Dublin GAA are officially in the market for a new senior football manager following Dessie Farrell’s decision to step away from the role after the county’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Tyrone on Saturday.
Farrell had been at the helm since 2019 and brought further success to the county with two All-Ireland titles in his 6 seasons in charge. However, Dublin’s dominance has gradually waned in recent seasons, and this summer’s early exit confirmed that a change was on the horizon.
He leaves behind a decorated legacy as both player and manager – one that includes stabilising the team post-Gavin and overseeing the emergence of a new generation of Dubs – but the search is now on for someone who can spark another golden era.
Looking Back On The Dessie Farrell Era
Dessie Farrell succeeded Jim Gavin at the end of 2019 and hit the ground running with an All-Ireland title in his debut season, albeit in the unique backdrop of COVID-19 restrictions. That title continued the success of the Gavin era and made it six in a row for that Dublin side, cementing their place as the greatest team in the history of Gaelic football.
The seasons that followed proved trickier. In 2021, they were shocked by a massive Mayo comeback in the semi-finals, ending their record All-Ireland streak. A semi-final exit in 2022 to Kerry signalled a shift in the team’s dominance, the end of an era.
In 2023, Farrell helped Dublin reclaim the Sam Maguire title, defeating a highly fancied Kerry team led by David Clifford, and in the process avenging that 2022 semi-final defeat.
In neither 2024 nor 2025 could they match that feat. Two consecutive quarter-final defeats, the first to Galway, and most recently to Tyrone, signalled that the Dessie Farrell era had come to its natural conclusion.
While the silverware dried up toward the end, Farrell leaves with credit for navigating a period of transition and getting a couple more All-Ireland titles as the county’s most talented crop of players ever were arriving to the end of their careers.
Next Dublin Manager Betting Odds
Here are the latest betting odds for who could be the next man to take the reins in the capital.
Manager | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Ger Brennan | 1/2 | 66.7% |
Jim Gavin | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Pat Gilroy | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Jason Sherlock | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Mick Bohan | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Paddy Andrews | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Ciaran Farrelly | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Tom Gray | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Declan Darcy | 16/1 | 5.9% |
James Horan | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Oisin McConville | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Mickey Harte | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Andy Moran | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Paul Caffrey | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Bar | 28/1 | 3.4% |
Leading Contenders To Replace Farrell
Ger Brennan (1/2)
The early frontrunner at short odds of 1/2. Those odds suggest that he is more likely to become Dublin’s next manager than not.
Brennan’s stock is rising fast after a strong start to his intercounty managerial career with Louth. The St Vincents clubman led the Wee County to their first Leinster Championship title since 1957.
If Brennan wants the Dublin job, it’s hard to imagine him not getting it, speaking sincerely. He is the logical choice to start a new era in Dublin, given his success with the county as a player, winning two All-Irelands, including being part of that famous 2011 title-winning side, and his high standing in Dublin GAA circles.
Jim Gavin (7/1)
The architect of Dublin’s five-in-a-row. Gavin walked away from management in 2019, seemingly satisfied with having achieved all there was to achieve. But whispers of a return haven’t gone away.
If the County Board believes a short-term reset is needed with a familiar face, they could come calling. The question is: would he be interested? My guess is not, but he has embraced more publicity recently as he headed up the Football Review Committee, which was in charge of creating new rules to make Gaelic football a more exciting sport.
With Dublin football in the worst place they have been in years, there is a chance that Gavin could be persuaded into getting his county back on the right path again. Odds of 7/1 seem fair here.
Pat Gilroy
Another figure with a deep history in Dublin football. Gilroy, who led the county to Sam Maguire success in 2011, remains a popular figure and someone with a sharp tactical mind. He’s been involved behind the scenes in recent years, and if Dublin opt for experience and familiarity, Gilroy could be a key name in the discussion.
Jason Sherlock
A vital part of Jim Gavin’s backroom team during the glory years, Sherlock is well-respected across the board and an iconic figure as a player for the Boys in Blue. His appointment would bring continuity and familiarity for many of the current panel. There’s long been a sense among many involved in Dublin GAA that he’d step into the hot seat eventually – this may be the moment.
Mick Bohan
The highly successful Dublin Ladies Football manager has long been linked with a future in the men’s game. His coaching credentials are impeccable, and his player-management style is widely praised. If he’s interested, Bohan could be a strong contender – especially if the County Board are open to a more unconventional route.
Paddy Andrews
Andrews has become a prominent media voice since his retirement and is admired for his football insight. While he lacks direct coaching experience, his charisma, sharp mind, and respect within the Dublin camp could make him a wildcard contender, especially if included in a broader coaching ticket.
With all that said, Andrews is very much an outside contender, and I wouldn’t be in a rush to back him for the job at these odds.
The Timeline For A Replacement
The last major Dublin appointment came quickly: Dessie Farrell was officially named as Jim Gavin’s successor in early December 2019, just less than two weeks after Gavin announced his decision to step down from the role. A similar timeframe could play out this time, though given the high-profile nature of the role, Dublin GAA may take additional time to weigh their options.
With intercounty pre-season preparation beginning later in the year, the County Board will likely aim to have a new manager in place by the autumn at the latest.
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