A fly on the wall GAA documentary 'Blues Sisters' airs tonight charting the Dublin ladies journey to All-Ireland success earlier this year.
The film is a behind the scenes insight into the teams training programme, preparations and spirit that saw them finally clinch the title having lost three finals in a row before hand.
Dublin wing-forward Nicole Owens is one of the stand-out figures in the documentary. Owens speaks with stark honesty about her difficulties with her mental health and how the team benefited her:
Especially because the team is so close, some of my best friends are on the team.
I’ve always been quite open about the fact that I’ve suffered from depression for pretty much the whole time I’ve been playing for Dublin.
Owens had particualr praise for long-serving Dublin manager, Mick Bohan:
All the girls were brilliant, Mick was brilliant. Basically now I talk to Mick more than I talk to my Mam. We always joke that he must have a serious phone bill because Mick rings everyone a few times a week just to check in.
Things like that, knowing that people have your back and that you’re valued within the team more than just as a player on the pitch, but as a person, that’s massive.
I’m in a much, much better place now, certainly, than I was. I’m good now.
The documentary is just the latest addition to the excellent promotion of ladies football currently underway. From team-bonding sessions in Lahinch to half-time team talks, the programme is an outstanding insight into the work involved in becoming an All-Ireland winner. Is is directed by Pat Comer, the same man who directed the famous Galway documentary 'A Year 'Til Sunday.'
Dublin's final was played on front off a record-breaking 46,286 people. 'Blue Sisters' is a welcomed addition to that, telling the stories behind the stars that put on an exhibition that day.
It airs tonight on RTE One at 9.35pm.
