Louth's Conall McKeever: This is why we play football

Donal McKeever says that they're exactly where they want to be as they begin preparations for a tilt at promotion to Allianz Football League Division 1 next Sunday.

The Wee County were plying their trade in Division 4 as recently as 2021 but they now face a shootout with Dublin at Croke Park to decide who will be joining Derry in going up to the top flight.

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Their run has seen them defeat Kildare, old foes Meath and then Cork this afternoon to keep their fate in their own hands. Louth hadn't beaten Cork since the 1957 All-Ireland final, and they'll have to bridge another long gap if they're to deny Dessie Farrell's Blues an immediate return to Division 1.

It was 1973, before the coming of the Kevin Heffernan-inspired modern era of the Dubs, that the Wee County last secured a victory over the Metropolitans in a replayed Leinster Championship fixture.

For McKeever, who was speaking on RTÉ's Sunday Sport, next Sunday's meeting at Jones' Road is a just reward for the hard work undertaken since Mickey Harte's arrival as manager.

"That's exactly what you play football for," he said.

"We're all buzzing now. Obviously our full focus was on Cork but now, what more do you want? It's pretty much a promotion final against Dublin in Croke Park.

"There's been some tough years in Division 4 where the atmosphere (around the county) wouldn't have been as good, and you wouldn't have as much of a crowd at the games.

"It's positive at the minute, and around Dundalk there's a positive atmosphere,