Articles by Pat Nolan

Technology

Dublin All-Ireland winner lands U20 job and adds 1970s hero to management team

Former Dublin defender Jonny Cooper has been announced as the county’s new under-20 football manager. Although the 35-year-old retired from Dublin duty in 2022, he is still active in club football and played in Na Fianna’s county final defeat to Ballyboden St Enda’s at Parnell Park on Saturday night. This will be the seven-time All-Ireland winner’s first managerial role as he succeeds Ciarán Farrelly. His management team includes Dublin All-Ireland winners of different eras with his former county teammate Michael Darragh Macauley (Ballyboden St Enda’s) joining him, along with Tommy Drumm (Whitehall Colmcille), a winner of three All-Irelands between 1976 and ‘83, when he captained the side. Also part of the set up are Declan O’Sullivan (Scoil Uí Chonaill), Ryan O’Flaherty (Na Fianna) and Paul Stephens ( St Vincent’s). In a statement issued by Dublin GAA, Cooper said: “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 under-21 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.” Dublin chairman Ken O’Sullivan said that Cooper and his management team “bring a wealth of experience to the table across many years of involvement with their clubs and county”. He added: “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 under-20 Footballers, and I look forward to seeing Jonny and his team build on the foundations that are in place next year.”