Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1172058
www.ladiesgaelic.ie | AUTUMN 2019 | 15 FEATURE INTERVIEW when the referee blows the final whistle and you are looking around and hearing the cheer. It was amazing. "But even in the parade at the start, walking around and taking it all in. It's some support, the LGFA, TG4 and Lidl did great work to get that sort of attendance. It's brilliant." Dublin won their second All-Ireland on the bounce in September 2018 when they defeated Cork in the final. That was the third win in their history and they were expected to push on from there. But Mick Bohan's charges came unstuck in the Lidl NFL against Cork. Cork were victorious in the group stages and again when the two teams met in an extra-time semi-final thriller at Nowlan Park. Cork went on to take the league title while Dublin and Cork renewed rivalries in the TG4 All- Ireland semi-final. Getting over that hurdle was massive for this Dublin team and they took huge confidence going back to Croke Park for the final. "Last year looking on you feel like you can't do anything," said Rutledge. "Whereas this year when you are out there you are doing it for the girls as well. Everyone on this team works so hard together. "It is probably easier being involved than it is watching, with your heart racing. It is a privilege to be playing alongside some of those Dublin girls. "This is my second medal. But there are girls on the team who only have one medal. There is still huge motivation in this Dublin team. There are girls who still want to get their first. "The hunger, motivation and inspiration is still very much there." And on the same weekend as the Dublin men won their five- in-a-row, the Dublin Ladies made their own slice of history. Manager Mick Bohan has been at the helm for all three victories and now the attention turns to his future. But Rutledge and her teammates are desperate to see him stay on. "Don't fix what is not broken I would say," said Rutledge. "Mick and his management team have been absolutely brilliant for Dublin Ladies football. I just think to drive forward again it would be great to have them there. They know the set up and sometimes a new manager coming in can put you on the rocks. "But they have been absolutely brilliant for us. You can't fault them at all."