For Blaithín Bogue there will be nerves going in to this All Ireland final, despite winning the title two seasons ago. But she plans on turning those nerves into a positive:

“I think no matter how many you play in there will always be nerves going into an All-Ireland final but I think you can use those nerves to help you and that is what we hope to do,” she explained this week.

Fermanagh take on Louth in the All Ireland Junior title at 11:45pm in Croke Park and for many of the squad it is familiar territory having won the same title in 2017. But despite that win it is their opponents, Louth, who Bogue considers to be favourites for the title:

“They got to the final last year and they are a very good team. They will be looking to win it now and use their experience from last year,” she said, before talking about the tactics they expect Louth to use.

“Kate Flood is a good target in the full forward line, and she wins a lot of ball and they look to get the ball inside quickly. But we will be ready for it and I think we have an excellent defence and I have every faith in them to do a great job,” Bogue stated.

The Tempo player has been operating in and around the half forward line this year for Fermanagh and her ball winning ability, driving runs, ability to bring other players in to the game and also take a score herself have all been prevalent in Fermanagh’s march to the All-Ireland final.

Johnny Garrity and his management team have had quite a first year in charge and they will be looking to cap it off with the biggest prize of them all and Bogue was full of praise for the new team in charge:

“They are very prepared. Training three nights a week and everything is organised, and they are dedicated. And I think they will be around for a few years which is brilliant for us.”

Bogue is one of five Tempo players on the panel for All Ireland final day. Sister Cadhla, Molly Flynn, Shannan McQuade and Roisin McCusker make up the quintet and Bogue explained that there has been a real buzz around the town:

“There are posters up in Tempo and everyone is wishing us well. It is nice to have a good representation from the club and we are all really looking forward to it.”

The Fermanagh team can also look forward to plenty of support on the day too with a healthy crowd from Bogue’s club making the trip:

“There is two buses already going from Tempo and I think they are looking for a third. To be fair we always get a good support and we are looking forward to it now,” Bogue explained.

A final word on the match itself and the flying forward is confident that the team can meet expectations:

“I think we just have to go out and put in a performance. That is the key to it. If we do that then I think we can take,” she concluded.

For Bogue and many of her team-mates Sunday evening could see them making their way home to Fermanagh having secured their second All Ireland medal. But that is not going to distract them going into this game. It is all about going out and playing to their potential and if Bogue does that Fermanagh will already be well on the way to victory.