Caffrey resigns after Dublin defeat

In the aftermath of today's shock GAA All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Tyrone, Paul Caffrey announced his decision to resign as Dublin senior football manager.

The man known universally in GAA circles as 'Pillar' has brought an end to his colourful four-year reign.

Caffrey took over from Tommy Lyons in 2004 and has overseen a four in-a-row of Leinster SFC titles, but crucially the All-Ireland breakthrough never came.

The Dubs, who have not lifted the Sam Maguire Cup since 1995, lost All-Ireland quarter-finals to Kerry and Tyrone in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

They lost back-to-back semi-finals in 2006 and 2007, going down to Mayo and Kerry, and Tyrone also held the edge again this afternoon at a weather-beaten Croke Park.

Speaking after the game, Caffrey was quick to praise the efforts of players past and present and his backroom staff in helping him become one of the most successful managers of the modern era.

"I'm stepping down today after four years in charge of Dublin, and I'd like to praise the players, not only those in today's panel, but the players that I've dealt with over the last four years," he said.

"What they have given to the Dublin jersey and the pride they have put back into the Dublin jersey.

"It certainly wasn't how we wished it to end today, but that's football, that's sport and we have to accept it and move on."