Pat Spillane insists Ger Brennan has already made major Dublin mistake before minute is played
Ger Brennan has already made a major mistake as Dublin manager before a minute of football has been played, according to Pat Spillane.
A brilliant footballer with the Sky Blues, winning two All-Ireland titles, Brennan has excelled as a manager, and was the obvious choice to replace Dessie Farrell, after guiding Louth to their first Leinster SFC title since 1957.
After his appointment, Brennan named former players and Dublin legends Dean Rock, Stephen Cluxton and Denis Bastick on his backroom staff. Niall Moyna, his assistant at Louth, is also in.
But writing in the Sunday World, Pat Spillane suggests the lack of top, experienced coaches on the ticket will hurt Dublin, and referenced other clubs who worked hard to get experienced coaches in to aid the new manager.
Stephen Cluxton will be part of Ger Brennan's management team in Dublin next year, effectively confirming the retirement of a man who redefined not just goalkeeping but the sport itself.
The best decision-maker I've ever seen on a football field. So rarely chose the wrong kick. pic.twitter.com/fVVsLC8cnX
He wrote: “It is high profile most definitely, although I couldn’t help thinking that this was a management team very light on coaching expertise, or indeed coaching experience.
“In my opinion, the template for GAA management teams has been set by Limerick hurling. John Kiely is CEO, but the key was finding a top level coach. He brought in Paul Kinnerk from Clare and the rest is history.
“Not alone that, he added several other very highly qualified people to his backroom team along the way.
“Armagh followed suit. The final pieces in Kieran McGeeney’s jigsaw were key coaches added in the shape of Kieran Donaghy from Kerry and Conleth Gilligan from Derry.
From all at Louth GAA, we wish our former manager Ger Brennan – who guided us to our historic Leinster Championship win in 2025 – the very best of luck. Wishing you every success in Dublin… (except when you’re playing us 👀)
We will be forever grateful for his work in Louth. pic.twitter.com/NFNQbd0Vi4
— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) August 8, 2025
“Liam Cahill wasn’t slow to add Kilkenny’s David Herity to the coaching ticket in Tipperary.
“Jack O’Connor showed how shrewd a manager he is and how he has learned over the years.
“The key was identifying not local legends and big names – the road that Ger Brennan has obviously gone down – but to select a management team packed with top coaches.”
Sports Joe
