Last night's documentary 'Blue Sisters' was a welcomed addition to the pantheon of magnificent GAA documentaries. The programme charted the Dublin footballers journey to a much sought after All-Ireland title. After losing three finals in a row, the Dublin ladies finally got over the line last season.
It was directed by Pat Comer, who also worked on 'Tall, Dark & Ó hAilpín' and 'A Year Till Sunday' in the past. The producer's access to the dressing room and players allowed for a revealing insight into the physical and mental challenges the team had to overcome during their title run.
Fantastic work by @dublinladiesg #bluesisters 💙💙showing the massive effort that the girls and management put in #serioussupport #updadubs💙💙
— Colleen Barrett (@cailindagirl) November 27, 2017
#BlueSisters highlighted the commitment and effort that ladies put in just as much as our male counterparts. It’s time ladies get the respect they deserve #Equality #WellDoneDublinLGFA
— Niamh Daly (@NiamhDaly6) November 27, 2017
The dark days are over #bluesisters brilliant. In sport you dont always get what you deserve, but that team deserve that moment #RoleModels
— Emer Keenan (@EKeenan25) November 27, 2017
Well done to Pat Comer (Dir) and all the team who made the smashing doc on Dublin ladies 2017. V. Enjoyable. #Great Job #BluesSisters
— Ray Silke (@raysilke98) November 27, 2017
Well that was fantastic, I’m an emotional wreck after #BluesSisters well done @LoosehorseTV that was quality!
— Derek Kinnevey (@kinnevey) November 27, 2017
The star of the show was undoubtedly All-Star Nicole Owens. Owens spoke with startling honesty about her struggles with depression and the help provided by her team-mates and her manager, Mick Bohan, in combating that.
As a sports fan,I really enjoyed #BlueSisters Star of the show for me was Nicole Owens for sharing her experience of depression & highlighting the value of sport in our lives
— Jason Sherlock (@boomjayo) November 27, 2017
Fair play to Nicole Owens for being so open about her battle with depression! Superb footballer who had a great season #BluesSisters
— Morgan O'Callaghan (@MorgantheBriar) November 27, 2017
Phenomenal generosity, courage and kindness from Dublin footballer Nicole Owens on #bluessisters documentary to speak publicly of her experiences with depression. A wonderful #warriorofthelight Keep shining brightly @hashtagnicoleo
— Conor Cusack (@Conor14Cusack) November 27, 2017
There was some reaction online to the fact it was Dublin who were chosen as subjects for the documentary and not six in a row All-Ireland winners Cork. However, Cork were offered the opportunity and declined it.
The dog days are over! Congrats to all involved in #BluesSisters 👏 👏 And for those asking, the #Cork ladies declined to do a similar documentary a few years ago. The team voted no, to keep dressing room sacred @LadiesFootball
— Mary White (She/Her) (@mary_white33) November 27, 2017
Former Kildare ladies manager Morgan O'Callaghan was struck by the resources made available to the side.
Unbelievable the gap in resources available to Dublin Ladies and the rest of Leinster! I hope Co Boards are watching this! #BluesSisters
— Morgan O'Callaghan (@MorgantheBriar) November 27, 2017
The documentary's success ultimately hinged on access. It is what makes them great. To be able to pair the characters and personalities shown last night with the footballers that lit up Croke Park earlier this year is the ultimate means to promoting the game and building a following.
An emotional roller coaster like 'Blue Sisters' is exactly what you want of a sports documentary.
'Blue Sisters' is available on the RTE Player here and well worth your time if you haven't seen it.
