JIM Gavin has stepped down as manager of five-in-a-row Al-Ireland champions Dublin.
There is widespread shock as Gavin had been expected to remain on as Dublin boss.
With just weeks until the start of the new season, the timing of the announced has come as a surprise.
Donegal were the only team to defeat Gavin’s Dublin in Championship football – in the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final.
Gavin guided Dublin to Sam Maguire in each of the five years since.
A statement from Dublin GAA said: “Jim Gavin has this morning informed the County Officers, his management team and players that he was handing back the reins of the Dublin Senior Football team to the County Committee.
“Chairman of the County Committee, Seán Shanley, said: ‘Dublin GAA will be forever grateful to Jim Gavin for his dedication, commitment and contribution as a player and, since 2003, leading the next generation of players at U21 and Senior level.
I regret his departure but appreciate the huge sacrifices he has made over this period.
The committee will commence the process of considering suitable candidates to replace Jim and his management team shortly’.”
