It was a day of tremendous achievement for Dublin on Sunday. But despite leading the boys in blue to a second All-Ireland in three years, Jim Gavin's compassionate nature was still as prominent as ever.
Gavin broke away from the celebrations to meet one Dublin supporter who made sure that his father was in Croke Park for Dublin's bid to win back Sam. John Garbutt brought a mini urn containing the ashes of his late father Michael who passed away in September after his brave battle with motor neuron disease.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Garbutt said that he was humbled by Jim Gavin's kindness to acknowledge his tribute to his father who died at just 61 years of age.
Jim then took his cap off and put his arm around my shoulder and said to me: ‘I’m very sorry for your loss. Your dad must have brought us good luck today.I know that my dad would be overjoyed by Jim telling me that.
The day was an amazing experience. I said a little prayer. A part of him will always be at Croke Park.
A small gesture but still a measure of the man.
