Media over the top says Caffrey

GAELIC GAMES NEWS:HE DIDN'T quite describe it as a storm in a teacup, which is just as well given another incident that happened in Parnell Park last Sunday, though Dublin manager Paul Caffrey was fairly adamant the reaction to the latest instalment of the Dublin-Meath rivalry was "over the top".

There was a solemn and almost courtroom feeling to the Allianz National Football League press conference yesterday, especially when Caffrey began a short monologue defence of Sunday's events, particularly the aftermath of those events, as we, jury-like, sat there in judgment. Caffrey didn't exactly plead guilty, nor did he claim complete innocence.

"For my opening line, I'd prefer if it didn't happen. Obviously, there have been ramifications since, but the first thing I'd like to put on record is that I thought Paddy Russell (the referee) handled the match very well. I spoke to him briefly afterwards, and I complimented him on the way he handled the game.

"The incident should not have happened, but I think the reaction since has been quite over the top. The amount of support that I've got from intercounty managers, that have touched base with me since, half them thrilled that it's us and Meath and not them, but just stating simple facts, that we are being hung out to dry on this.

"But we have to accept that. I'm a great believer that Gaelic football is a game based on skill, firstly. But I think to succeed at intercounty level you need a level of aggression in your game. And controlled aggression is probably what it's all about. And I would say that we've a bit to do working on that, going forward."

Caffrey then volunteered that four of the eight Dublin players facing proposed suspensions were accepting them without a hearing: Ciarán Whelan and Paul Flynn (who both got eight weeks) and Ross McConnell and Eamonn Fennell (who both got four weeks). The other four requested personal hearings: Bernard Brogan and Diarmuid Connolly (who also face eight weeks) and Tomás Quinn and Paddy Andrews (who face four weeks).

They will go before the Central Hearings Committee (CHC) tomorrow evening, who will decide to impose the suspensions, or else reduce or clear them.

The Meath County Board met last night to confirm the course of action for their eight players facing similar suspensions, and it is expected some, if not all eight, will also go before the CHC tomorrow evening.

So while accepting responsibility for what happened on Sunday, Caffrey also made clear his unease at the reaction, both in terms of the suspensions proposed, and the more general commentary on events. "I've never seen such a reaction from the GAA. I'd half an hour conversation with Colm Coyle on Monday night when we realised what was happening. And all I can say is the two of us ended up laughing at the end of the conversation.

"Suffice to say, I understand that we all have to buy into the ethos of the GAA, and presentation of the games. We in Dublin, I think Saturday night will be our 12th game in about 14 weeks, and nearly every one of those games has been covered, either live on television, or extended highlights. We are under scrutiny, but we accept that. That is part and parcel of being involved with Dublin.

"But the people that have been wheeled out to comment on what went on last Sunday, and a lot of them not even there, you know . . . I've watched it over and over again, in quarter-speed time. Most of the guys involved in the shemozzle went in to stop, or to grab somebody, to stop it. Neither Meath nor Dublin are fools. We understand, if you're done for striking at this time of the year, you miss championship football. I won't speak for Colm Coyle, but I'll speak for myself. No player was told to strike anybody. Because why would Paul Caffrey want to A, go into a league final, and B, a championship, without first-team choices?

"So just a little bit of reality in relation (to this). It is a contact sport. It was four minutes into a game between local rivals, but there was no malice, and I've watched it over and over and over again."

On the issue of Dublin's apparently declining disciplinary record, Caffrey was particularly defensive, describing their record over the last three championship seasons as "exemplary".

"But I also accept the fact that the best teams win trophies, with their best players on the field of play," he added.

"And that's something I have to take on board going forward. And the players. And I think that is a big lesson for us going forward."

He also took an indirect swipe at GAA president Nickey Brennan, supporting the comments of Dublin selector Dave Billings, who on Tuesday suggested that comments made by Brennan before the meeting of the Central Competitions Control Committee had prejudiced their case.

"Suffice to say, I concur with his comments," said Caffrey.

"But you know, this is about Allianz League finals, and I'm very proud of the Dublin players, and long may that continue. We will be turning up on Saturday night (against Westmeath), and I guarantee a very committed Dublin performance."

Caffrey will name his team after training this evening, down nine first-choice players, at least for now.

He ended on a positive note. Defender Paul Griffin is due back in the country shortly after a period of travel, and will be part of the Dublin panel for the summer. That's good enough for now.

Paul Caffrey On the Parnell Park brawl and the fallout

On Sunday's events in Parnell Park:
"It was unfortunate, and nobody wants to see that. I've been at three matches since. I'm going to watch my kids my whole time. And that is not why we're involved in the game. We have a responsibility, and Paul Caffrey has a responsibility as manager. But I will not see my players hung out to dry."

On Dublin's disciplinary record:
"Anyone that looks at Dublin's record over the last three championships, under our guidance, it's almost exemplary, in championship football, in terms of sending-offs. As far as I know, I think we've had one double yellow card in three campaigns under this management team. So I would like to refute the allegations that Dublin are a dirty team."

On whether Dublin and Meath are being made an example of:
"Well that will be for others to decide, ultimately. But this is not the first shemozzle that has taken place in the GAA. I grew up on the diet of the great Dublin team from '74 onwards, and I'd say I watch more Gaelic games than most guys in the room here, with maybe Pat O'Shea (the Kerry manager) excluded. I've three kids playing at three different levels, in Dublin here, at schools, colleges, and with Na Fianna. Since I gave up playing, I've been consumed by watching football. And I've seen an awful lot of shemozzles and I've never seen a reaction like we've had to this one."

On whether the players are right or wrong to seek a personal hearing:
"It's not up to me to encourage anybody. We give up our time freely, players, management. And I have to say I'm very honoured to be Dublin manager. I'm a very proud Dub. This group of guys that we're working with are phenomenal. And we put it to them individually last night that it was their call. I'll stand over whatever their decisions are."