GAA PRESIDENTIAL BID

THE news Jim Gavin is being courted by Fianna Fáil for a potential presidential bid won't come as a surprise to many who have followed his career.

- BY KARL O'KANE

In many ways it seems like the next logical step for the 54-year-old.

First he dominated for Dublin GAA, one of the biggest and most iconic sporting brands in the country.

Then he went after the very game itself. What's left to do now, apart from conquer the country.

Gavin's achievement in landing the fabled All-Ireland five-in-a-row outdid legendary figures like Mick O'Dwyer and Brian Cody, who couldn't quite manage it.

And he did it strategically, putting in the ground work with Dublin underage sides, landing an All-Ireland under-21 title before taking over as senior manager.

None of it happened by chance.

But not content with that, Gavin, at the behest of GAA President Jarlath Burns, has since gone on to tackle the very game itself.

You couldn't say he saved Dublin GAA, but many believe he has saved Gaelic Football, one of our national games.

With scoring rates going through the roof and a general consensus that the entertainment value of the product has risen considerably, Gavin's popularity and credibility are at an all time high.