DUBLIN’S BERNARD BROGAN has been appointed Ireland captain for the upcoming EirGrid International Rules encounter with Australia.
Brogan, a three-time All-Ireland winner and former Player of the Year, has been named as captain by team manager Joe Kernan ahead of a wider panel announcement in November.
Ireland will meet Australia on the evening of Saturday, 21 November, the 95th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
Reacting to the news, Brogan said he was honoured to be appointed to the role.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to not only represent Ireland, but to captain the national team too.
“As Gaelic footballers, opportunities to play for Ireland and pit our skills against athletes from other nations and codes are few and far between and next month we will test ourselves against arguably the strongest ever Australian team to come here.
“Not only do they include the best of the AFL in terms of talent but they have experience of this code in their ranks, not least with their management team whose exploits both in their domestic game and indeed in this code, are proven.
“It’s a challenge we will relish and I look forward to working with Joe and his selectors and all of the lads on the panel to do our best to keep the Cormac McAnallen Cup in Ireland.”
Team manager Joe Kernan said it was Brogan’s leadership on the field that influenced his decision.
“(Brogan) is following in the footsteps of many great footballers in accepting the role and it is something he is sure to embrace.
“He has been a top footballer in our game for many years – something borne out by the many accolades he has earned – and he has also shown his prowess in this game.
“In addition to helping to generate a vital team spirit amongst our players, he will also lead by example where it matters most – on the field of play.”
Brogan has represented Ireland twice before with both games coming during the 2010 Series in Limerick and Croke Park.
