players that could finish.
"I know people will say we had a big comeback, scraped over the line and had great heart but we had enough chances to win two games there. The heart and desire of the boys is unbelievable but they have some ability too."
'We deserve to be in the All-Ireland series next year'
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Wicklow will play in the All-Ireland SFC next season [Getty Images]
Trailing 2-10 to 0-4 at half-time after Eoin Darcy missed a penalty, McConville said a calm approach at the break, focused on making tweaks rather than berating his side's sloppiness, proved the difference.
"When you're in that situation all that shouting and roaring isn't going to do much, we had to fix things and we did, we got on top of their kickouts, put them under pressure and there's no one like us when we put teams under pressure," he added.
"It's unbelievable, a day we never thought we would see and definitely not 35 minutes ago, just outstanding second half; ability, desire, heart, you name, it we had it."
Victory in the Tailteann Cup also guarantees Wicklow's place in next year's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, another challenge that McConville is relishing.
"We'll take six months to mull over this one then get it at. These boys want to play at that level and in order to do so you have to win this, we deserved to be here today and in the All-Ireland series next year."
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