Jim Gavin says he has no regrets about his time in management with Dublin football and he leaves with a sense of excitement for what's to come for the county.
Speaking at the Signify Sports Manager of the Year Awards ceremony in Dublin today; where he won the accolade for a second time, the former Dublin boss reflected on his time at the helm and how he decided to walk away.
"I think after every campaign, after every championship run, you have to reflect upon the season that's gone and I took that time to deliberate what's best for my family, for my work and obviously what's best for the football team as well.
"I suppose the conclusion that I came up with at the end is what's best is what allows the team to grow and that's for me to hand the reigns on again."
Gavin made GAA history in September as he guided Dublin to a historic five All-Ireland titles in a row, the first time a senior men's manager had done so in the history of the organisation.
Gavin, as always was humble collecting today's award as he became only the fifth person to be presented with it more than once.
He was keen to thank those around him and said it was a privilege to serve his county, which he won an All-Ireland with as a player in 1995.
"I've been involved for 12 years as a manager of Dublin football teams so absolutely it's been a massive part of my life.
"It's been a great journey, great times, I've worked with a phenomenal, exceptional group of players and I'm just really honored.
"I've been surrounded by a great management team, a fantastic backroom team who support me really well and create that environment to let the players be their best.
"I think all the coaches and management and sportspeople who are here today will understand that those performances and victories are made in the shadow of match day.
"Like any sporting management team you are the sum of your parts and I've got great people from the medical team to the analysis - just really good people. They volunteer their time just as much as I do."
Much has been spoken about the commitments players and managers within the GAA now have to make as the games and the organisation evolve.
Gavin says this has never been an issue for him and he always felt rewarded and proud to be part of something so special.
"I've no issue giving the time I had to give.
"One's life is defined by the choices you make. I've got a very busy profession in aviation, I'm passionate about it, some might see it is as a job, I just love what I do in that particular discipline.
"I was selected many years ago by the panel and I'm really proud of being involved with it and I 'll always be proud of Dublin GAA as a sporting and cultural organisation."
As Gavin's successor is recruited, a new era is on the horizon for Dublin football and Gavin says he looks ahead to this with a sense of optimism and excitement.
"I won't have any regrets that's for sure. I gave it my all as long as I could. I'm just really excited now for 2020 and am excited for the team and seeing what'll happen with them."
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