IRELAND’S INTERNATIONAL RULES boss Paul Earley has named his 23-man panel for this weekend’s first test match against Australia.
The hosts face the AFL representatives at Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday night.
Beaten All-Ireland finalists Mayo lead the way for Ireland with four representatives; Aidan O’Shea, Kevin McLoughlin, Colm Boyle and Lee Keegan are all included.
Team captain Michael Murphy is joined by county colleagues Paddy McBrearty and Neil McGee while vice captain Aidan Walsh joins fellow Cork men Michael Shields and Ciarán Sheehan on the match day panel. Dublin and Laois have three representatives each.
“I’d like to thank all of the players who made themselves available for training and I acknowledge their enthusiasm and commitment,” said Earley.
“Reducing the numbers as we are obliged to do for match day was no easy task and those who have made the shortlist should and do consider it a real honour to represent their country ahead of the challenge of playing some of the best players in the AFL.
“Our training has really stepped up in the last few weeks and we are looking forward to Saturday’s first test and the support of what will no doubt be a passionate crowd in Cavan.”
Ireland panel:
Michael Murphy, Donegal – captain
Aidan Walsh, Cork – vice captain
Paddy O’ Rourke, Meath
Colm Begley, Laois
Colm Boyle, Mayo
Ciaran Byrne, Louth
Sean Cavanagh, Tyrone
Paul Conroy, Galway
Paul Flynn, Dublin
Finian Hanley, Galway
Lee Keegan, Mayo
Ciaran Kilkenny, Dublin
Paddy McBrearty, Donegal
Jack McCaffrey, Dublin
Neil McGee, Donegal
Chrissy McKaigue, Derry
Kevin McLoughlin, Mayo
Conor McManus, Monaghan
Ross Munnelly, Laois
Aidan O’Shea, Mayo
Ciarán Sheehan, Cork
Michael Shields, Cork
Zach Tuohy, Carlton & Laois
