John Fogarty: A sense of responsibility characterised what Dessie Farrell has given Dublin

From his playing days through development squads to leading the county, Farrell has made an impression on the game that extends beyond the capital’s borders.

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell during the All-Ireland quarter-final match defeat by Tyrone. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

How will we remember you, Dessie? Two-time All-Ireland winning manager? Supper and survivor of the poisoned chalice? Producer of that difficult second album?

The heavy mantle handed to him by Jim Gavin – and it was heavy – was enough on its own without being passed on so late in 2019. When the pandemic hit, Farrell could have been forgiven for thinking he broke a mirror but on reflection the break gave him space and time and on that eerie December night 12 months after his appointment the six-in-a-row was achieved.