Jim Gavin’s team-mates at the time included Pat Gilroy and Dessie Farrell. Mick Galvin, Jason Sherlock, Mick Deegan and Paul Clarke were part of that victorious panel and went on to become key cogs in various backroom teams. Jack Sheedy, John O’Leary and Paul Bealin had stints as managers with other intercounty outfits.

Great breakthrough groups often have such a legacy. Tyrone’s team of 2003 was a proven breeding ground for intercounty managers and coaches. 

Graduates included Enda McGinley, Gavin Devlin, Stephen O’Neill, Ryan McMenamin, Joe McMahon, Brian Dooher, Feargal Logan, Colin Holmes and Peter Donnelly. The Armagh unit of 2003 have a similar spread.

Over a decade after Gavin’s first All-Ireland senior title, a managerial prospect has finally sported through. 

Ger Brennan is the first member of the 2013 Mayo-conquering Dublin team to take charge of a county setup. In a glowing tribute after his retirement in 2015, Gavin laid out what made Brennan such a vital presence in his camp. All of the listed traits had a timeless quality that would remain effective in any dressing room.

“An outstanding leader both on and off the field of play, Ger inspired those around him by his actions of self-determination, self-sacrifice and dedication to his sport — all focused on the team being the best it could be.” 

The fact that no others have followed this path yet is predominately down to the short time frame. Five of them are still playing. Several only recently retired. It is also true that Mayo’s contingent have already made their mark.

Three of their starting 15 are still involved. Andy Moran went on to become Leitrim’s leader. Ger Cafferkey was among the coaching staff of the Mayo ladies last year. Barry Moran is a current club manager with Castlebar Mitchells. Enda Varley is at the helm of Raheny, the home of Brian Fenton, Brian Howard and Sean MacMahon. Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle are currently involved in Mayo underage sides.

Some of Dublin’s 2013 representatives have filtered into their current ticket. Seven-time All-Ireland winner Darren Daly was drafted in by Dessie Farrell back in 2020. Kevin McManamon came on board as a sports psychologist. Dublin High Performance Manager Bryan Cullen was still playing up until 2014. Every one of them were familiar with the environment and the template. Gavin’s reliable mantra indicated as much.

"We just give them the framework and they execute the skill set,” he declared before the 2019 five-in-a-row triumph. “This is very much a player-driven team.

"We are very much on their coattails. It is the players that lead it. Our role is to enable and empower them to be the best."

Others will quickly follow. In his Irish Independent column, Philly McMahon revealed he had been offered a senior intercounty job months after retiring. 

Jonny Cooper’s consultancy profession deals with performance and cultural leadership. 

After honing his craft in college and club football as well as a stint as Carlow selector, Brennan was recommended to Louth by Pat Gilroy, who was on the original list of desirable candidates alongside Jim Gavin. That is what great coaches can do.

Thrive in the present. Shape the future.