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?

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...

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.