DES CAHILL has paid tribute to Dessie Farrell and his “decades of service” after stepping down as Dublin football manager.
Farrell resigned following yesterday’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Tyrone.
It brought to an end a six-year stint at the helm which yielded two Sam Maguire titles.
Reacting to his resignation, veteran RTE broadcaster Cahill praised the now-former gaffer and revealed what he respected the most about him.
He tweeted: “Dessie Farrell steps down after nearly four decades of service to #Dublin GAA.
“Apart from winning senior All-Ireland’s as a player AND manager, what I respect most is the years he put in with county development squads, and Minor and Under 21 teams.
“Enjoy your Tues & Thurs nights!”
Farrell’s final year in charge of the Dubs will go down as a disappointing one.
As well as exiting the All-Ireland at the quarter-final stage for the second year in a row, they also lost their stranglehold on the Leinster SFC.
A stunning defeat to Meath in the semi-finals brought to an end the Dubs’ run of 14 provincial titles in a row, with Louth eventually being crowned champions.
However, in his parting message, Farrell insisted that the Sky Blues will rise to the top of the pile once again.
He said: “I would have informed the County Board at the start of the season that regardless of what happened this would be the last hurrah.
“I’ve informed the players in the dressing room there as well that I’d be stepping away. I’ve had a great innings.
“I think it’s just come to a natural end. It’s easier to say it today than I have to say it next week or in a couple of weeks’ time.
“While everyone’s bitterly disappointed, sometimes failure is 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, and I think they’ll be better for it and well set up to attack a new season in 2026.
“Some of the new lads we brought in this year, still getting to know them, but a great crop of fellas as well. It augurs very well for Dublin football.”
Farrell says 2025 was always going to be a transition year for Dublin after the host of departures.
But the 1995 All-Ireland winning hitman loved every second of his time in charge as they won two All-Irelands and five Leinster SFC crowns under his watch.
‘DIFFERENT SEASON’
He said: “I think everyone involved, management, coaches, backroom and players knew that this was going to be a different season. We just embraced that challenge and see where it took us.
“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.
“They’re the men in the formative years of their lives who dedicate so much to playing for their county. I have huge admiration and respect for them.
“I think the overriding feeling for me now is that I will miss the people. It’s not necessarily the position because some of the relationships are really important to me.
“Some of those lads have been like kids to me, watching them grow up.
“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.
“I think between being a player for Dublin underage and as a senior player and then as an underage coach and senior coach, manager, whatever you want to call it, I’ve got the guts of 40 years.
“It’s a long time and it’s been a privilege every year, every step of the journey. I’ve met some great people. I’ve had a ringside seat for some of the best players that ever performed in the arena out there.”
