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O'Dwyer recently ended his five-year reign as Wicklow manager. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Might have beens

O'Dwyer admits he accepted Dublin post

The outgoing Wicklow manager has said Pat Gilroy’s side can win this year’s All-Ireland.

OUTGOING WICKLOW MANAGER Mick O’Dwyer has said he initially accepted the Dublin job in 2004, only to turn it down after the negative reaction which he felt was building amid his imminent appointment.

Speaking to Pat Spillane on RTÉ Radio 1′s ‘Sport at 7′ programme, he said the players and ex-managers were “up in arms” about the impending decision and their reaction caused him to have a change of heart about taking over.

O’Dwyer, who had many famous battles against Dublin as a Kerry player, said he believed he could have helped Dublin win their first All-Ireland since 1995, and said they had been lacking “that little bit of luck” in recent years.

He added:

“They are definite contenders this year, but then if anything happens the Brogan brothers, doubts will creep in.”

O’Dwyer stepped down from his job as Wicklow manager following the county’s loss to Antrim at the weekend, ending a five-year reign.

He said he was still uncertain over his managerial future, but admitted there were a few teams that could persuade him to return to management, such as Kerry and Cork.

Read more: Long goodbye: O’Dwyer not ruling out management return>