DUBS LOSE BURN-OUT VICTIM GER.

Byline: By Orla Bannon

ST Vincent's defender Ger Brennan has surprisingly withdrawn from the Dublin senior football panel.

The half-back, who played a starring role in the Marino club's All-Ireland final victory over Nemo Rangers on St Patrick's Day, has cited burnout as his reason for opting off Paul Caffrey's panel.

Brennan would have been considered close to a starting place for the Leinster Championship opener with Louth onJune 8 but may have been disappointed at being taken off during a challenge match last weekend.

However there was better news yesterday as it was confirmed cornerback Paul Griffin is to rejoin the panel following his return from Australia next week.

The Kilmacud Crokes defender wasn't due back in Ireland until the middle of June but has decided to return three weeks early.

Paul Caffrey, speaking at the launch of a Cumann na mBunscol initiative in a Dublin city centre school yesterday, grinned: "Keep an eye on the airports!"

"Paul Griffin will be back in the country and he will be back training with us next Tuesday."

Caffrey also revealed that Bernard Brogan won't be seeking a hearing from the DRA in a bid to have his eight weekban lifted.

The five Meath players serving similar bans have confirmed that they are taking their cases to the DRA.

"The strength of the depth of our squad will be tested and a few questions will be asked," added Caffrey.

"If Louth put in the performance of their lives and beat Dublin, these guys will be heroes there for a long time.

"We will give them the full respect come June 8 and we're preparing hard to face the challenge."

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WITHDRAWAL: Ger Brennan