THE solicitor representing Dublin senior intercounty football manager Ger Brennan has released a statement describing comments made yesterday by GAA President Jarlath Burns in relation to Brennan’s ongoing 12-week ban as “insulting.”

The Dublin manager was handed a 12-week ban after his dismissal following a touchline confrontation during a league fixture against Galway in March.

More recently, Donegal manager Jim McGuinness faced no further action over an apparent push on Kerry midfielder Diarmuid O’Connor at the interval of their All-Ireland qualifier. Disciplinary chiefs ruled that referee Sean Hurson had addressed the incident sufficiently during the game.

Speaking earlier this week, Jarlath Burns claimed that comparisons between the two incidents were ‘irrational’. He also stressed that the referee’s report was ‘sacrosant.

In a statement released this afternoon, Omagh-based solicitor Conor Sally expressed concerns on behalf of his client Ger Brennan that “a consistent and equitable approach is unfortunately not being applied to every team, player and manager” by the Central Competitions Control Committee [CCCC]:

“Mr Brennan from the outset and throughout the process accepted wrongdoing, apologised for his actions and suggested the appropriate infraction was ‘disruptive conduct’, with the proportionate and balanced punishment a 4 week/1 game ban warranted. Ironically, this was the very same infraction sent to ‘the pitch invader’ whom he intervened with, after Brian Howard had been attacked.

“Mr Burns has now sought to infer that my client’s infraction was “different” in that it he received a red card and has referred to the referees’ report as “sacrosanct” – meaning that it is ‘untouchable’ and ‘not open to criticism or challenge’! However, rather than process the red card in the normal manner, the CCCC, in advance of their following meeting, sought to seek clarification as ‘the pitch invader’ was not listed as a team official on the team official’s list, as required under CCCC match regulations. The Galway team official list differed from the referee’s report, and it was therefore reasonably argued throughout the process that a lesser infraction was more appropriate given the clear inconsistency.

“My client considers the description of “irrational” in respect of comparisons with his case and another incident in another game as insulting to those holding that widely held view. Moreover, he is further concerned that the Uachtarán stated that “its more embarrassing for the CCCC to lose a case” brought by it at hearing, appeal, or DRA. Natural justice of course dictates that justice ought to be done and no CCC should ever be ‘embarrassed’ at an infraction brought not being proven. Indeed, the GAA’s own disciplinary handbook at page 16 states “…the process is about getting the right answer, not “winning” or “losing”.

“It was also intimated that if Dublin are fixed to play next Sunday, as opposed to Saturday that my client’s suspension “will be over”. Again, this is not the case. Following the 12-week draconian ban wherein my client will have been suspended for either 4 and a half, or 5 and a half games, depending on when the CCCC schedule Dublin’s next game, Mr Brennan remains further suspended for 30% of the NFL in 2027. Others can and will no doubt judge if this is fair, proportionate or balanced in the context of how the CCCC process all alleged infractions.

“My client is most concerned, that in his view, a consistent and equitable approach is unfortunately not being applied to every team, player and manager by the CCCC, in dealing with disciplinary matters arising. Mr Brennan is heartened however by verbal confirmation from the Uachtarán to Dublin GAA last week, that Ard Comhairle intends considering the fairness of the penalty for the infraction listed at Rial 7.2(c) Category IVa TO 2026, with a view to considering bringing a motion to Congress 2027, to amend or alter the penalty.
My client is a committed GAA volunteer and has never sought any media attention since his infraction over 10 weeks ago.”