08-05-2025
GAA legend suggests ‘huge issue' dating back 10 years behind Dublin downfall after latest gaelic football setback
ALAN BROGAN suggested a lack of schooling has led to Dublin GAA being taught a lesson.
The Sky Blues have had a difficult recent few weeks, with a number of their gaelic football teams suffering defeat in championship.
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Dublin lost to Meath in the Leinster SFC semi-finals
Credit: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
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Alan Brogan explored the reason behind recent results
Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The headline-grabbing one was the seniors, who lost to Meath for the first time in 15 years in the Leinster SFC semi-final.
But there was trouble further down the ladder, with both their U20s and minors losing to Louth in the respective semi-finals.
It raised the alarm for Alan Brogan, who won three All-Ireland titles with the Dubs.
And he suggested a falling standard at schools level may be one of the root causes.
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He said: "Disappointing results for Dublin seniors, 20's and minors in last few weeks.
"Difficult to pinpoint reasons for what seems like a drop off but I believe the drop-off in standard of Gaelic football in Dublin secondary schools in last 10 years is huge issue."
When one follower asked why he put more responsibility at the doors of schools rather than clubs, Brogan pointed to his own experience.
He added: "Most of my football between the age of 12 and 17 was played in school in St Declans.
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"Huge stepping stone towards Dublin minors etc playing regularly against top schools in Dublin and Leinster."
Whatever the cause, senior football manager Dessie Farrell will be hoping his side bounce back in the All-Ireland series.
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They have been drawn in the group of death alongside Connacht champions Galway, Derry, and the losers of the Ulster final between Sam Maguire holders Armagh and Donegal.
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Rob Finnerty, who helped the Tribesmen get their hands on the Nestor Cup yet again,
He said: 'All we were thinking about was winning another Connacht title. It wasn't ideal that they did the draw beforehand.
'Even this weekend after the Ulster and Leinster finals would be ideal, just do it on TV after.
'It doesn't really make much sense in my eyes, knowing where you're going to be and who you're facing.
'But I think we did a good job of just staying focused on Mayo and on winning a Connacht Championship.
'The double-header will only add to the occasion and hopefully as many Galway people as possible can get down to it.'
