Junior series goes ahead despite opposition

International Rules Under-17 Series: Given the strong opposition that has been expressed to the idea, it was surprising that the junior International Rules series got the go-ahead at the weekend's Central Council meeting. But at present the GAA are still waiting to appoint a manager for the team.

Last year's manager Tony Scullion, from Derry, is unavailable to travel on the trip, which takes place in April. It is up to the Ulster Council to choose a successor but no decision has yet been made.

The impetus to preserve the series has come from the AFL, who it is believed were willing to shelve the senior series rather than lose its junior equivalent, which provides an international outlet for young Australian Rules Academy members.

Funding from the Australian Sports Commission is also enhanced for sports with an international dimension.

At present the AFL are exploring the possibility of instituting an under-age series with South Africa where the Rules game is played, albeit on a restrictive basis. That is due to start in 2008 and it is believed the AFL are anxious Ireland remain engaged in the series until then. Restrictions on the recruitment of young Irish players by AFL clubs are due to be finalised in May.

Such recruitment hasn't been widespread but is likely to be reduced to virtually nothing if as expected the signing of under-21s is forbidden and overseas rookie contracts for Irish players are prohibited.

In the light of such measures it's hard to see why the objections to the junior series would endure.

This year's tour manager is Páraic Duffy, currently chair of the Games Development Committee, who was tour manager to the senior team in 2001.

Meanwhile one Irish recruit, who didn't come through the junior series, Setanta Ó hAilpín is playing for the Carlton seniors in the pre-season NAB Cup. The former Cork hurler is hoping to gain a permanent place in the club's senior squad.

According to reports Ó hAilpín contested well playing up front but his accuracy was criticised although he kicked a goal and two behinds. Carlton lost the match against Geelong.

The GAA Museum will be staging an evening entitled Recollections of the GAA in Dublin, including contributions from past players Jimmy Keaveney and Paddy Cullen. It takes place next Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.