International Rules:All-Ireland winner Stephen Cluxton has been named captain of the International Rules side scheduled to face Australia in two tests Down Under. The goalkeeper is the only Dubliner among 18 players selected from a 23-man panel by manager Anthony Tohill after all of the other candidates from the capital opted out of the series.
Cluxton, however, is joined by a number of big names with Kerry’s Darran O’Sullivan, Kieran Donaghy and Tadhg Kennelly, who currently plays Australian Rules with the Sydney Swans, also included. They are joined by Mayoman Pearse Hanley of the Brisbane Lions.
Cluxton’s vice captain is Armagh’s Ciaran McKeever
“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 Tohill at yesterday’s briefing in Croke Park. “The strong interest shown amongst players demonstrates the enthusiasm for the game and the importance players place on representing their country.”
Ireland will play Australia in games in the Etihad Stadium Melbourne, on October 28th at 9.45am (Irish time) and at the Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast on November 4th at the same time. The games will be shown live on TG4 from 9am.
“Congratulations to all the players who have been chosen to represent Ireland. I wish them well and every success on the tour” said GAA president Christy Cooney. “I know that, with the backing of Anthony and his selectors, Eoin 'Bomber' Liston, Kevin O’Brien, Séan Óg de Paor and Kieran McGeeney, they will give their utmost to bring the Cormac McAnallen Cup back to Ireland.”
Ireland (v Australia):Stephen Cluxton (Dublin), Ciaran McKeever (Armagh), Emmet Bolton (Kildare), Eoin Cadogan (Cork), Kieran Donaghy (Kerry), Leighton Glynn (Wicklow), Finian Hanley (Galway), Pearse Hanley (Mayo/Brisbane Lions), Darren Hughes (Monaghan), Tadgh Kennelly (Kerry/Sydney Swans), Steve McDonnell (Armagh), Kevin McKiernan (Down), Joe McMahon (Tyrone), Neil McGee (Donegal), Michael Murphy (Donegal), Darran O'Sullivan (Kerry), Kevin Reilly (Meath), Aidan Walsh Cork