Speaking before RTE's coverage of Dublin vs Mayo, Joe Brolly explained why he believes that Diarmuid Connolly's one match suspension for striking Lee Keegan was correctly overturned.
Brolly outlined that to him, it was a clear case of self defence.
The defence that's proffered is self defence.
Let me put it to you this way as a practising barrister for the last 20 years.
If what happened on the pitch that day between Lee and Diarmuid happened in the street under CCTV at a bar, the prosecution service wouldn't prosecute Diarmuid because they would say 'this is one blow, he's being held in a choke hold clearly'. They would look at the amateur footage.
To me it was a very clear case of self defence. He acted legitimately in self defence. Self defence is simple. I punch you, you can't shoot me.
I'm struggling with you on the ground, I'm cutting off your airways. You punch me to release the hold, that's legitimate self defence.
The GAA must apply the laws of Ireland and I think that's what people struggle with.
