It won’t have come as a huge shock, but it’s still always sad when the curtain comes down for one of the true greats. And, for as long as the story of Dublin GAA is told, the name of Desmond Farrell shall command such accreditation. Especially now that his six year tenure as Dublin senior football manager has concluded.
The Na Fianna clubman confirmed the end of his reign in the post match press conference after his now former charges had their summer journey ended by Tyrone on a 0-16 to 0-23 scoreline. Dubs will, with some justification, feel very hard done by as some of the frees David Coldrick handed the Red Hand were of the fabric softner variety.
However, a slightly removed review would highlight that yes, the Meath whistler certainly didn’t do Malachy O’Rourke’s side any harm, in the wides they kicked, the amount of times they were turned over and, particularly, the amount of ball dropped short into Niall Morgan, Dublin were very much authors of their own downfall.
Now, indications seem to be that Dessie had made his intention to draw stumps at the end of this season well known so, even from an outside perspective, it will be interesting to see have chiefs in the capital a plan in place.
As is always the case in these situations, attention will quickly turn to the matter of who will be next to step up to the plate. You don’t see the likes of Pat Gilroy or Jim Gavin going back at it.
I will admit to not being too au fait with what former Dublin players are doing or what experience any of them have in management but the likes of Paul Curran – who was part of the management team which guided Dunshaughlin to a first Meath SFC in 22 years last autumn – or the man who steered Cuala to an outstanding All Ireland Club SFC success earlier this year, Austin O’Malley, might enter calculations.
Ironically, though, Meath may have got the jump on their old rivals by securing the services of the best there is.
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