AIDAN WALSH WON’T be joined by former GAA stars Ciaran Sheehan and Zach Tuohy in the Irish International Rules side this year.
The Kanturk midfielder said that both players, who play with Aussie Rules club Carlton along with 19-year-old Louthman Ciarán Byrne, have opted out of representing Ireland to focus on their pre-season with the AFL club.
“Carlton want the three of them to get a good preseason in this year so they have taken a step back from the International Rules this year. It’s disappointing because they are three good players.”
Another Corkman who isn’t be part of Paul Earley’s plans is Michael Shields, who has decided to take the winter months off, leaving Walsh and Colm O’Neill as the only two players representing the Rebels in the Irish squad.
“We’re back training for the last three weeks. We were in Mayo last weekend and we are back in Dublin this coming weekend so, yeah, it’s going well. Last weekend was the first time everyone was in, with the Kerry and Donegal boys, so it’s all coming together.
“It will be an interesting few weeks. There’s a very strong 40 players there so there will be very plenty of competition for places.
“I’m out of club now. We lost last weekend (to Newcestown in the Cork PIHC semi-final) so I can fully concentrate on the International Rules which has its good and bad side – you’d like to be with your club but you just have to take it as it comes.”
