Ladies: Joy for Jackies as McGill extends stay
DUBLIN officials are delighted that Gerry McGill is staying on as manager of the Jackies.
McGill is acknowledged as one of the brightest young managers in the game and he came within a fingertip of leading the Dubs to their first All-Ireland title last September.
"It's a great boost for the county. We came so near this year and maybe now we can go that little step further," stated Dublin County chief, Camillus Kilpatrick.
"Gerry is a top-class manager and it's terrific that the entire management team are staying on. They have brought the team on so much and we feel fortunate that we have such a quality management team.
"I think we can look forward to the new season with confidence."
Gerry's colleagues include Tommy Brown (Naomh Olaf) and Mick Browne (St Jude's).
Then there's the vastly experienced Mick Ryan of Ballymacarbery and Waterford. He managed Waterford to five senior All-Ireland crowns while he guided Ballymacarbery to 10 senior All-Ireland club titles.
The crew is completed by Jim Kilty, whose training methods have enhanced the fitness and the preparations of the squad.
Gerry has had the Dublin job since 2006. He's brought home two successive Leinster titles. Previously he managed Laois and he's achieved much O'Connor Cup success with UCD. Gerry is a top goalkeeper, having played for his native Donegal and Carlow.
He won a Dublin Senior Football Championship title with UCD and he has also played in the League of Ireland with UCD.
Last year, Dublin fell to Tyrone in the All-Ireland quarter-final. There was huge disappointment after that defeat, but the team responded magnificently this term, almost foiling Cork of the five-in-a-row in a splendid Croke Park display.
The Jackies are now regarded as one of the leading sides in the country, and, once again, they'll be on the shortlist for Brendan Martin glory in 2010.
All-Ireland finalists, nine All-Star nominations, leaving with three, represents a solid season's work. And now with Gerry and the Pacemakers back in the dug-out, the New Year is paved with gold.
- Niall Scully
