Theo Clancy looking forward to being part of Dublin's next generation
Michael Bolton
The last time Dublin had a trophyless season, Theo Clancy was a child back in 2010.
In 2025, he was on the pitch, as it was a year to forget for Dublin as their reign as Leinster champions came to an end against Meath.
Clancy was in the full-back as Dublin were defeated in Portlaoise in the Leinster semi-finals, with their All-Ireland hopes ending in the quarter-finals against Tyrone.
In a year of few positives, Clancy's development was a standout, as he paid tribute to those who have stepped away from the panel.
"A few lads step away, but we can't dwell on it. We just have to keep going ourselves and push on as the new generation coming in.
"We take that as a privilege at the same time - kind of look at what the lads did before us, and we want to then strive to do what they did and be as great as they were."
In the last couple of seasons, the likes of John Small, Michael Fitzsimons, Brian Fenton, and Paul Mannion have stepped away from the pane.
With Dessie Farrell departing after the defeat of Tyrone, Ger Brennan is now in charge, and Clancy is confident that the new generation that Dublin is in safe hands.
"I suppose we're so lucky in the sense that those are the boys who have been there and done it. They know how to win things, how to lead teams, so they've got all the knowledge in the world.
"We just have to listen to them and Ger, I've known him through college and through UCD, so it's handy for me in terms of balancing the Sigerson and the inter-county demands.
"The wealth of knowledge in our backroom team is astounding, and they're all great coaches as well.
"There's a lot of new lads coming in this year, and that can only help us. It gives us a fresh start with fresh and new young players that will push all the starting players and even the older players."
It is a busy time for the Kilmacud Crokes defender, who is part of the UCD squad in the Sigerson Cup.
A 3-12 to 0-10 win over ATU Galway on Wednesday got their campaign underway, following final defeats in the past two years.
With the Allianz League on the horizon with Dublin, games will be coming thick and fast for the Dublin defender, but he enjoys the schedule.
"January is always demanding anyway, both physically and mentally. But it's an enjoyable demand, I would say.
"You're playing two All-Ireland competitions in the Sigerson and the Allianz League, so that's a privilege in itself. I really enjoy the constant matches week in and week out.
"You're playing free-flowing football in Sigerson during the week and then going out to Croke Park in the Allianz League, it's great.
"I think it's great for development as a player."
