Test 1 - International Rules 2011

Action from Limerick last year

There isn't much excitement or hype around the International Rules this year. The media spotlight has mostly been focused on the Presidential election and the recent flooding. Also the Dubs aren't ready to move to the next challenge. They still want to bask in their All-Ireland victory. Last year, the failure to generate hype could be partially blamed on the fact that the Daily Mail was the official sponsor. Obviously other newspapers aren't eager to put a competitor's logo on the front page. What's the problem this year?

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...

Photos: Int Rules Test 2

Not great seats but what can you do. Happy Halloween

Photos: International Rules Test 1

Test 2 Prediction: International Rules 2010

The first test was a shocking disappointment but I'm still going over to Croke Park tonight for the second test. I'm not sure what to expect. The media has absolutely slated the match in Limerick. I wonder what impact this will have on the attendance tonight. A half-full Croke Park on a cold, wet October night will be a sorry sight. Then again the crap weather might...

Australia 47 - Ireland 40: Tohill has to be Accountable

Anthony Tohill has some explaining to do. He needs to explain to the 30,000 plus in attendance at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. He needs to explain to the audience watching at home on TG4. He needs to explain to the Australian side who travelled to the other side of the globe for the match. What was Tohill thinking? The Irish strategy going into the match was dreadful until Bernard Brogan's goal inspired and ignited the team to...dare I say it...

Test 1 Prediction: International Rules

Before I head off to Limerick tomorrow to watch the first test, I thought I'd make a prediction of the results. This is pretty much impossible but I want to give it a shot anyway.  The Irish have the edge in three really important ways: familiarity with the round ball, familiarity with shooting for goal, and familiarity with the game in general. The Aussies have the edge in...

Round the Square International Rules Preview

With the first test in Limerick just over 30 hours away, take a look at the latest episode of the GAA's 'Round the Square'. Tadhg Kennelly has the best line saying to the Aussies, "I can't wait to see you boys make yourselves look like right eejits in front of 80 thousand trying to kick the round ball."

Top 10: Snooki & International Rules

Top 10 Reasons why the International Rules Series is like Snooki from MTV's Jersey Shore

1. Both come from a far away land with bizarre customs and strange animals.

2. Neither has anything to do with Italy.

3. Both are much more than you bargained for.

4. Both are more violent than you expected.

5. Both revolve around physical contact and chasing balls.

6. You'll see haircuts you never before considered possible.

7. Admission is cheap.

8. Both lead to annoying accents blaring in your sitting room.

9. Both involve drinking heavily.

10. Despite all their weirdness, both are somehow endearing.

Add your own additions to the list in the comments section!

Lazy Sunday Thoughts

I have a few thoughts I thought I'd mash into a single post this afternoon before the start of the County Championship Final in Kerry at 3pm. (Big 'Thank You' to TG4 for carrying the Austin Stacks v Dr. Crokes match)

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.

Canavan Responds to Aussie's Taunt

Peter Canavan has responded to  the claim of AFL player Jason Akermanis that he punched Canavan in the nose and then Canavan 'ran away like a big girl up the park'. Canavan obviously remembers the 2000 International Rules Series differently. I'll let you read the article for yourself. You might also want to check out this clip of The Footy Show to see what the other AFL players have to say about Akermanis - they call him 'eccentric', 'freak', 'good at handstands', and 'bringing sexy back'. We need a show like this in Ireland.

Hilarious International Rules Video

In preparation for the 2010 International Rules Series which will kick off on 23 October in Limerick, I thought I'd share this video. Although the hits are brutal some of the madness had me laughing. Keep your eye out for the Irish Karate starting at 53 seconds, the Aussie with the mullet at 1:05 (looks like he's wearing a Davy Crockett coon-skin cap), and the dog not just on the pitch but in the action at 1:19.

I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did. Let's go Ireland!

International Rules

Because it was dropped for 2009, I almost forgot how much I love the International Rules Series.  I was working in a library at the time of the 2008 series.  I was watching a match on a computer at the library desk.  People were studying quietly all around me.  My boss saw what I was up to and sat down at another computer and pretended to work and we both watched the match.  When Kieran Donaghy chipped the ball to Seán Cavanagh who sharply blasted it into the net, we jumped up and celebrated without making a sound.  That was a cool job.

This video is a welcome reminder of the feeling of watching all the footballers come together to represent their country...and kick some ass.  At 9 minutes 30 seconds, Tadgh Kennelly turns up in a suit - trying his hand at sports reporter.

You can still get tickets to the 2010 series for October 23 & 30.  The first match is in Limerick, the second at Croker.  Amazingly, the two-match package is only €40 for adults and €10 for kids!

I'd like to know what others think of the International Rules Series.  Post your comments below.