Ger Brennan ban appeal dismissed by Central Appeals Committee

Dublin’s manager Ger Brennan watches on from the stands after being red carded against Galway. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Ger Brennan’s latest attempt to challenge his 12-week ban failed in front of the Central Appeals Committee on Monday evening.

Dublin are now expected to lodge an application to the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) in the hope of having the suspension overturned or reduced.

Brennan is set to miss Sunday’s Leinster SFC quarter-final against Wicklow in Aughrim and possibly as much as four further fixtures – a provincial semi-final, final and the opening two rounds of the Sam Maguire Cup.

After a two-hour meeting of the CAC, Dublin were informed of the committee’s decision late on Monday. In the event a DRA meeting can’t be scheduled for this week, the county could look for an interim stay on the ban so Brennan could yet be available to perform his duties in Echelon Park.

Brennan was handed the ban for physically interfering with Galway strength and conditioning coach Cian Breathnach McGinn at half-time of the counties’ Division 1 final round game in Salthill last month. Breathnach McGinn was issued an eight-week ban for disruptive behaviour.

The suspension prevents Brennan from any matchday activity as well as preparations before games. The St Vincent’s man had to sit out a recent training camp in Johnstown House.

Three years ago, a new rule was introduced whereby a misconduct by a team official charge prohibits them from “managing, directing, assisting, or communicating with the team in any way during the period of the time-based suspension.”

As they seek to lessen Brennan's punishment, Dublin are understood to have commissioned the services of barrister Conor Sally.

It remains Dublin's contention that as Breathnach McGinn was not officially listed as a Galway team official, Brennan did not commit a Category IV offence, "any type of physical interference with an opposing player or team official".