​Dublin manager Ger Brennan has urged the GAA to implement video technology to aid officials in crucial decisions after his team’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Kerry. Brennan believes three major calls went against Dublin, including an early penalty that benefited Kerry, Kerry’s second goal which could have been disallowed for a square ball, and Ross McGarry’s fisted effort that may have crossed the line before Kerry cleared. While acknowledging Dublin’s poor shooting return contributed to their four-point loss, Brennan argues that now is the time for a VAR/TMO system to cover pivotal moments in matches.
“I feel strongly that video assistant technology has to come into play for key decisions, not just in football but across inter-county sports as well,” Brennan said. “Today there were three key decisions that didn’t go our way, and if the officials had an opportunity to take a quick look—pause the clock for 30 seconds—that would have likely changed the direction of the game.”
He extended his congratulations to Kerry, noting they were a touch more clinical. Dublin had ten more shots, yet failed to convert as efficiently as their opponents, who recorded a higher shooting accuracy. Brennan highlighted that Kerry finished with a shooting accuracy in the high 60s, while Dublin sat around 55%, underscoring that opportunities were there despite the contentious decisions.
When addressing the three central calls, Brennan suggested that opinions on whether Kerry deserved an early penalty were debatable, but he indicated that the other two incidents were “more clear-cut.” He stressed that luck should not influence the outcome of decisions, reinforcing his call for video technology to be introduced.
Brennan cited a specific incident involving Alex Gavin applying pressure on Joe O’Connor, which forced O’Connor to pass toward Peadar, who had his hands by his side. “Peadar makes contact on the chest and it’s a penalty—a poor decision,” he asserted. He also pointed to Kerry’s second goal, calling it a square ball, and argued that even after reviewing the footage, it appeared to have been a goal for Dublin, underscoring the need for referees to have assistive technology given the speed and complexity of modern play.
Beyond the penalties and potential square ball, Brennan emphasized that there was a genuine need for referees to have additional support because so much happens simultaneously on the field. He indicated that video technology would not only provide clarity on controversial moments but would also help maintain the integrity of the game by reducing the influence of human error in pivotal moments.
Brennan’s call aligns with a broader debate within Gaelic Games about adopting modern officiating aids to ensure fair outcomes. Supporters argue that VAR/TMO systems can help referees determine fouls, goals, and other decisive actions more accurately, especially in fast-paced scenarios where traditional lines of sight may be limited. Critics, meanwhile, worry about potential interruptions, the pace of the game, and the subjective nature of some decisions. Nevertheless, Brennan’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among coaches and players that the benefits of accurate decision-making in critical moments may outweigh potential drawbacks.
Looking ahead, Brennan’s Dublin team will need to regroup and refocus as they seek redemption in future campaigns. The conversation around video technology is likely to intensify in the coming months, with fan, pundit, and official voices weighing the advantages and logistics of a comprehensive VAR/TMO system for Gaelic football and associated Gaelic Athletic Association sports. As the sport evolves, so too may the rules and the tools available to officials, players, and managers aiming to ensure that the outcomes of games reflect the best possible interpretation of the play on the field.