International Rules:The GAA has reluctantly agreed to postpone this year's International Rules Series after the Australian Football League (AFL) said they are not in a position to tour Ireland in October due the current economic climate.
The AFL informed the GAA of their decision in recent days, and while the GAA accepted the news, they were disappointed, especially in this the Association’s 125th anniversary year.
“I suppose it's especially disappointing given that we are celebrating our 125th anniversary,” said GAA President Christy Cooney.
“But we have been in contact with the AFL over the past while and completely understand their situation. We have a written commitment from them that they will come to Ireland for the series in 2010, and the Gaelic Grounds and Croke Park will host those two games.”
Andrew Demetriou, AFL chief executive, asked for the series to be deferred for 12 months and added that the request was a difficult one “as the AFL values the GAA relationship very strongly".
"The current global situation has severely impacted on the sponsorship and support opportunities available for sporting organisations around the world and we needed to make a responsible decision and wait for 12 months," added Demetriou.
The two-Test series, which Ireland won in Australia last year, was due to be played at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick (October 24th) and Croke Park (October 31st).
Ireland manager Sean Boylan also expressed his disappointment with the news.
“It's very disappointing,” he said. “There was such a great buzz created by last year's series that it would have been great to have the Aussies back in Ireland this year.”
Earlier this year Coca-Cola withdrew their sponsorship of the Ireland team.
The GAA were set to announce team and series sponsorships and media rights before the news came from the AFL. Cooney said he was particularly disappointed for the GAA community in Limerick who put in an “enormous amount of work” preparing for the October Test.
In all 20 Test matches have been played over the years with Ireland leading 10-8 with two Tests ending in draws. Since the matches resumed in 1999, 10 Tests have been played with both countries having won five apiece.