Darcy linked with Dubs job with star-studded backroom staff, but big question remains

Dublin may finally have their man after Dessie Farrell's departure

But the Irish Examiner are now reporting that Declan Darcy is being linked with a return to Dublin in the manager’s role, having been a selector and defensive coach under Jim Gavin between 2013 and 2019.

However, big questions remain over whether he will continue his work as a performance coach and advisor for Leinster Rugby, where he has worked since 2022.

Darcy wouldn’t be the first to hold two demanding sporting roles, but the Dublin job may require 100 per cent of his focus.

The rumours are that Darcy will be backed by a familiar backroom staff, with the likes of Stephen Cluxton, Brian Fenton, Jason Sherlock and Paul Mannion mentioned.

What is Darcy's leadership style?

In a 2024 interview with the Irish Times, Darcy insisted his coaching and leadership style is mirrored on former Mayo, Leitrim and Galway manager John O'Mahony.

"He built character and resilience to translate on to the pitch. Imparting belief is an unbelievable talent. You can’t pick it up in college or learn it on a course. You either have that aura or you don’t – that you can give belief to individuals that they can do something extraordinary.

"It had to be backed up by hard work and application so that you were earning it and not just absorbing it. You can choose not to, of course but it’s there if you want. I’ve tried to make that happen for others since then.

"He gave me that fascination with psychology as well as the other traits: the attention to detail, the forensic analysis, the stepping aside when it’s done."

What is happening with Ger Brennan?

The links to Darcy also beg the question as to why Brennan departed an attractive role with Louth, with some talented underage players going through, if he wasn’t primed for the Dublin job.

Brennan, who led Louth to a first Leinster SFC title win 68 years this summer, had been heavily linked with the role, but that now seems to be off the table.