Pat Gilroy, Dublin's decorated waterboy would only do it for Dessie

The All-Ireland winner became an unofficial consigliere to Dublin boss Dessie Farrell 

WATER ON BOARD: Pat Gilroy of Dublin, left, with Brian Howard of Dublin before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

This weekend 15 years ago, Pat Gilroy took charge of his first season game as Dublin manager. A defeat to the defending All-Ireland champions Tyrone in Croke Park wasn’t the most auspicious start for the new boss but it was the beginning of the revolution.

Of the team that began that game, five started the All-Ireland final win over Kerry two years later. Paddy Andrews and Denis Bastick, who would later revive their inter-county careers, were in the full-back line.