Ger Brennan's Parnell Park Wish For Dublin Looks Dead After Blockbuster Draw

Ger Brennan may have got the home draw he wanted, but the Dublin manager looks unlikely to get the venue he was hoping for.

After Dublin's victory over Cavan secured their place in Round 3 of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, Brennan made it clear he would love to see the Dubs return to Parnell Park for a championship fixture.

Instead, the draw has handed Dublin a mouthwatering clash with Donegal, a fixture that appears destined for Croke Park.

Speaking after their win over Cavan, Brennan expressed his interest in playing in Parnell Park should Dublin be drawn at home.

The evidence speaks for itself and if we are to get a home draw, I know our senior hurlers have a big game away (Thurles) to Clare on Saturday night.

I'd love to go and play, if it was a home draw for Dublin, probably on a Sunday playing in Parnell Park and get out of Croke Park.

The Dublin boss was referring to his side's difficult relationship with GAA headquarters this season.

Dublin have lost five of their previous six league and championship games at Croke Park, including championship defeats to Westmeath and Louth.

A move to Donnycarney would undoubtedly offer a different atmosphere and a more intense setting.

However, the reality of the draw may make that impossible.

Donegal always bring a substantial support, while Dublin's own backing would be expected to generate enormous demand for tickets for a ground with a capacity of approximately 8,500.

Parnell Park's capacity would struggle to accommodate the interest surrounding one of the biggest fixtures of the championship so far.

There are also scheduling considerations.

Dublin's hurlers are due to face Clare in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-final in Thurles on Saturday evening, while the Tailteann Cup semi-finals involving Fermanagh, Down, Offaly and Wicklow are set to take place in Croke Park across the same weekend.

Although times for those games have yet to be confirmed, it appears increasingly likely that Dublin's football clash with Donegal will be staged on Sunday.

On Morning Ireland following the draw, GAA president Jarlath Burns did not provide any indication as to where the game would be played.

CCCC chairman Brian Carroll also stopped short of confirming a venue, saying only that dates, times and venues for the Round 3 fixtures would be announced later today.

There is some precedent for counties having the power to nominate smaller home venues.

Louth were allowed to use Inniskeen for their dramatic victory over Armagh last weekend while work continues on the redevelopment of their county ground.

Whether Ger Brennan and Dublin get their wish remains to be seen but for now it looks unlikely.