Ger Brennan to contest 12-week ban in front of DRA this week

Dublin manager also set to miss two games in 2027 as part of suspension

STANDING FIRM: Dublin manager Ger Brennan’s Disputes Resolution Authority hearing is expected to take place before the county’s Leinster SFC quarter-final against Wicklow. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.

Dublin manager Ger Brennan’s Disputes Resolution Authority hearing is expected to take place before the county’s Leinster SFC quarter-final against Wicklow in Aughrim on Sunday.

The Dublin County Board are to apply to the independent body after the latest attempt to challenge his 12-week ban failed in front of the GAA’s Central Appeals Committee on Monday night.

The CAC meeting lasted for two hours and the body deliberated for a similar time before informing Dublin that they would be upholding the early decision made by the Central Hearings Committee.

The Irish Examiner has learned that as well as 12 weeks Brennan is also set to miss Dublin’s first two Division 2 league games in 2027.

The St Vincent’s man is due to miss the trip to Echelon Park this weekend as well as potentially four further championship fixtures – a provincial semi-final, final and the opening two rounds of the Sam Maguire Cup. However, the ban also carries two games in the same competition.

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 two-time All-Ireland winning defender had to sit out a recent training camp in Johnstown House.

The St Vincent’s man has also been precluded from any involvement in his club where he is involved at juvenile level.

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 Omagh 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".