What Lies Ahead for Dublin Footballers?

As the dust settles on their All-Ireland Championship journey, the future for the Dublin footballers remains both uncertain and full of potential. What path will they take, and how will they regroup for the next challenge? Join us as we explore the exciting prospects awaiting the Dubs.

Dublin were eliminated from this year's All-Ireland Gaelic Football Championship at the quarter-final stage, following a 0-16 to 0-23 defeat to rivals Tyrone. Tyrone pulled away in the closing stages, underlining that Dublin are no longer the ferocious, clinical force they were throughout the 2010s and early 2020s.

The Dubs won eight All-Ireland titles between 2011 and 2020, and another in 2023, but it hasn’t taken long for them to slip down the All-Ireland contender pecking order. Many of the players who made them seemingly unbeatable have since retired, and those departures have not yet been matched by players of similar calibre.

Dublin now appear to have returned to the chasing pack and may have even been overtaken. This is their second consecutive year being knocked out at the quarter-final stage. Let’s examine their 2025 season and what could lie ahead.

Dublin’s 2025 Season

In 2025, Dublin experienced a seismic shift in their championship fortunes. Their dominance in Leinster, which spanned 14 consecutive provincial titles, ended abruptly on 27 April when Meath defeated them 0‑23 to 1‑16 in Portlaoise; Dublin’s first Leinster loss since 2010, ending a 43‑game unbeaten run in the province. The result was more than a stumble; it was described as “one of the greatest shocks in Gaelic football history” and a stark symbol of Dublin’s fragile transition.

Key retirements, including Brian Fenton, Jack McCaffrey, Paul Mannion, and James McCarthy, combined with injury absences, hit Dublin hard. Against Meath, they endured a poor first-half display, conceding 0-17 before staging a too-late rally. Analysts such as former Dublin footballer Dean Rock highlighted their sluggish starts and inconsistency as major concerns throughout the season.

Their All-Ireland campaign never regained momentum. After exiting Leinster, Dublin reached the quarter-finals but were again eliminated by Tyrone, 0‑23 to 0‑16. Frequent handling errors reflected a team still in transition. Manager Dessie Farrell, who delivered All‑Ireland titles in 2020 and 2023, stepped down at season’s end, a move that underscored 2025 as a year of reset rather than stagnation. In sharp contrast to their golden decade, where they had nine All‑Irelands in 13 years, including an unprecedented six‑in‑a‑row from 2015 to 2020. 2025 is one to forget for Dublin.

What’s Next for the Team?

Dublin football now stands at a crucial crossroads. With Dessie Farrell stepping down after guiding the team through a transitional phase and two All‑Ireland victories (2020 and 2023), the focus shifts to rebuilding and sharpening their competitive edge ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Rejuvenating the Squad

Dublin must integrate emerging talent from their underage ranks to fill the void left by recent retirements. Players like Seán Bugler, who is set to return from a calf injury, will be vital in forming the new core of the team.

Addressing Structural Issues

Veterans such as Paul Flynn argue that the Dublin County Board must improve its succession planning for coaches and managers, pointing out that the team has yet to fully modernise since the Gavin–Farrell era.

Timeline for Appointment

County Board chairman Ken O’Sullivan has emphasised that there’s “no rush” to name a successor. A subcommittee is being assembled, and the appointment process will be strategic rather than rushed.

Who Will Be the Next Manager?

Ger Brennan

The favourite with both bookies (10/11 odds) and pundits, thanks to his success with Louth, including a Leinster title and a strong knockout campaign. A former Dublin player with coaching credentials, though persuading him to leave Louth could be a challenge.

Declan Darcy

Backed by Dublin legend Paul Flynn, Darcy is a tactical mind from the Gavin era, now working in Leinster Rugby. He’s viewed as ready-made for the role.

Other Contenders

Jason Sherlock and Pat Gilroy are also in the conversation. Both are respected Dublin figures with coaching experience, though their lack of recent senior management exposure makes them riskier options.

Conclusion

Dublin footballers now face a critical juncture, one they haven’t encountered in quite some time. Patience will be key as they navigate a likely transition period. Getting the managerial appointment right will be essential, as will be integrating the next generation of talent capable of leading Dublin into a new era.

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