Gilroy to remain in charge of Dubs

The Dublin County Board released a short statement tonight confirming that Pat Gilroy is to continue as manager of the county's senior footballers.

"The Dublin County Committee have reappointed Pat Gilroy as manager of the Dublin senior football team for the 2012 season," it read.

"Pat will finalise his management team when activity resumes in January."

This year Gilroy guided the Dubs to their first All-Ireland SFC title since 1995. His three-year term came to end after the final win over Kerry and there was speculation that he might quit due to family and work commitments.

The St Vincent's clubman is the managing director of Dalkia, Veolia Environment's energy division in Ireland, and has a busy family life with wife Yvonne and four young children.

But word from inside the Dublin camp, following a meeting last month between the players and Gilroy, was that he had agreed to remain at the helm as the Dubs aim for back-to-back All-Ireland successes.

Veteran coach Mickey Whelan stepped down from the Dubs management in the aftermath of the game against Kerry, but there is hope that he might have a change of heart before the new season begins.