Irish Team Named for International Rules Series 2010

Manager Anthony Tohill today announced the Irish squad that will take on the Aussies in the 2010 International Rules Series. The official press release from the GAA is here.

At first glance, I'm excited by our chances. We  are bringing an experienced group against an Aussie side that is surprisingly lacking in that respect. Team captain Steven McDonnell has participated in the International Rules Series seven times. We've seen rugged and creative play from a number of the guys on the squad - particularly Seán Cavanagh and Leighton Glynn.

Also the Irish team has six members who have AFL experience. Tadhg Kennelly, Tommy Walsh, Marty Clarke, Colm Begley, Brendan Murphy, and Michael Shields will all be familiar with the physicality of the Aussies.

Kerrymen Return
I'm looking forward to seeing the two Kerrymen, Tadhg Kennelly and Tommy Walsh, who left for Australia after winning the All-Ireland in 2009. I'm particularly interested in Walsh to see what has become of his seemingly limitless potential.

So long as I'm writing about Kerrymen, I have to say I'm disappointed Kieran Donaghy is not involved. His club - Austin Stacks - are in the County Championship this Sunday. I hardly think that warrants missing the entire Series. Leighton Glynn is in the same situation and will play three matches in three days. Donaghy was great in 2008. He worked well with Cavanagh up front.

Big Chances Up Front
In Donaghy's absence it will be interesting to see who steps up. I'd say Brogan will have a great series. His confidence is high after a fantastic championship and he can shoot even more aggressively than usual because of the wider single-point posts. Any possession for Brogan will surely be converted into a score.

Michael Murphy is an interesting name to see on the list. He is as strong as an ox but I worry he lacks the pace for this code. I find myself wanting him to do well for some reason. I hope Michael Murphy can add some muscle up front. Regardless, the Aussie defenders are going to have their hands full with Cavanagh, Brogan, Goulding, and Tommy Walsh.

Here's the official squad list:
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)