McCarthy included in International Rules panel

Tue, 28th October 2014

James McCarthy is Dublin’s sole representative on the Irish International Rules panel which was announced today by team manager Paul Earley.

2013 team captain Michael Murphy will once again lead the Irish challenge. In total 15 counties are represented across the 25 man panel with Mayo leading the way with four home based players included aswell as Brisbane Lions’ Pearse Hanley - the only AFL based player included in the travelling panel.

The team management has also confirmed that Cork’s Aidan Walsh will fill the role of vice-captain.

Ireland face Australia at Patterson’s Stadium in Perth on November 22 and depart for Australia on November 12. Their itinerary also includes a warm up game in Melbourne against a VFL selection on Sunday, November 16.

Team manager Paul Earley said: “I’m pleased to confirm the 25 players who will represent Ireland in the latest series and we travel to Australia anticipating a very strong challenge from the hosts.

“The players who we have chosen have worked hard in recent weeks and and have shown many of the attributes that we hope will allow us to build on some of the promising aspects of last year’s series performances.

“As a group we are looking forward to showcasing all that is good about Gaelic football while representing Ireland.”

Uachtarán Chumann Luthchleas Gael Liam O Neill added: “Last year’s team was amongst the best if not the best prepared team we have ever put out in a competitive setting against our Australian counterparts.

“The selection process adopted by the hosts this time around should give rise to a different challenge and on behalf of the Association as a whole we wish Paul, the players and the entire backroom team every best wish in their efforts to bring home the Cormac McAnallen Cup next month.”

GAAGO, the international subscription-based online streaming service from the GAA and RTÉ, is the Irish International Rules team sponsor.

The sponsorship will see GAAGO.ie adorn the Irish team jerseys and leisurewear.

The streaming service, which is available outside the island of Ireland, has allowed Gaelic Games’ enthusiasts living, working or travelling abroad to watch games in over 150 countries throughout the 2014 Senior championship. Subscribers can watch games live and on-demand in high definition on their desktop computer, laptop or mobile device and has had a huge take-up in Australia to date.

All 2014 GAAGO Season and GB Pass holders will have free access to a live stream of the International Rules test with thanks to our friends in the AFL and their streaming partners watchafl.com.au.

2014 Ireland Panel (v Australia): Colm Begley (Laois), Colm Boyle (Mayo), Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone), Cathal Cregg (Roscommon), Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone), Finian Hanley (Galway), Pearse Hanley (Brisbane Lions), Darren Hughes (Monaghan), Lee Keegan (Mayo), James McCarthy (Dublin), Ciarán McDonald (Tipperary), Neil McGee (Donegal), Chrissy McKaigue (Derry), Kevin McKernan (Down), Kevin McLoughlin (Mayo), Conor McManus (Monaghan), David Moran (Kerry), Niall Morgan (Tyrone), Ross Munnelly (Laois), Michael Murphy (Donegal) - Captain, Colm O’Neill (Cork), Pádraig O’Neill (Kildare), Paddy O’Rourke (Meath), Aidan O’Shea (Mayo), Aidan Walsh (Cork) - Vice Captain.