Jim Gavin named RTÉ Sport Manager of the Year; Senior footballers Team of Year

Jim Gavin was named RTÉ Sport Manager of the Year on Saturday night honouring Dublin’s historic All-Ireland SFC five in-a-row success.

Former Dublin player and player/manager Tony Hanahoe presented Jim Gavin with his award.

“I’ve given it my all for as long as I could and I’ve a responsibility, not only to the team, but all of Dublin GAA to ensure the team do grow again,” said Jim.

“I think it’s in the best interests of everything from my family to my work in aviation and indeed for the team itself, it’s best to hand on. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys growing again in 2020.”

The Dublin senior footballers were named Team of the Year and were represented by Brian Howard, Ciarán Kilkenny, Brian Fenton and Paul Mannion.

Ciarán Kilkenny, described Gavin as a ‘father-figure’, adding: “We’re going to miss him but we’re really excited about the new challenge.

“A lot of us have played under Dessie (Farrell) before so we’re really excited for the next chapter.”

Brian Fenton said: “The three of us (Fenton, Kilkenny and Mannion) know Dessie quite well, having been with him when we were under-21s.

“We’ve a lot of respect there for him and he comes with a nice pedigree as well.

“We’re looking forward to it, a huge challenge, obviously Jim brought so much to the table.”