Dean Rock has apologised for Dublin's training breach on behalf of his teammates, saying it was "a regrettable incident, and something that we deeply regret”.

Members of the All-Ireland champions' squad broke Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions to take part in an early morning training session at Innisfails GAA club last March.

Rock confirmed he was not present at the secret session which resulted in manager Dessie Farrell being handed down a 12-week ban from the sideline.

“It was certainly a regrettable incident, and something that we deeply regret. We are obviously very apologetic about it. Look, we learned a lot of lessons from it,” the Ballymun Kickhams forward said.

“That’s the thing, it was a mistake that we have acknowledged and accepted, taken our lessons from it, learned from it and moved on, and look forward to the season ahead. That’s pretty much where we’re at with it at the moment.

“With hindsight, it never would have happened. I know an apology was issued at the time, and I’d like to follow up on that with another apology really, just to apologise for what we did.”

Farrell’s former Dublin and Na Fianna teammate Mick Galvin will take up the role of interim manager until 1 July.

“Of course, it’s strange not having Dessie there because he’s obviously a big personality and a great person to have around the group,” Rock added.

“Mick Galvin will obviously be there now and take charge of the team for the National League and foreseeable future. He’s ably assisted by Darren Daly, Brian O’Regan and Shane O’Hanlon.”

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