'An unduly heavy burden' - Dublin GAA disappointed after failing to overturn Ger Brennan's ban

Dublin also confirmed that Dean Rock will continue to deputise for Brennan in the interim.

BRENNAN BANNED: Dublin’s bid to have senior football manager Ger Brennan’s 12-week and two match ban overturned by the Disputes Resolution Authority has failed. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.

Dublin’s bid to have senior football manager Ger Brennan’s 12-week and two match ban overturned by the Disputes Resolution Authority has failed.

The DRA met on Saturday and decided to uphold the previous decisions made by the GAA’s disciplinary committees.

Brennan will miss tomorrow’s Leinster quarter-final against Wicklow in Aughrim, any future games in the provincial competition and up to two Sam Maguire Cup games as well as the opening two games of the county’s Division 2 games in 2027.

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 Pearse Stadium last month. Breathnach McGinn was issued an eight-week ban for disruptive behaviour.

A statement from the Dublin County Board described Brennan’s punishment as as “an unduly heavy burden”.

It read: “Dublin GAA can confirm that after a DRA hearing this morning, that lasted over five hours, the case brought by our Bainisteoir Ger Brennan was unsuccessful.

“Dublin GAA would like to thank the DRA secretary and the members of DRA panel together with the various Croke Park disciplinary committee representatives, who provided the opportunity for a full hearing at short notice this morning.

“While we are disappointed at the outcome of the case, we will await the written judgement with interest and give due examination and consideration to changes required to improve the fairness and proportionality of our disciplinary system, within our association.

“Ger Brennan did at all times accept that he should receive some sanction for the incident, however the weight of the penalty imposed on a volunteer member is an unduly heavy burden.

“Dean Rock will continue to deputise for Ger Brennan in the interim.

“We shall make no further comment at this time but, Ger Brennan, the management team and our entire senior football squad has our continued support, as we commence our championship campaign tomorrow.”