We spoke to the GCFA Premier League winning manager Gavin Lawlor at end of the season.
The path to the top of the GCFA Premier League is steep and unforgiving. Yet we speak to a man who has walked it twice —and left his mark in GCFA history. Whether from the touchline, the training ground, or the GCFA meeting room, Gavin’s presence has helped shape the landscape in the modern day GCFA.
It was a privilege to speak to Gavin on his journey and get his insights, as they both offer invaluable lessons far beyond the pitch.
Name –
Gavin Lawlor
Age – 33
Club – Corinthians
Majority of the squad were all in the same year at school, same classes and group of mates etc. Been pals since in some instances since we were 5 years old, all had our different football journeys but thought it would be a laugh to see off the end of our careers playing together.
Everything, it’s why you play. Everyone wants to be competetive and enjoy winning, it’s why we do it – achieving both at the end of the year is always the best feeling.
What was the turning point in the season that made you believe you could win it?
To be honest, I knew we could win it so long as we kept a big squad fit and available for games, thats half the battle.
What challenges did the team face throughout the season, and how did you overcome them?
I think the christmas break, we didnt play a game for like 5 weeks before going into the last 32 of the scottish because of the cold snap. Its difficult to maintain momentum when you havent played but good thing was it wasnt in the league and bounced back fairly well
Which game (if can pick one or two) do you think defined your season & Road to success, and why?
Hard to pin point, every single game home or away is difficult in this league and you need to be right on it to win. Maybe our last fixture vs Islands, the astro was double booked and we had to play on a sodden grass park to get the game going. We went behind twice before going ahead and I think Islands hit the bar & post about 4 times in the last 2 minutes.
How important was team chemistry to your title winning success?
People may disagree but I think it’s impossible to do anything never mind win unless you have a good team chemistry. Spend 6-8 hours a week of your own time with your team, Their is no point in doing it if you dont enjoy the company.
I couldnt single anyone out, everyone had a part to play from the founding 4, to the experienced boys like Eddie, Vezza and Jonny Boyle, to the subs/boys who didnt feature as much, they kicked every ball and stood in the freezing winter weather and got us over the line just as much as the starting 11.
What was your favorite personal moment from the season?
The season being over so I could step down and get some good sleeps 😂😂
Did you have any doubts at any point on winning league? How did you push through?
None at all
Milk the life out of winning moments, they dont come so often and its extremely hard work – so enjoy the feeling when it happens
What’s next for the team after this title win?
Getting back to it and try and win everything again. The club’s went through some changes, I’ve stepped down and Jonny Boyle has taken my place. Jonny’s a football madman, proper analytical and has been through his badges etc, also played at a top level for 20 years, so a change is good and refreshing. He will probably do things different from me and as I say, a change is positive. Excited to see how the boys do under new leadership – I actually think they can get better!
Any message to those people who helped you along the way (fellow coaches, Sponsors etc) ?
Could write a book, everyone from the boys families/friends who give up there saturday mornings, supporters like Mark Kennedy, John Duffy, Big Jimbob – they very very rarely miss a game. My old mate Friel who helped the team out by stepping in when I was suspended (and had a better streak than me) and right to the end of the season as my no2 . Finally our sponsors Well Machined, Woodside Wealth and JC Elliott Plumbing & Heating
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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