Gavin is going to prove a hugely difficult act to follow
By William O'Connor
FOLLOWING the shock announcement that Jim Gavin has stepped down as Dublin Senior Football team manager, all the talk this week is who will replace him in the top job.
Gavin has brought Dublin football to a whole new level, completing a historic five All-Ireland titles in succession this year.
Clondalkin man Jim Gavin is going to be a massively difficult act to follow for the next Dublin Senior Football team manager
Indeed, with a stunning roll of honour that features six All-Ireland Senior Football Championship titles, seven Leinster Champ-ionships, five National Leagues and three All-Ireland Under 21 titles, the Round Tower clubman is going to be a massively difficult act to follow.
Already there is speculation as to who the next Dublin manager will be.
Names mentioned this week are Dessie Farrell, Jason Sherlock, Pat Gilroy, Paul Clarke, Paul Curran, Declan Darcy and Mick Bohan.
In a statement issued by the county board following the news of Gavin’s departure, Dublin chairman Sean Shanley said: “Dublin GAA will be forever grateful to Jim Gavin for his dedication, commit-ment and contribution as a player and, since 2003, leading the next generation of players at Under 21 and Senior level.
“I regret his departure but appreciate the huge sacrifices he has made over this period.
“The committee will commence the process of considering suitable candidates to replace Jim and his management team shortly,”.
His club Round Tower also paid tribute to their clubman, a statement reading: “Jim has represented Round Tower GAA Club with tremendous distinction in Gaelic Games at club, county and national level.
He has carried himself with great dignity in fulfilling his duties and undertaken huge personal sacrifices to support, promote and better Gaelic Football in Dublin and drive players to achieve exceptional standards.
“What has been achieved by Jim is unprecedented. This is testament to the huge responsibility he has undertaken to meticulously prepare the team for each of the challenges it has faced and to ensure players receive the best preparation and support.
For the past decade, Jim has been keenly involved in preparing Dublin teams. We are forever grateful to Jim for the role he’s fulfilled in promoting our club and the Clondalkin community with great honor.
“We also take this opportunity to pay tribute to our very own Frank Roebuck, who has been an integral part of Jim’s backroom team and has undertaken huge personal sacrifices to support Jim and the team.
“Jim could not have achieved his success without the continuous and immense support of his family.
“We thank them for the sacrifices they have made to support him on his journey.
“The Gavin family are integral to Round Tower GAA Club and we look forward to honoring Jim’s achievements”.
Since taking over the role as senior manager, Gavin has seen plenty of talent through the ranks, introducing the likes of Con O’Callaghan and Brian Fenton to the big stage.
And following the announcement of his departure on Saturday, there has been speculation over the future of a number of key players most notably captain Stephen Cluxton.
Round Tower GAA Club will be honouring Jim at a special occasion in their clubhouse this Sunday.
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