Sam Mulroy flourishing in 'the best of times' for Louth ahead of Leinster decider against Dublin

Louth captain Sam Mulroy says that it was important to embrace the feelgood factor around the county, but preparation for a huge upcoming test against Dublin in the Leinster SFC final quickly became their key priority.

"It's great to get to Croke Park for the final but there is no point in being there if you don’t go out to win the game," Mulroy told RTE Sport.

"We are not delusional; we know we are up against a team that has dominated Leinster for the past 12 years, but we have to back ourselves at the same time," he added, speaking at the announcement of a five-year extension of AIB’s sponsorships of the GAA All-Ireland Football Championship, AIB Club Championships and AIB Camogie All-Ireland Club Championships.

"We know we are on a run, and we know we are playing one of the great counties but what’s the point in going to Croke Park Sunday week if we are not there to win it?"

As last Sunday’s end to end semi-final shootout with Offaly unfolded, Mulroy played a key role in shooting the side to their first Leinster final since the controversial 2010 decider against Meath.

He scored 0-06, including two frees, which is incredible considering he sustained a Grade 2 hamstring injury in Louth’s Division 2 league win over Kildare on 5 March.

Additional damage to a tendon involved a 12-week spell in the sidelines and ruled him out of the end of the league.

But Mulroy, an incredible athlete and the owner of Sam Mulroy Fitness, made his way back into the Louth team after only seven weeks.

He really burst into life as the game went into extra-time.

"Look, it took a while but I am well ahead of where I should be," he says.

"Obviously, you are there to score but there are other ways you can help the team too."

In that regard, how much has he