'Get David up the steps'- Mark Dowling reveals Laois' simple mission for Joe McDonagh Cup final

Mark Dowling has played his part in every step of the Laois senior hurlers’ run to the Joe McDonagh Cup final and the Camross man is hoping he can help Tommy Fitzgerald's side finally get over the line when they face Carlow in Croke Park.

The Laois forward has featured in all five of the county's Joe McDonagh Cup games this season. He came off the bench against Carlow, Antrim, Westmeath and Down before being handed a starting berth against London in the final round of the competition.

Having started last year's Joe McDonagh Cup final defeat to Kildare, Dowling is one of a number of players in the current squad determined to make sure this year's trip to headquarters has a different outcome.

While competition for places remains fierce throughout the panel, Dowling says every player is fully committed to the same objective.

“I have come on in a few games. As Tommy was saying, there's serious competition in the panel and I suppose it's the nature really of inter-county hurling at this time. You need 1-35, 35 pushing as hard as number one. Anyone that gets to take part is obviously very lucky but we all just have a goal to get David (Dooley) up the steps and that's the plan for next Saturday."

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Dowling was rewarded with a starting place against London in Ruislip as Laois sealed their place in the final and he relished the opportunity to be involved from the throw-in.

Played in sweltering conditions, the game was a far cry from the cold evenings that often accompany the early stages of inter-county preparation.

“Sure look if you don’t enjoy hurling in 30 degrees sun, I think you're in the wrong sport. It was a good weekend. It was nice to get out there, that's why you play, to play in them games in the sun, you know, and it definitely beats January.”

The Camross clubman was used as a focal point in the attack against London, with plenty of direct ball played into him throughout the contest. It was a role he was happy to perform as Laois got the job done.

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“Some days it goes like that and other days you could be out on the corner flag. It was a bit easier last week the way it worked out, but no, I enjoyed it and yeah, big week ahead.”

Having been part of Laois teams that have fallen short in recent Joe McDonagh Cup finals, Dowling knows there is little value in simply reaching another decider. The aim now is to ensure the county finally brings the trophy home.

“There's a massive effort from everyone. Look, we've been here before, so we just need to get the job done now this time.”