Dublin manager Ger Brennan during the Allianz Football League Division 1 defeat to Donegal at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Dublin manager Ger Brennan during the Allianz Football League Division 1 defeat to Donegal at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Dublin manager Ger Brennan said hid had paid the price for “a lack of energy and work-rate” in the first half after losing their opening National League tie against Donegal.

In his first league game in charge he watched his players struggle with wind advantage, trailing 1-9 to 0-6 at half time, before mounting a spirited recovery after the interval boosted by introductions from the bench.