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"Dessie Farrell's a bit more of a people person" | Eamonn Fennell's new Dublin manager insight

After an unprecedented era of success under Jim Gavin, Dublin GAA are now entering the Dessie Far...



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"Dessie Farrell's a bit more of a people person" | Eamonn Fennell's new Dublin manager insight

After an unprecedented era of success under Jim Gavin, Dublin GAA are now entering the Dessie Farrell era.

But what can we expect from the new man in charge of the county's footballers?

Former Dublin All-Ireland winner Eamonn Fennell joined us on Off The Ball to discuss the changing of the guard.

Fennell gave an insight into Farrell's personality from his own personal dealings with the ex-Under-21 and Minor boss.

"I've fond memories of Dessie," he said.

"He's always been really good for me, both when I came onto the Dublin team in 2005, just taking me aside and talking me through roles, responsibilities and expectations.

"But also about how to get the most from the people around us and not just being a young lad coming through and feeling isolated.

"It's about sitting down with [the old guard] and challenging them as much as they're going to challenge me. So I learned a lot from him in 2005.

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"And then away from that, through his connections with the GPA, I had a lot of dealings with Dessie and again, all very positive.

"He's always been there to give me a hand when I've needed it. That side of it - the GPA side - is going to be huge for him in the Dublin job.

"Because he knows the set-up of the GAA and knows players from all over Ireland. He has massive support there from people who if he needs it would be more than obliged to give it to him."

So how is Dessie Farrell likely to compare to his predecessor Gavin in running the Dublin team?

"In comparison to Jim, their mannerisms are very similar in regards how they conduct themselves when they're a manager and what they're talking to media," said Fennell.

"Dessie's a bit more of a people person. Jim could totally distance himself from the sentimental and realise he was a football manager and he was there to do a job.

"I think if you look at Dessie over the last few years - and even though he's worked with Minors and '21s where you have to throw your arm over someone's shoulder - I think he's probably learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way, especially with the Minors and going into the '21s.

"A lot of these guys - the likes of Brian Fenton - would've come through that team. So he's worked with these guys and understands them. I think he's going to be straight in  there knowing the guys."

You can watch the full chat with Eamonn Fennell above via our YouTube channel.


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Brian Fenton Dessie Farrell Dublin Dublin GAA Eamonn Fennell Jim Gavin Off The Ball