​Bunscol Backroom Boys

"We are in a golden period at the moment, which is great, but the reason Ciarán Kilkenny and these people are playing is because of what their primary school teachers and coaches did ten years ago. They didn’t turn into good footballers in the last year or two."

Declan Darcy in an interview with Ian O’Riordan in the Irish Times.

The star players that continue to bring success to Dublin have received deserved recognition and brought joy to their former teachers in Cumann na mBunscol schools. Nineteen of them played in Cumann na mBunscol finals and their success is down to their dedication, commitment and hard work along with the input of teachers and club mentors.

Cumann na mBunscol is equally proud that Dublin managers and selectors are also Cumann na mBunscol graduates. They have contributed to the amazing success of the current team and many other teams in previous years.

Dessie Farrell played in two finals with St. Vincent’s, Glasnevin. Football international, Kenny Cunningham, was also on those teams. Dessie was selected as captain on a North Dublin representative team in Croke Park. The medals that day were presented by Barney Rock. 

Current selectors Mick Galvin and Brian O’Regan are also Cumann na mBunscol graduates. Mick played twice in Croke Park for Scoil Eoin Bosco on the Navan Road while Brian won a Herald Shield hurling medal in 1992 as goalkeeper with Scoil Treasa, Firhouse under the guidance of former Cumann chairman Gerry O’Meara.

Pat Gilroy was a Cumann na mBunscol winner with Scoil Mhuire, Marino and Darren Daly played with St. Cronin’s, Brackenstown. 

Jim Gavin won six times in Croke Park with Clonburris NS. He was on four football and two hurling teams that were led by teacher Frank Roebuck. Frank, a former Cumann na mBunscol star himself, served in Jim’s backroom team for the historic six-in-a-row and is now involved with the Dublin ladies senior team.

Declan and Kenneth Darcy played with Star Of The Sea NS in Sandymount. Jason Sherlock played in two finals with St. Vincent’s, Glasnevin.

Mick Deegan won Corn Chlanna Gael in Croke Park with St. Canice’s, Finglas. Former selector, Paddy Canning also played with St Canice's, Finglas.

Other former Dublin former selectors to play on the hallowed turf include Davy Byrne, Holy Spirit, Ballymun, Dave Billings RIP, Scoil Mhuire Marino, and Jim Brogan, Scoil Eoin Bosco, Navan Road. Two other renowned Cumann na mBunscol players to star for their schools and serve Dublin at management level were Kevin Heffernan and Mickey Whelan.

Current Dublin County Board Chairman, Mick Seevers, is proud of his Croke Park appearance with Sacred Heart Model School, Glasnevin.