Dublin boss Ger Brennan's 12-week suspension upheld by DRA
Ellen O'Donoghue
Ger Brennan is to be absent from the sidelines for Dublin GAA's Leinster SFC opener against Wicklow on Sunday after his 12-week suspension was upheld by the Dispute Resolution Authority.
The ban arose from a red card that was issued to Brennan after a physical altercation with Galway strength and conditioning coach Cian Breathnach McGinn during Dublin's league defeat at Pearse Stadium, which saw them relegated from Division 1.
Breathnach McGinn was given an eight-week suspension for his part in the incident.
Brennan first appealed the ban, which was upheld by the GAA's Central Hearings Committee.
He then took the appeal to the Central Appeals Committee, which was also unsuccessful.
After a five-hour DRA hearing on Saturday, a last-ditch effort to get the suspension lifted, Brennan's appeal was rejected.
This means that Brennan will be absent for the entirety of Dublin's Leinster championship campaign and for the first round of the All-Ireland series.
Dean Rock, part of the management team, will cover for Brennan in the interim.
In a statement, Dublin GAA thanked the DRA secretary and members of the DRA panel, alongside the 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."
The statement added that Brennan "at all times" accepted that he shout receive some sanction for last month's incident.
"However, the weight of the penalty imposed on a volunteer member is an unduly heavy burden," Dublin GAA said.
"We shall make no further comment at this time but Ger Brennan, the management team and our entire senior football panel have our continued support as we commence our championship campaign on Sunday."
