Ireland 57 (2-12-9)
Australia 35 (1-7-8)
KEVIN MCLOUGHLIN SHOOK off his All-Ireland final heartache to net a crucial late goal that puts Ireland in pole position in the International Rules series.
The Mayo forward pounced after two Australian players had failed to catch a high ball in by captain Michael Murphy.
And it was a crucial score as Paul Earley’s side had watched the visitors roar back into the series with a third quarter burst.
Ireland led 28-9 at half-time thanks to some fine early kicking from Murphy and Laois ace Ross Munnelly.
But 18 points in what the Aussies term the ‘championship quarter’ left Ireland just 39-27 clear approaching the final period.
Things were looking decidedly shaky when Australia reduced their arrears to eight points at one stage.
Yet while Ireland looked to be struggling in the fitness stakes, they had retained a strong burst for the finish.Ciaran Sheehan, Colm Boyle and Conor McManus all hit overs while McLoughlin netted in the 69th minute.
It all means Ireland will take a handsome 22-point lead into the decisive test though the down side was a serious injury to Aidan Walsh.
Cork’s ace midfielder and talented hurler left the field late on clutching his left knee.
Ireland: Paddy O’Rourke; N McGee, F Hanley, C McKaigue; L Keegan, Z Tuohy (6), J McCaffrey (1); A Walsh, S Cavanagh (3); P Flynn (3), C Byrne (4), C Sheehan (4); P McBrearty, M Murphy (7), R Munnelly (9).
Interchange: C Begley (3), C Boyle (3), P Conroy, C Kilkenny, K McLoughlin (6), C McManus (5, A O’Shea (3), M Shields.
Australia: A McGrath; J Harbrow, S Yarran, T Armstrong; C Ellis-Yolmen, Aaron Davey (1), N Lovett-Murphy; D Wells (1), L Franklin (6); S Motlop (8), L Thomas, Lewis Jetta (3); E Betts, M Stokes (3), J Hill.
Interchange: Leroy Jetta (3), S Wellingham, S Edwards, Alwyn Davey (3), J Neade (6), D Barry (1).
Referees: M Deegan (Ireland), M Stevic (Australia).