Jim Gavin: Profile on former Dublin manager hoping to be president

After securing the backing of the Taoiseach and Government ministers, Jim Gavin looks set to be the Fianna Fáil candidate for the presidential election.

The former Dublin manager made his intentions clear to run for president on Saturday, sending a letter to Fianna Fáil TD's to seek their backing.

While he will face competition from MEP Billy Kelleher, Gavin currently has the most backing from Fianna Fáil TD's and looks set to have his name on the ballot come October.

While he may not be in the world of politics for long, Gavin is a name familiar to the public for decades, providing many a happy memory for Dublin GAA fans.

As a player, Gavin was part of the 1995 All-Ireland winning team, a title that would be Dublin's last All-Ireland for 16 years.

However, it was his time as Dublin manager which is where he made his name. Taking over from Pat Gilroy in 2012, Gavin won six All-Ireland titles in charge of Dublin until he resigned in 2019.

Seen by many as one of the greatest football teams of all time, his legacy in charge of Dublin is, and will be talked about for years to come.

However, his role in GAA didn't stop there. At a time when the level of entertainment in football was brought into question, Gavin was part of the Football Review Committee (FRC), who helped change the game for the better with several rule changes.

From the two point arc, to three players up, to competition brought back into the kick outs, Gaelic football was brought back to life, with Gavin getting much of the credit.

Off the pitch, Mr Gavin's time in the Defence Forces was where his time was spent.

Gavin joined the Air Corps as a cadet officer and trained as a pilot, rising quickly through the ranks. He became chief flying instructor and chief