Davey Byrne issue ‘parked’ by Dublin, says Bernard Brogan

Bernard Brogan insists Dublin have parked the controversial ‘Davey Byrne Affair’ which saw the panellist suffer a broken nose before a recent challenge match against Armagh at DCU.

The incident has generated huge media attention, though the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee only belatedly asked for information regarding the matter, which happened the week before Dublin claimed another Leinster title at Westmeath’s expense.

“Four 35s were played in the game after whatever the incident was and it was played with great merit and great football and both teams learned a lot from it,” according to Brogan who was training in another part of the DCU complex when the alleged incident occurred.

“It has been a little bit blown out of proportion. It’s over. Davey is back training with the team and all that. We are moving on. We had a Leinster final in the middle of it and got over it. We are focused on the next day.”

Dublin will approach that All-Ireland quarter-final in two weeks’ time against opponents yet to be confirmed in the knowledge that centre-back Ger Brennan has stood himself down from inter-county football for the remainder of the season. A key player in their All-Ireland triumph two seasons ago, the St Vincent’s defender has not featured for the county since due to a succession of injuries and Brogan admits his loss will be felt off the pitch if nothing else as the season unfolds.

“Ger is a big player for Dublin. His attitude around the dressing-room was probably the best of them. He was a great character, great bit of craic, but the legs have been struggling with him for the last while.

“He had a long campaign with Vincent’s, has been playing with them for the last two years, so it was tough on the body and he just wants to focus on the club this year and get the body right.

“But I am sure we will see him back playing inter-county in 2016, stronger than ever.”