The foundations for St Vincent's return to the Leinster Club SFC final showpiece were laid in Conor McGregor's gym, according to Hugh Gill.

The Marino outfit haven't lost a championship game since September 2012 and mixed martial arts was introduced to their training regime this year to help freshen things up.

"It was great to see a different angle to a different sort of training," Gill told The Irish Independent.

"The training is just insane. I followed McGregor from early in his career and mentally, how he approaches things is just quite impressive."

Diarmuid Connolly is the jewel in St Vincent's crown but Gill insists they are more than a one man team.

"Coming up to the county final, I heard people saying 'sure all you have to do is get Diarmo (Connolly) to show up.'

"And it annoyed us slightly because there are a lot of our players chomping on the bit as well.

"And I think it showed on the day. Connolly probably had one of his quieter days and they marshalled him pretty well. The same with Mossy.

"And the other lads came up trumps - the likes of (Ruairi) Trainor, Gavin Burke, Shane Carthy and Ciaran Dorney. So I think that kind of answered a few people."

Offaly champions Rhode will be looking to throw a spanner in St Vincent's works in the Leinster final in Navan on Sunday and Gill revealed: "I haven't played against them but I've heard they're a very hard working team.

"And I've just found out today that there are four sets of brothers on the team, so there should be a great sense of brotherhood or camaraderie, which will create a great spirit in the team.

"You hear a few things about them. If we get it right as a team, there's not too much we have to worry about.

"I've heard a lot about Niall (McNamee) and I've seen clips. He's a very skilful player and he has done a lot for Rhode.

"It's going to be extremely challenging."

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