DESSIE FARRELL HAS announced that he is stepping down as manager of the Dublin footballers after six years in charge.
Farrell first confirmed the news to GAA+ following his side’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final defeat to Tyrone in Croke Park, and later in Croke Park to the written media in a press conference.
He explained that he informed the players in the dressing room after their 0-23 to 0-16 loss, and had already the county board at the start of the year that this would be his last season in charge. The two-time All-Ireland winning manager also spoke about his decision in the post-match press conference.
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“It’s been a privilege,” he began.
“As a player and as a coach, I’ve been involved with Dublin for the guts of 40 years. So, it’s a long, long time. It’s very much been part and parcel of my life and I’ve met some amazing people along the way – all the backroom teams, all the coaching, all the underage teams, and then senior teams for the last couple of years.
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Dessie Farrell confirms he is stepping down as Dublin manager after nearly six years in charge 👏
“Some great, special people along the way. I’ve had a ringside seat to some of the greatest warriors that ever played the sport. I’ve been involved with some of them from U13 right the way through to today.
“I’ve seen them grow from young boys to young men, to older men. That’s a journey that I’m so grateful for and delighted to have been involved for as long as I have. We’ve had good days and bad days. That’s part of elite sport.
“Some special memories and some special bonds and relationships.”
Farrell departs having guided Dublin to Sam Maguire success in 2020 after taking over from Jim Gavin, and again in 2023.
Farrell also managed Dublin to an All-Ireland minor title in 2012, and All-Ireland U21 titles in 2014 and 2017. He expanded on his decision to step away at the post-match press conference.
“I said that to the lads in the dressing room today, while everyone’s bitterly disappointed, there’s sometimes failures, greatness waiting to happen. This could be a big platform for that group going forward. A lot of lessons in this season for players and for the group. I think they’ll be better for it and well set up to attack a new season in 2026.”
“I think it’s just come to a natural end. I definitely don’t want to make it about me because it’s always and always has been about the players.
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“Ultimately, they’re the men who step into the arena. I have huge admiration and respect for them. I think the overriding feeling for me now is that I will miss the people.
“They’re a special group and I’m very, very grateful for them and for all they’ve given. They’ll drive on and Dublin will be a good place next season and the season after.”
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Dessie Farrell steps down as manager of Dublin footballers
DESSIE FARRELL HAS announced that he is stepping down as manager of the Dublin footballers after six years in charge.
Farrell first confirmed the news to GAA+ following his side’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final defeat to Tyrone in Croke Park, and later in Croke Park to the written media in a press conference.
He explained that he informed the players in the dressing room after their 0-23 to 0-16 loss, and had already the county board at the start of the year that this would be his last season in charge. The two-time All-Ireland winning manager also spoke about his decision in the post-match press conference.
“It’s been a privilege,” he began.
“As a player and as a coach, I’ve been involved with Dublin for the guts of 40 years. So, it’s a long, long time. It’s very much been part and parcel of my life and I’ve met some amazing people along the way – all the backroom teams, all the coaching, all the underage teams, and then senior teams for the last couple of years.
“Some great, special people along the way. I’ve had a ringside seat to some of the greatest warriors that ever played the sport. I’ve been involved with some of them from U13 right the way through to today.
“I’ve seen them grow from young boys to young men, to older men. That’s a journey that I’m so grateful for and delighted to have been involved for as long as I have. We’ve had good days and bad days. That’s part of elite sport.
“Some special memories and some special bonds and relationships.”
Farrell departs having guided Dublin to Sam Maguire success in 2020 after taking over from Jim Gavin, and again in 2023.
Farrell also managed Dublin to an All-Ireland minor title in 2012, and All-Ireland U21 titles in 2014 and 2017. He expanded on his decision to step away at the post-match press conference.
“I said that to the lads in the dressing room today, while everyone’s bitterly disappointed, there’s sometimes failures, greatness waiting to happen. This could be a big platform for that group going forward. A lot of lessons in this season for players and for the group. I think they’ll be better for it and well set up to attack a new season in 2026.”
“I think it’s just come to a natural end. I definitely don’t want to make it about me because it’s always and always has been about the players.
“Ultimately, they’re the men who step into the arena. I have huge admiration and respect for them. I think the overriding feeling for me now is that I will miss the people.
“They’re a special group and I’m very, very grateful for them and for all they’ve given. They’ll drive on and Dublin will be a good place next season and the season after.”
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Dessie Farrell Dublin GAA Time to say goodbye