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

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