CIARAN Whelan, mainstay of the Dublin team for 15 years and a regular throughout that time in the Irish International Rules side, will again have responsibility for where the Series title rests this autumn.
Recently-appointed team manager Paul Earley today confirmed his backroom team of: two-time All Star Whelan, Seamus McCarthy (Tipperary) and Tony Scullion (Derry), with Cavan footballer Nicholas Walsh filling the role of conditioning coach.
GAA president Liam O’Neill said: “We’re delighted to have such an experienced and enthusiastic management team in place” and expressed the hope that “the selectors and backroom team will complement the very obvious skill-set that Paul will bring to the role as team manager”.
Ireland face Australia at the Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan, in the first test of the International Rules Series on October 19. Both of the series’ tests will be played under lights. The second game takes place seven days later at Croke Park.
McCarthy is a former Tipp player and manager, leading the minors to the 1984 All Ireland final as bainisteoir, while Scullion is one of the most decorated Derry players ever and has worked with U-17 international Rules panels.
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