"The first real issue is whether Dessie stays" - Whelan
August 03, 2023
James McCarthy and Dublin manager Dessie Farrell lift the Sam Maguire Cup at the All-Ireland senior football champions' homecoming in Smithfield ©INPHO/Tom Maher
Ciaran Whelan believes there is a better chance of Dublin’s veteran stars giving it another year if manager Dessie Farrell stays on in his post.
After the capital men captured their first All-Ireland title in three years (and 31st overall) with victory over Kerry at Croke Park last Sunday, there are question marks now over whether the likes of Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy and Michael Fitzsimons. will give it another season.
Speaking on the RTE GAA podcast, former Dublin midfielder Whelan thinks the management’s decision could have an impact.
"The first real issue is whether Dessie stays," he said. "You got a sense that everyone was back for one push, but when you digest it, and the energy they will get off this, will they be asking of there is potentially another one [All-Ireland] in us?
"They [Cluxton, McCarthy and Fitzsimons] all started, they all finished the game. They look in as good a shape as they have ever done. I’d be a little bit concerned if one goes, two, three, four go.
"My gut is that it really comes down to Dessie’s decision…when you get to that age and you start with a new regime that can be challenging in its own right.
"If Dessie and his team stay on, I think there is a better chance of Dublin carrying those players into next year. That would be where I see the key swinging point."
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