Limerick to host International Rules game

LIMERICK will play host to an International Rules Test match between Ireland and Australia on October 23 next. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Australia will send an International Rules team to Ireland this October for the first time since 2006. The AFL have announced Tests at Limerick on October 23 and in Dublin on October 30.

GAA director general, Paraic Duffy said the Limerick Test would be the first played in the south of Ireland since competition resumed in 1998. “We are delighted that the Australians are back in Ireland to play this year and we are all looking forward to an enjoyable two games in October,” Duffy said.

“Each player deems it a great honour to put on an Irish jersey in an international setting and values the experience of playing with players from other counties (to represent Ireland).”

Australia last played away in 2006 and the competition took a “break” in 2007, after controversial clashes during the previous year’s Tests on Irish soil.

“The Irish team was too strong for us when we last met on Australian soil at the end of 2008, and Mick Malthouse and his coaching staff are eager to test ourselves on Irish soil in a bid to square the ledger once more,” said AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou

The two countries have won five series apiece since Australia-Ireland Tests resumed in 1999. Ireland holds a 10-8 advantage from the 20 Test matches played, with two draws.