Ger Brennan linked with huge job after shock Louth exit
The Louth GAA community was reeling last night at the news that Brennan had departed following two years of a three-year agreement, and less than two months after he led the county to a historic Leinster title, their first in 68 years.
Now, speculation is rampant that he will succeed Dessie Farrell as Dublin manager following the decision of the latter to walk away after six years in the job in the aftermath of their quarter-final loss to Tyrone on Saturday night. Dessie Farrell. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
However, despite the popularity of Brennan as a successor among many supporters, and also in the betting odds, it's understood that the process may not be as inevitable as is being flagged.
There is significant support in Dublin football for Declan Darcy, who was Jim Gavin's right-hand man during the incomparable years of success in the 2010s.
It is shaping up to be the most important managerial appointment in Dublin football in almost two decades, since Pat Gilroy was chosen and put in place the building blocks of the Gavin empire. Jim Gavin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Brennan's departure from Louth was accompanied by a gushing tribute from the county board, who credited his 'absolute and unwavering' commitment to the county through his two years in charge.
The statement also included a comment from Brennan, but no explanation for why he is leaving. Addressing the footballers who played under him, Brennan said what they had 'accomplished for the Gaels of County Louth will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come'.
If it's a huge blow to an ambitious county who have been on an upward curve since the appointment of Mickey Harte, it's also one that may best be viewed in the context of the Dublin vacancy.
And that is just one of the vacancies that could make the game even less predictable in the midst of the most memorable championship in decades. Mayo jettisoned Kevin McStay last week, with a growing clamour for Andy Moran to get that role.
Pádraic Joyce vowed to take time reflecting on his next move after Galway failed to get past Meath, and Kieran McGeeney said he'd do likewise in the aftermath of Armagh's defeat by Kerry.
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