ALL-IRELAND WINNING footballer Nicole Owens has opened up about her experience with depression in an RTÉ documentary which charts Dublin’s path to All-Ireland success this year.
‘Blues Sisters,’ which is produced by Loosehorse, treats viewers to some behind-the-scenes footage of Dublin’s 2017 championship, as the team set out to win the Brendan Martin Cup for the first time since 2010, having lost the previous three deciders.
The programme includes clips from training sessions, bonding trips and interviews with the players.
While remarking on the unique bond shared among the players on the Dublin panel, Owens candidly talks about the support she received from teammates and management when she opened up to them about her depression.
“Some of my best friends are on the team,” she begins.
“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.
All the girls were brilliant, Mick (Bohan) was brilliant. Some days 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.”
Further on in the documentary, viewers see the meticulous level of detail that was applied to Dublin’s preparations throughout the 2017 season.
Ahead of their 2017 All-Ireland final clash against Mayo, the Dublin management used one of their training sessions to put the players through a dress rehearsal of All-Ireland final day, to prepare them for all the rituals that take during the occasion, including the pre-match parade.
Check out this trailer to get a flavour of what to expect in this evening’s broadcast, which will be aired at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.
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