Gaelic Games:Paul Earley has been named as the manager of the Irish International Rules side for this autumn's home series against Australia.
The 48-year-old from Roscommon has not managed at intercounty level, but has a strong background in the Rules format, having been the first Irish player recruited to the old VFL where he played in the final game of the 1984 season with Melbourne.
He played for Roscommon between 1981 and 1993, following his older brother Dermot in winning an All Star award in 1985. He also played in the 1987 series under Eugene McGee.
Earley is a current member of the GAA’s Football Review Committee and an experienced Level II coach who has worked with the Allenwood and Celbridge clubs in Kildare.
GAA president Liam Ó Néill believes that Earley’s grounding in the sport will be a huge plus when it comes to the games later in the year.
Ó Néill said: “I am delighted that someone of the standing and calibre of Paul Earley will lead the Irish challenge in the next series against Australia here in Ireland next Autumn.
“Not only is Paul hugely enthusiastic about the initiative and the opportunity that it affords Gaelic footballers, he has first hand experience of both the International Rules game and Aussie Rules itself having played with the Melbourne Demons.
“I wish him every success in the months ahead as he prepares to finalise a backroom team before assembling a squad that will attempt to retain the Cormac McAnallen Cup later in the year.”
The GAA also confirmed that the first Test against Australia on October 19th will take place at an Ulster venue yet to be confirmed with the second scheduled for Croke Park the following week.