Jonny Cooper named Dublin U20 manager

MINI COOPERS: Na Fianna's Jonny Cooper takes possession during Saturday's Dublin Senior Football Championship semi-final at Parnell Park. The Hill 16 favourite has been named Dublin U20s boss. Pic: INPHO/Bryan Keane

Fresh from lining out in Saturday’s Dublin SFC final, Na Fianna’s Jonny Cooper has been confirmed as the county’s new U20 manager.

The county board confirmed the seven-time All-Ireland SFC winner will succeed Ciarán Farrelly for the upcoming season.

Cooper will be assisted by Declan O’Sullivan (Scoil Uí Chonaill), Ryan O’Flaherty (Na Fianna), three-time All-Ireland SFC medallist Tommy Drumm (Whitehall Colmcille), his former Dublin team-mate Michael Darragh Macauley (Ballyboden St Enda’s) and Paul Stephens (St Vincents).

“We are delighted to welcome Jonny and his management team on board as we look forward to the upcoming 2026 intercounty season,” said Dublin chairman Ken O’Sullivan. “They bring a wealth of experience to the table across many years of involvement with their clubs and county.

“I know that Jonny and the management team have a great appreciation and respect for the values and culture of Dublin GAA and we are very fortunate to have them in place to instil these in the next generation.

“I would like to thank Ciarán Farrelly and his management team for the work they have put in over the past two seasons with our U20 Footballers, and I look forward to seeing Jonny and his team build on the foundations that are in place next year.” 

Dublin have not won a Leinster football championship in five years and an All-Ireland since 2017. Cooper said he was looking forward to working with his old county colleague Ger Brennan, who was appointed Dublin senior manager in August.

“It is a real honour for our management and support team to be asked to serve Dublin Football. Dublin has given so many of us profound and positive experiences - and this is our chance to give something back to the next generation of young men striving to become Dublin senior players.

“I'd like to acknowledge the quality work by Ciarán Farrelly and many other coaches in recent years - we will simply build on top of this. Our ambition is to deliver a programme that grows people as well as players, helping them develop with consistency and purpose.

“Our management and support team have already been active across the county, observing club games and preparing for the upcoming U21 Club Championship, which will provide another valuable window into emerging talent.

“We’re also excited to collaborate with Ger Brennan and his coaches in supporting the senior group’s long-term ambitions. This connection will ensure that every player coming through feels like they have a clear pathway to progress upwards.

“Our commitment is to continuous improvement and to ensure these young players enjoy representing Dublin football with pride.”