JIM GAVIN’S PLAYING days with Dublin were coming to an end when Stephen Cluxton set out on his inter-county senior journey.
Gavin hung up his boots in 2002, a year after Cluxton had made his bow.
15 seasons later, the pair are at the forefront of the most dominant side in Gaelic football.
Gavin as manager and Cluxton as captain.
A seventh successive Leinster title was picked up recently and a third All-Ireland on the bounce is now pursued.
Stephen Cluxton Honours
- 4 All-Ireland senior – 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016.
- 13 Leinster senior – 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.
- 4 National league – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.
- 5 All-Stars - 2002, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2013
On Saturday, the long-serving goalkeeper is in line for his 89th senior championship outing.
Sean Cavanagh is set to feature for Tyrone against Armagh at 4pm in their All-Ireland quarter-final and briefly there will be a four-way tie at the top of the football championship appearance records – Cavanagh, Cluxton and the Ó Sé brothers, Tomás and Marc.
But when he steps between the posts against Monaghan in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Cluxton will move out on his own and carve his own historical niche.
It’s a remarkable feat and Gavin had no hesitation in lauding the Parnell’s man.
“It’s a great milestone for Stephen.
“It probably reflects his commitment to Gaelic games and the GAA throughout his adult life.
“For me he’s just a fantastic sportsman and really applies himself to the craft and his craft in goals.
“He’s a great leader for us as well, courageous, disciplined and loyal.
“He’s a great influence amongst the players.”
Despite the consensus that Gaelic football is becoming the preserve of younger players, Gavin is not surprised by Cluxton’s longevity.
“Not really. Obviously I would have played with him at the back end of my own career and I would have seen him come on.
“Having to know him and seeing how purposeful he is and how determined he is to be the best that he can be.
“He just focuses on his game. We are fortunate to have him and long may it continue.”
– In an earlier version of this article, a photo caption incorrectly identified a picture of Jim Gavin and Stephen Cluxton as having been taken in 2011; it was taken in 2015.
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He must really not like his brother.
Think it’s just good retirement planning by the parents. He signs his brother to take over the carers role.
A head scratcher if ever there was one.
Hate to slate a loyal servant but, it makes sense he allowed John afoa to go to Gloucester then.
Does make you wonder!
Not at all, that was a done deal long ago and Gloucester on sacked their present director last week.
NO ONE saw this coming, a real shocker!
Wow, I did not see that one coming! He was Mr Ulster, and I wouldn’t imagine he was anywhere near completing his objectives he had outlined with Ulster. Still, we should be able to attract a top class director. Conor O’Shea?
Big of a shock especially after the transformation that has happened up in Ulster the last few years…maybe he felt he couldn’t take them on any further?
Head coach
Mark Mc Call?
Not so strange. Frustration at the lack of success. By moving to Gloucester is he saying this is as far as I can take Ulster at this time? Is he saying that the powers that be do not share his ambition? What does Gloucester offer that he cannot achieve with Ulster? Shane Logan’s comments are curious, particularly regarding development as Ulster has a single representative in U20 in the junior world cup and a senior squad that can beat the best in Europe but has no trophies. Has the wrong man left Ulster?
That’s a strange one didn’t see that coming,are you any relation to charlize theron?
Hope it’s not a sign of things to come with the new financial clout of the premiership & top14 deals. I had worried about losing players but managers & directors are just as important.
Is it because there are simply too many too comfortable in their roles at Ulster paying lip service to sharing the vision or is it because he has read which way the financial wind is blowing?
Sad day for Ulster Rugby. Brilliant player, captain and leader. He spotted and attracted the best players and brought them to Belfast.
After 91 years you just can’t write off Ravenhill and its rugby history despite new stadium name. More to this story.
But can they afford to let ambition walk out the door?
If David was the director of rugby what was the title for Mark Anscombe ?
Coach
It was probably in the works for a while, but just officially announced today, in case it was a distraction during the tail end of the season. Real surprise though