DUBLIN BOSS JIM Gavin has held his hands up and accepted responsibility for last month’s All-Ireland semi-final loss to Donegal.
Dublin entered the game as heavy favourites but were toppled by the Ulster champions. Gavin has had time to reflect on that game and admits their attacking style of play can sometimes bring a ‘vulnerability’ to their setup.
“On a personal level, I accept full responsibility for that performance. And I accept full responsibility for the philosophy and for the way Dublin play their football, for the attacking style we play and sometimes for the vulnerability that it brings and the unpredictability of it.
“I’ve managed Dublin teams for eight years now and I’ve lost more than I’ve won. With this particular group, the senior squad, they’ve done pretty well. we look at it by competition so if you go through the National leagues, the Leinster competition and the All Ireland competition, they’ve won five out of six.
“So one result doesn’t affect my resolve or the players resolve. One result won’t change the core philosophy of how Dublin play football. But it’s been a learning experience, that’s for sure and it’s about trying to get that balanced approach in the future.
“The performance wasn’t balanced in relation to the game and we got ruthlessly punished by a very good team who exploited it. That’s for me to go away and learn from.”
A great opportunity missed to retain the Sam this year. However a great lesson to be learned by the current crop of Dublin footballers. Hopefully this will galvanise them and spur them on for next year. Jim Gavin has proven to be an astute manager and should be at the helm for years to come.
Any news on THE All Ireland final for Saturday 17.00 or has it been postponed.
It’s absolute bull, nothing on this and nothing on the papers since the football was over on Sunday. It’s a joke
It’s on in three days like and no build up whatsoever
No one cares, this article is for dublin people only, boggers out.
If u got the job done in your own slot….
Big chance lost by the Dubs to put together a three in a row. That Kerry team were the worst team to win the All Ireland for as long as I can remember. Should have been beaten by 14 man Mayo but for a dreadful Colm Boyle wide and were subsequently victorious thanks to a diabolical referee in the replay (and Mayos 2 talismen were non existent after colliding heads in the first 15 minutes). Donegal didn’t even show up in the final and still could have snuck it only for a dreadful kick out by Durkan. All in all, the Dubs should be champs again next year once the find a bit of ruthlessness in defense. Mayo could be there or there abouts if they find 2 more decent forwards. In fairness to Mark O Shea and O’ Mahony, they held a terrible defense together and without them next year Kerry will be wide open at the back. I would love to say my own beloved Cork will be there or there abouts too but I’m afraid the shambles against Kerry this year has set us back 5 years.
Dont worry about Kerry i’m sure we will be fine, Gooch and Tommy Walsh back next year, an excellent minor team
I’m looking forward to the Cork game already :)
Ah yes because minors teams always help the seniors the following season … Gooch back and possibly tommy Walsh back from oz will make a much bigger difference.
I wouldn’t be so hard on Cork. Although most of their QF display against Mayo this year wasn’t fantastic either, they really excelled in the closing minutes and nearly got a draw. If they played like that next year, I could see them reaching the semi-finals at a minimum.