Jason Sampson hoping Offaly can maintain feel-good factor in Joe McDonagh Cup final clash with Carlow

Jason Sampson is just about old enough to remember the most recent of Offaly's four All-Ireland hurling final triumphs. Or at least he thinks he is.

The Shinrone man was five in 1998 and has a memory of meeting Betty and Seán Dooley, parents of winning players Johnny and Billy, walking down the steps of the Hogan Stand.

"It sticks in my head, strange things like that," he tells RTÉ Sport. "I remember being in Thurles for the third game against Clare. I would have been very young but I just have faint recollections... I don't know, maybe I don’t have the memories at all. I want to have the memories, maybe!

"I don’t really remember anything on the field but I’ve watched tapes back alright and stuff like that."

The Faithful's fall from grace in the years since is harder to forget. They reached 17 Leinster finals between 1980 and 2000 but only one since, in 2004.

They haven't even competed in the province since suffering back-to-back relegations in 2018 and 2019 and captain Sampson last played a Leinster match since 2016.

But now, only fellow Joe McDonagh Cup (live on RTÉ2/RTÉ Player) finalists Carlow stand in the way of a return to top-tier provincial action.

Spirits in Offaly are high after the U20s' thrilling win over Wexford in the Leinster decider last week.

Their All-Ireland final against Cork has been pushed back by a week, allowing Charlie Mitchell and fellow senior panellists Sam Bourke and Joe Hoctor to tog out at Croke Park this Saturday.

Sampson was among the many fans who made the trip to Carlow to cheer on the youngsters.

"Last Wednesday was a serious occasion," says Sampson. "The Offaly support there was unbelievable.

"You’d be delighted coming home from Carlow last Wednesday night, they showed savage heart and character