Ger Brennan: 'Fergal was correct to give us both a red card'

Dublin manager Ger Brennan watches the closing moments of the second half from the stand, after he was sent off before the start of the second half, during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Galway and Dublin at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Dublin manager Ger Brennan had no complaints after he was sent off for his part in a half-time clash during his side’s defeat against Galway.

The visitors were relegated from Division 1 on Sunday after a two-point defeat in Pearse Stadium. Brennan was involved in a clash with Galway strength and conditioning coach Cian Breathnach McGinn as the teams made their way off at half-time.

Before the start of the second half, referee Fergal Kelly showed both of them a red card. Dylan McHugh and Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne were shown a black card for their part in it all.

“Look, myself and one of the Galway mentors, a small coming together, silly stuff from us,” said Brennan post-match.

“Fergal was correct to give us both a red card. We shouldn’t be doing that.” 

Robert Finnerty missed a penalty just before the break and players originally came together initially.

“I suppose I think Hugh just made a great save from a penalty and spirits and tempers were high from both sides. But it's inter-county football, that happens. I'd say there was equal involvement from both sides in terms of what happened at half time.” 

Brennan and McGinn shook hands when they emerged for the second half before they were shown red.

“Well I think we should leave the players to sort out their own stuff, yes. The manager at the same time, maybe I should send in another official to do it but to be fair to the Galway mentor, he is obviously passionate about his team too and these things can happen.” 

Meanwhile, Galway manager Pádraic Joyce took issue with a tackle on Matthew Tierney in the first half. Sean Kelly and Tierney were taken off injured.

“Mattie got a dead leg off the ball, in the hip. I don’t know what the officials were looking at that they didn’t see that. Anyways, the player that did it ended up getting sent off. He should be ok hopefully.” 

The Galway boss paid tribute to former RTÉ Sport broadcaster Michael Lyster who died at the age of 71. There was a moment’s silence for the Galway man before throw-in.

“News broke through just as we were gathering this morning for our pre-match meal. He is a clubman of my own. He lived across the road in his home house from the football pitch in Barnaderg. Shocking news for us, hard to take,” he said.

“Big loss to the community and GAA in general. Every household in the country would know his voice from Sunday afternoon and Sunday nights at times as well. A great GAA man, a lovely natured man, a great character. Our condolences to his wife, kids and family in Galway.”