The 'buzz' is back in Meath football, according to Mick O'Dowd, as he puts the final touches to the Royals' preparations for Sunday's Leinster SFC decider.

Expectations are high amongst followers of the green and gold that they now have a team capable of competing against the best in the country and Dublin in Croke Park on Leinster final day will provide the litmus test.

"I'd imagine there's a good connection between Meath people and this team. I'd say that's fair to say," O'Dowd commented to the Irish Independent.

"I'd say there's a buzz around the county again. And I'm sure expectations have risen as our performances have risen.

"We had four championship matches last year, our last two were against Division 1 teams and they were reasonable performances.

"The Tyrone game was one we were close to winning. The Dublin game I wouldn't say that because it was gone away from us coming into the home stretch.

"So I suppose Meath people coming into this year were enthused by the team. I'd say we had a solid league. And I'd say people were nervous coming into the Kildare game, because of our injury crisis. But then happy after.

"Now it comes to Meath/Dublin. And Meath people always love that game. It's close to the heart."

The Skryne clubman added: "I still maintain in the long term you have to become a top eight team.

"That's the big picture, the long term stuff and you have to playing against the top teams regularly to develop individually and collectively.

"But winning a Leinster title, the nature of who you are playing, the All-Ireland champions, the double League champions, the Leinster champion all considered, would be great. And beating Dublin would be great." Tweet

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