World Footy News

Ireland will play host to Australia in the first test in Limerick on Saturday 23 October and in the second test in Croke Park on Saturday 30 October. Ireland manager Anthony Tohill today announced the Irish squad for the International Rules series.

Of the squad six have spent varying time with AFL clubs in Australia – Colm Begley, Martin Clarke, Tadgh Kennelly, Michael Shields, Brendan Murphy and Tommy Walsh. Shields, Murphy and Walsh did not/have not played any senior matches for AFL clubs. This should add a new slant on the series given their significant experience and knowledge of the Australians. Armagh’s Steven McDonnell has been named as captain and Galway’s Finian Hanley has been selected as vice-captain.
Captain:Steven McDonnell (Armagh)
Vice Captain: Finian Hanley (Galway)

Colm Begley (Laois)
Bernard Brogan (Dublin)
Graham Canty (Cork)
Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone)
Martin Clarke (Down)
Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
Brendan Donaghy (Armagh)
Leighton Glynn (Wicklow)
Daniel Goulding (Cork)
James Kavanagh (Kildare)
Paddy Keenan (Louth)
Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry)
Seán McDermott (Roscommon)
Ciarán McKeever (Armagh)
Kevin McKernan (Down)
Brendan Murphy (Carlow)
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
Kevin Reilly (Meath)
Michael Shields (Cork)
Tommy Walsh (Kerry)

Standby Players:

Emmet Bolton (Kildare)
Gary Brennan (Clare)
Gary Connaughton (Westmeath)
Benny Coulter (Down)
Eamonn Fennell (Dublin)
Johnny McCarthy (Limerick)
Niall McNamee (Offaly)