Aussies Victorious: Ire 52 - Aus 55 (Agg 102-92)

I came away from the second test, this time in Croke Park, with a strange feeling. I suppose for 35 euro the two ticket package was a good deal, but what exactly had happened? What made it a good deal? I enjoyed myself in the way that everyone has a good time at certain events.  For example, no one returns home from attending a parade and says the procession was crap, right? The International Rules is, in fact, quite like a parade...
we turn up, we wave the tri-colour and feel a sense of nationalism while the show passes us by, then we leave slightly confused - not exactly sure what we just witnessed or what it represented.

And so it is with the International Rules. We waved our flags and cheered while wondering what it all meant. Ireland made a great run, victory was well within our grasp, and then we ran out of steam. I didn't feel a great sense of defeat. I didn't feel much at all. I stayed and watched the Aussies celebrate while the other 60,000 or so left. There was no crushing sadness in the crowd as in Championship football. No sniffling children or pats on the back while deeply exhaling, 'Next year, Next year.'

Thrashing and Cursing
In fairness there was a great range of reactions to the tense moments of the match. With Ireland ahead by four, Graham Canty made a 50m run and then inexplicably floated the ball directly to the opposition, there was an outburst of the intense cursing and thrashing so common in Championship football. Some however were more removed from the action. Many fans had the approach that they could take it or leave it. Of course they cheer for Ireland, but the intensity of intercounty football simply was not present.

One frustrated supporter near me sauntered off to the pub after three quarters in Limerick proclaiming, "I'd rather watch fucking Camogie!" Despite his early exit from the first test, I saw him in Croke Park. His attitude well-summarizes the International Rules. Essentially, we support the GAA. Those of us who love football will turn up because that is what we do. We turn up, we cheer, we curse and thrash, we go home or to the pub and then home. We weren't sure what it all meant but we waved our flags and enjoyed the parade.