October dates for Rules series mooted

INTERNATIONAL RULESTHE GAA have begun the process of agreeing dates and venues with their AFL counterparts for the resumption of the International Rules series, with the two Tests almost certain to take place in Australia in October.

Monday's meeting of Central Council almost unanimously endorsed the resumption of the series based on new disciplinary rules, with only eight counties voting against it. However, GAA president Nickey Brennan admitted there was still some work to do before details of the series could be confirmed for next October, even though this now appears a formality.

"I will be having a phone call with Andrew Demetriou (the AFL chief executive) within the next day or two, to talk about the logistics of a resumption of the series later this year," said Brennan.

"So as of today, I cannot confirm that there will be a series, but now that we have made a decision, and have been authorised to move forward, we will be looking for a series in Australia, this autumn. But until I talk with Andrew, we won't be able to confirm any dates and the like.

"But this is 150th anniversary of the AFL, and they would be keen to have us. And next year is our 125th, so to come back here. It's likely to be a two-year cycle, with a break then of a year. That's what is being mooted."

Brennan had himself spoken out in favour of resuming the series, for several reasons, not least of all based on the importance of keeping ties with AFL, and therefore holding some sway over the recruitment of underage GAA players into the Australian code.

"The basis on which I re-engaged on the series in the first place was because I had discussed it with both the team management and the players, plus feedback from the public, and felt there was sufficient support there for the resumption of the series.

"We worked very hard at developing the new document, and I think people were surprised at the extent of what we achieved. I think people felt on the basis of these new regulations and procedures that it was worth pursuing again. It was a pretty strong endorsement, no doubt about that.

"It's only a question of whether or not we can agree dates for this year, where it's going to go, etc. I don't want to prejudge if that will happen yet. The prospects of a tour this autumn are strong, but I wouldn't want to be affirmative on that yet, because we need to talk with the AFL.

"But from the time we left Dubai (in January) we haven't spoken with them. Both sides decided to go back to their respective bodies, and I know the AFL didn't make any decision yet on the basis that it might influence the GAA one way or another."

Brennan also confirmed yesterday that Seán Boylan will continue as Ireland team manager, seeing out his original two-year appointment. However, he did point out that the series was still on "probation" and that any further disciplinary problems would almost certainly see the final cancellation of the series.

"We went in very determined that there had to a seismic change in attitude. I used those very words, and I think there has been a seismic change both on paper, and in attitude. But we'll still have to see the end result in action, there's no point is saying otherwise. I know people still have concerns, but it's up to all of us to ensure we live up to what's in the document.

"It's fair to say this is as far as we can go in terms of rules and regulations. It's unprecedented that we managed to get penalties applied within the respective codes of the two associations. "

Clearly the International Rules still has some place in the heart of the GAA, despite the uproar over indiscipline that marred the 2006 series. Brennan pointed to comments made by former Donegal and Ireland manager Brian McEniff, who was asked to reflect on the high points of his career at the president's award ceremony on Monday night.

"He cited his time as manager of the Ireland team, and that simple reason that he stood beside a group of players wearing the Irish jersey and listening to the national anthem being played. That to him was a major highlight. And the players see that in the same way, the opportunity to emulate international sports people from other codes, albeit in a mix of two sports, and that's still what a lot of Gaelic footballers want. Hopefully, we can continue that now, in the spirit that was originally intended."