International Rules: Ireland manager Seán Boylan has announced his squad for the upcoming International Rules series against Australia with All-Ireland finalists Tyrone and Kerry represented by four players each on the panel.
Tyrone's Cavanagh will captain the side with Cork's Graham Canty named as vice-captain. Cavanagh's other team mates on the panel include, Joe McMahon, Justin McMahon and Enda McGinley, while Kerry are represented by Kieran Donaghy, Aidan O'Mahony, Tommy Walsh and Killian Young.
Armagh have three representatives, while Galway, Meath and Dublin have two each. The remainder of the squad is made up of players from Mayo, Wexford, Westmeath, Down, Derry, Laois, and Wicklow.
A total of 14 counties are represented, with Laois native Colm Begley the only Australian-based player to be named by Boylan. Sydney's Tadhg Kennelly, who had been due to captain the side, and Collingwood's Martin Clarke had already been ruled through injuries sustained towards the end of the AFL season.
"I would like to sincerely thank all on the panel who have trained extremely hard over the past number of weeks. The level of commitment has been exemplary," said Boylan at today's announcement.
"Any number of individuals could have been selected as the standard was from the top drawer. The strong interest shown amongst players demonstrates the enthusiasm for the game and the importance players place on representing their country."
"Congratulations to all players who have been chosen to represent Ireland, I wish them well and every success on the tour" added GAA President Nickey Brennan.
"I know that, with the backing of Seán and his selectors, Eoin "Bomber" Liston, Hugh Kenny and Anthony Tohill, they will give their utmost to bring the Cormac McAnallen Cup back to Ireland."
Ireland squad:
Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone) (C), Graham Canty (Cork) (VC), David Gallagher (Meath), Colm Begley (Laois), Paddy Bradley (Derry), Bernard Brogan (Dublin), Benny Coulter (Down), Bryan Cullen (Dublin), Kieran Donaghy (Kerry), Leighton Glynn (Wicklow), Finian Hanley (Galway) John Keane (Westmeath), Aaron Kernan (Armagh), Ciarán Lyng (Wexford), Steven McDonnell (Armagh), Enda McGinley (Tyrone), Ciarán McKeever (Armagh), Joe McMahon (Tyrone), Justin McMahon (Tyrone), Michael Meehan (Galway), John Miskella (Cork), Aidan O'Mahony (Kerry), Pearse O'Neill (Cork), Tom Parsons (Mayo), Kevin Reilly (Meath), Tommy Walsh (Kerry), Killian Young (Kerry)
Standby players: Aidan Carr (Down), Ronan Clarke (Armagh), Paul Finlay (Monaghan), Conor Gormley (Tyrone), Kevin McCloy (Derry) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh)