Grimes is expecting a red-hot atmosphere

Meath and that the past means nothing to them.

‘This kind of weather makes it a lot easier coming down to Darver and playing Meath is a little bit of a bonus too. We’re looking forward to it.

‘We’re not interested in what happened in the past, we’re concentrating on what we have and what this group can achieve and we’re in a position now where we can achieve something. It’s going to be tough, it’s a big game but we’re definitely not looking at the past. It’s a young group of players and very few of us were involved in 2010. But it is good to have the experience of those guys who were involved too.’

Grimes did beat Meath in 2011 in the Leinster Championship and the Reds took them to a replay in the U-21 grade the following year.

None of that will count for much on Sunday, however, and the Glen Emmets man feels that what has happened this season is a lot more relevant.

‘Players feed off each other and at the minute confidence is high throughout the squad. But it’s easy when things are running smooth, it’s when things start to go wrong that you are really tested and you have to be ready for that too.

‘It’s going to be a tough battle and we’re expecting big hits, but you prepare as best you can and concentrate on your own game and make sure you get there in the best possible shape. Then you have to deal with whatever you get on the day.’

With the advantage of two extra competitive games in the league final and against Carlow, Louth fans will be hoping their team can catch Meath cold at Parnell Park, but Grimes isn’t so sure that will be a factor.

‘Game time is good and that is what you want to be doing and that should work in our favour, but I’m sure Meath have been preparing properly and training hard and all teams start to peak at this time of year, so it probably won’t make a big difference,’ he concluded.