The Ireland management team today made an official complaint about the size of the goals and pitch at Football Park, Adelaide which will play host to Friday’s deciding test in the International Rules series.
The Ireland team trained there last night and complained that the width of the goal mouth fell one foot short of the standard 21 feet. There was also concern raised over the apparent dip in the middle of the crossbar, which reduced the size of the goals even further.
Ireland officials also noticed than certain areas of the playing field had been marked wider than usual. Manager Brian McEniff dismissed claims of dirty tricks on the Australians part but said that Ireland officials would be "keeping a close eye" on the situation.
"I have referred the matter on to Kevin Sheehan and Pat Daly (Control Committee members) for them to discuss. I also briefed GAA President Sean McCague on the situation last night," McEniff told ireland.comtoday.
"The pitch was very wide and that would definitely suit the Australians a lot more than it would us. The extra yardage would be playing right into their hands."
Dublin star Ciaran Whelan, who pulled a hamstring at training on Monday, remains doubtful after sitting out last night’s session. He is receiving intense treatment to his injury in an effort to make it onto Friday’s squad. A scan at an Adelaide hospital yesterday revealed the player suffered a slight hamstring tear but the problem was aggravated by cramp.
"Ciaran is well. He is improving but, in saying that, we will have to see over the next day or so how he progresses. Things being the way they are, however, I would still consider him somewhat doubtful," said McEniff.
Dermot McCabe, another on the casualty list after injuring an ankle a week ago, took part in some light training last night. However, it looks unlikely that the big Cavan midfielder will play a part in Friday’s game.
"He is still very sore today. I would say he is quite doubtful for Friday’s game," explained the manager.
McEniff is due to name his starting 15 at lunch time (Irish time) today. He will select his eight interchange players after training tomorrow evening.