GAA: Pat Gilroy has decided the time is right to step away from the Dublin job following the All-Ireland champion's defeat at the hands of Mayo last Sunday. Gilroy is understood to have met with the senior panel this evening and informed them he was stepping down.
The St Vincent’s man, who only sought a one-year extension following last September’s win over Kerry, the county’s first All-Ireland since 1995, would have enjoyed the support of the county board and the players were he to seek a fifth year at the helm.
However, instead of seeking a further term Gilroy will pave the way for a new man to take charge in the capital. Jim Gavin, the current under-21 manager, is an obvious choice to succeed him.
“It was a huge honour for me to be selected to manage the Dublin senior football team and I was delighted that I was able to make a contribution to our All-Ireland success in 2011," said Gilroy in a county statement this evening. "It has been a challenging four years for me balancing my role with Dublin along with family and work commitments and I have decided not to continue for a further term.
"I would like to express my appreciation to my management and backroom team who were very supportive at all times and to the players for their exceptional commitment and dedication. Thanks also to the county board and the clubs for their encouragement and assistance since October 2008. I will give my full support to the incoming management team if required and I would be pleased to assist the Dublin GAA board if requested at some time in the future.”
The Dublin county committee chairman Andy Kettle added: “Pat has done an outstanding job as manager of the Dublin senior football team in winning three Leinster titles and regaining the All-Ireland title in 2011 after a sixteen year wait. I regret his departure but appreciate the huge sacrifices he has made over the past four years. The county committee will commence the process of considering suitable candidates to replace Pat and his management team shortly.”