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Dessie Farrell suspended as Dublin GAA apologises for COVID breach

Dublin GAA has broken its silence on some of its footballers breaking COVID-19 guidelines. They'v...



Dessie Farrell suspended as Du...
Football

Dessie Farrell suspended as Dublin GAA apologises for COVID breach

Dublin GAA has broken its silence on some of its footballers breaking COVID-19 guidelines.

They've suspended manager Dessie Farrell for 12-weeks.

The Irish Independent revealed that at least nine players engaged in a series of group training drills on Wednesday morning at the Innisfails GAA club in North Dublin.

Among them, were footballer of the year Brian Fenton, Jonny Cooper and Brian Howard.

Both the Gardaí and the GAA are investigating an incident Dublin GAA has described as "a serious error of judgement".

They say the management team and players have apologised.

"If Gardaí identify potential breaches of the public health regulations, a Fixed Payment Notice may be issued where appropriate," and Garda Síochána said on Thursday.

The GAA added, "It is with frustration and extreme disappointment that the GAA acknowledges reports today of a potential breach of both our own Covid guidelines and those of the Government relating to the restrictions in place around team training."

News of the breach came less than 48-hours after An Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced an easing of restrictions regarding sport in the country.

Inter-county teams are allowed to resume training on April 19, but the GAA warned on Tuesday that, "Breaches in this context will not only be dealt with under our own Rules but would likely put the broader plan to return to activity in serious jeopardy."

Dublin GAA statement: 

Dublin GAA acknowledge that, following an investigation this afternoon, there was a breach of Covid-19 guidelines yesterday morning. 

The County Management Committee have suspended Dublin Senior Football manager Dessie Farrell for 12 weeks with immediate effect. 

The Dublin senior football management and players recognise that this was a serious error of judgement and apologise unreservedly for their actions.

Dublin GAA Management Committee

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Brian Fenton Brian Howard Covid-19 Dessie Farrell Dublin Dublin GAA