Caffrey set for another chance
Caffrey’s term, along with that of selectors, Brian Talty, Dave Billings and Paul Clarke ended after Sunday’s heartbreaking defeat to All-Ireland champions Kerry at Croke Park.
The Dublin boss refused to make any comment about his future plans in post-match interviews, but sources close to the management team suggest they want another year in the role in an effort to bring Dublin to their first All-Ireland decider since 1995.
County Board chairman Gerry Harrington said that the management committee of the County Board will discuss the issue within the week.
He explained: “Paul Caffrey and his management team got a three-year term of office without review and that term would have come to a conclusion on Sunday evening.
Now the position will rest with the management committee of the County Board and then ultimately with the full committee, which is scheduled to meet on September 3rd.
“Needless to say we are all disappointed after the match and good luck to Kerry. Now we have to gather our thoughts over the next week. I don’t know if there will be a decision made next Monday night. That’s a decision for the county committee.”
But Harrington paid fulsome praise to the efforts of Caffrey, his backroom staff and his players over the past three years.
Said Harrington: “They have done a tremendous service for Dublin GAA over the last three years — Paul, the backroom staff and the whole panel of players. They have three Leinster titles in a row, which is a marvellous achievement, they have reached two All-Ireland semi-finals and that’s where we are at the moment.
“I would like to publicly thank them for the work and the commitment they have given. They have done Dublin proud, every single one of them.”
One of those players, Alan Brogan, wants Caffrey to remain in the role in the effort to bring Dublin to the promised land of an elusive title.
“I don’t think the manager’s job is finished until he delivers the All-Ireland for his team,” Brogan said.
“I’m hopeful that the county board will extend Paul’s contract, or whatever they have to do.
“And I’m sure all the players will want him to stick around.”
However former All-Ireland winner Paul Curran has called for changes on either side of the white lines.
Said Curran: “There needs to be a least two new faces when the team starts its journey again next year and I think it is going to take a change of management to insure that actually happens.
“I think the present management setup has probably taken this bunch of lads as far as they can and maybe a change of voice, a few new ideas and couple of young players is what is required to go that extra step.
“I would not be surprised however if there are no changes at management level unless Paul Caffrey himself decides that enough is enough.”
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