Boylan names starting team for International Rules game
Ireland manager Sean Boylan has selected an all-Tyrone half-forward line for today's International Rules first Test against Australia at the Subiaco Oval in Perth (throw-in 11.30am Irish time).
Team captain Sean Cavanagh will line up alongside his All-Ireland-winning colleagues Enda McGinley and Joe McMahon as the Irish look to wrestle back the Cormac McAnallen Cup.
Of the 27-man Ireland squad, three players have been left out of the 15-man team and nine-strong interchange selection.
Kerry's Killian Young and late call-ups Marty McGrath and Paul Finlay are the three omitted but they will come back into contention for next weekend's second Test in Melbourne.
Meath's David Gallagher, who has been out of inter-county action for two years, will protect Ireland's goal at the Subiaco Oval, behind a full-back line of Aidan O'Mahony, Finian Hanley and John Keane.
Dublin's Bryan Cullen and Meath man Kevin Reilly join one of the country's top man-markers, Armagh's Ciaran McKeever, in the half-backs.
Ireland vice-captian Graham Canty will have Brisbane Lions star Colm Begley, the only Australian-based player in the Irish squad, as his foil in midfield.
Boylan is looking for Cavanagh and company to provide the scores up front, with Steven McDonnell, Kieran Donaghy and Benny Coulter, who is playing in his fifth International Rules series, the target men in the full-forward line.
IRELAND INTERNATIONAL RULES Team (first Test v Australia):
Goalkeeper: David Gallagher
Full-Back Line: Aidan O'Mahony, Finian Hanley, John Keane Half-Back Line: Bryan Cullen, Kevin Reilly, Ciaran McKeever
Midfield: Graham Canty, Colm Begley
Half-Forward Line: Enda McGinley, Sean Cavanagh (capt), Joe McMahon Full-Forward Line: Steven McDonnell, Kieran Donaghy, Benny Coulter
Interchange Players: Paddy Bradley, Leighton Glynn, Aaron Kernan, Ciaran Lyng, Justin McMahon, Michael Meehan, John Miskella, Pearse O'Neill, Tom Parsons.
