We feel we can reach another level: Mick Bohan

Manager Mick Bohan is hoping his team can deliver their best performance of the season in Sunday's TG4 All-Ireland Ladies SFC final against Mayo in Croke Park (4.0).

The Dubs who last lifted the Brendan Martin Cup in 2010 defeated Kerry in their semi-final and know that Sunday's opponents are in top form having lowered the colours of the mighty Cork in their semi-final.

“We feel we are coming into the final in good fettle. Leinster is not as competitive as we would have liked, but it is improving," says Mick.

“Westmeath going to Division 1 will make a difference next year. But the reality is that players in lower divisions do things slower.

“Waterford are a decent team. We did a lot of good things right against Kerry.

“We feel we have gone up a level each time we have played. But we feel we can reach another level.”

The Jackies have suffered some cruel loses in deciders in recent times the Dublin manager is hoping these experiences on the biggest stage will stand to them.

“Those experiences will definitely stand to them," says Mick.

“There have been quite a change in personnel and positions on the team. Even from our National League game with Mayo six months ago, there have been six personnel changes and seven positional changes. So that is pretty significant.

“Sinéad Finnegan played most of her football at centre-back. But she has been a revelation at full-back.

“Likewise, Noelle Healy went into the inside-line and caused all sorts of damage. We have placed a huge emphasis on blocking and tackling. In the last two games, I felt our swarm defending was excellent. We turned over quite an amount of ball.

“The mental block is not Cork. It’s not Croke Park. The mental block is in the challenge to perform.

“Distraction causes your performance to slip off. That’s why teams don’t finish. They look over their shoulder.

“The key to this group, and this is what we have been saying all year, is to make sure to finish games out.

“Forget about the result. Forget about the trophy. Forget about the clock. It’s all about the performance. It will be no different this time.”