GAA fans have their say as Dessie Farrell steps down
Dublin GAA fans have had their say after Senior Football manager Dessie Farrell confirmed he would not be returning to his role next season.
The 53-year-old shared the news on GAA+ on Saturday evening after Dublin's loss to Tyrone in the quarter-final stages of the All-Ireland Championship.
The full-time score was 23 points to 16 with many hitting out at Dessie for not enforcing the Dublin side to take more two-pointers. Dublin GAA fans have had their say after Senior Football manager Dessie Farrell confirmed he would not be returning to his role in the new season. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Speaking following Dublin's loss, Dessie admitted he was 'very disappointed for all involved' as he admitted there was 'a lot of valuable lessons from today.'
He said: 'You'd like to say we've no regrets, but when we look back with that performance, I'm sure there'll be plenty of what could have been.'
Asked about the lack of two-pointers made by the Dublin side, Dessie said it was 'definitely something you'd like to address' but wasn't an element that they had 'laboured or harped on.'
🚨BREAKING🚨Dessie Farrell confirms he is stepping down as Dublin manager after nearly six years in charge 👏
Football clips brought to you by @AIB_GAA #TheToughest #DUBvTYR pic.twitter.com/1lK1Mex559 — GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) June 28, 2025
The former Dublin player turned manager was then asked if he would be reflecting on a return to his management position next season, with Dessie stating it wasn't something he needed to think about. Dublin manager Dessie Farrell. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
He revealed: 'I would have informed the county board at the start of this season that regardless of what happened, this was going to be my last season. The players were aware of that and I've just informed them inside to confirm it.
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!👏 pic.twitter.com/3pxTYYutnb — Des Cahill (@sportsdes) June 28, 2025
'It's been a privilege. As a player and a coach I've been involved with Dublin for the guts of 40 years. It's a long, long time. It's been very much part of parcel in my life.'
Dessie added that he has had a 'ringside seat to some of the greatest warriors that ever played the sport.'
Dessie Farrell has stepped down as Dublin manager. Two All-Ireland titles as manager, five Leinster titles and of course All-Ireland winner as a player. Underage success too. A proper Dub, and a successful one too pic.twitter.com/IWYyhpIPyi — Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) June 28, 2025
Tributes and well wishes poured in via social media for the outgoing manager, who was in the role since 2019.
RTÉ sports presenter Des Cahill shared: 'Dessie Farrell steps down after nearly four decades of service to #Dublin GAA. Apart from winning senior All-Irelands 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.'
Dessie Farrell calls it a day on his time as Dublin manager on GAA+, guided Dublin to All-Ireland titles in 2020 & 2023 but history will reflect well on how he managed the enormous Dublin transition – managed to keep some of their greatest players going, and blood lots of talent — Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) June 28, 2025
Another wrote: 'Dessie Farrell has stepped down as Dublin manager Two All-Ireland titles as manager, five Leinster titles and of course All-Ireland winner as a player. Underage success too.
'A proper Dub, and a successful one too.'
Dessie Farrells All Irelands are off the back of Jim Gavins team. Nothing to do with him. Tactically inept and has to go. — Aaron (@ORuaircA) June 28, 2025
A third commended: 'Guided Dublin to All-Ireland titles in 2020 and 2023 but history will reflect on how he managed the Dublin transition — managed to keep some of their greatest players going, and blood lots of talent.'
Others weren't as positive towards the former Na Fianna player, with one saying: 'Dessie Farrells All Irelands are off the back of Jim Gavins team. Nothing to do with him. Tactically inept and has to go.'
Dumped out of the all Ireland because Dessie Farrell is telling the lads not to try 2 pointers…. Scandalous behaviour, won an all Ireland off the back of Jim Gavin's genius but he's way out of his depth in reality!! — B (@BradleyLFC93) June 28, 2025
Another raged: 'Dumped out of the all Ireland because Dessie Farrell is telling the lads not to try 2 pointers… Scandalous behaviour, won an all Ireland off the back of Jim Gavin's genius but he's way out of his depth in reality!!'
Earlier on in the day, Donegal beat Monaghan on a score of 1-26 to 1-20 in the first quarter-final.
On Sunday, Meath face Galway while Kerry take on All-Ireland champions Armagh, with the draw for the semi-finals taking place directly after the clash.
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