Manager Colm O'Rourke and assistant manager Micky Moran are not drawing on experienced hands for this year's International Rules Series against Australia. Only one player, Wicklow's Kevin O'Brien, remains from the 1990 series, which was played down under eight years ago.

Curiously, a lot of the players from the 1990 tour are still up to the demands of playing inter-county football, but are not listed on any of the provincial panels. Cork's Steven O'Brien and Brian Burke from Tipperary continue to compete at the highest level, while Dublin's Paul Curran, Keith Barr (left) and Eamon Heery played inter-county football this season. Dessie Barry from Longford, Pat Comer, the reserve Galway goalkeeper, and Down's James McCartan are not visible on any of the panels either, despite their continued service to their counties. Former All Star Colin Corkery was drafted into Eugene McGee's side last time, as the then teenager was convieniently out in Australia trying his hand at Aussie Rules football. Also out of favour with Cork this year, Corkery is missing out on the double.