Dublin Gaelic football manager Dessie Farrell has paid tribute to selector and head of logistics Shane O'Hanlon, who passed away in Spain last weekend.
O'Hanlon had been a Dublin selector since 2013, helping the county to win eight All-Irelands in that time. He was previously part of the St. Vincent's management team that won Dublin, Leinster and All-Ireland titles in 2008.
Ahead of Dublin's 1-19 to 1-12 Allianz Football League victory over Roscommon at Croke Park on Saturday evening, a minute's silence was held to remember O'Hanlon, and afterwards, Farrell spoke emotionally about the man that the Dubs have lost.
“He was a special human being...” 💙
Dessie Farrell paid tribute to Shane O'Hanlon, following this evening's win over Roscommon at Croke Park. pic.twitter.com/2SbYXHPDSp— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) February 17, 2024
Dessie Farrell pays tribute to Shane O'Hanlon
"We're probably still reeling to be honest, it's been a very tough week," Farrell told Dubs TV.
"The players and backroom are definitely still in shock. To be in Croke Park this evening and not have Shane with you is unimaginable.
"It's more than just him being a selector, logistics and operations was his responsibility, but it was the man he was. He was a special human being and people outside the group won't realise how important he was to everyone within the group.
"That was just his nature, he'd keep the head down and stand back from the limelight but the players loved him deeply, and he them also.
"He's done so much to nurture them and support them and help make them better over the years. He's just an immense, immense loss to us, to his wife Mary, who is an amazing woman as well, and his wider family.
"He's irreplaceable in many ways and he's left a huge void. There's huge hurt there amongst the group at the minute, it's very raw and it's probably going to take some time. He just leaves such a hole that is going to be very difficult to fill."
15 August 2020; Dublin manager Dessie Farrell, right, and selector Shane O'Hanlon during the Dublin County Senior 1 Football Championship Group 3 Round 3 match between Clontarf and St. Vincent's at Parnell Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Shane O'Hanlon was "a true friend to all."
After news filtered through of O'Hanlon's death last Sunday, Dublin GAA issued a statement that said that they were "shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing."
"Shane was an integral part of the Dublin Senior Football family and a key contributor to the success of Dublin GAA, firstly with the U21s and then with the Senior football team for more than a decade," the statement added.
"Shane was a gentleman and a true friend to all. He was widely known to all in the GAA community in Dublin and indeed across the country. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all within Dublin GAA and beyond.
To his wife Mary, his family and his many friends, Dublin GAA extends our deepest condolences."
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