Longford players prominent for victorious Ireland v Australia in Masters Football International Rules First Test

It's all down now to the second and final test match as the score is added across the two test matches between Ireland and Australia in the Masters International Rules. All three games played last weekend were of the highest quality with all the Longford players accounting for themselves very well.  

Mostrim’s John Coyle was outstanding in defence, both at wing-half and later at corner-back, for the Irish 50s squad who were outclassed by Australia in the first quarter. However, the opposition, for all their dominance, found it difficult to convert in front of goals, the round ball posing a big problem for them. 

With the very strong wind at their back in the second quarter, Ireland really capitalised on the scoreboard, with local man, and former Longford player, John Corcoran, Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath, the scorer-in-chief. 

Ireland built up a commanding lead in the second quarter, which gave them the platform to see them emerge as impressive winners, however, with the 2nd test to come, the game is still only at the halfway stage.

The Ireland ladies also emerged victorious with Michelle (Hannify) Mulvey (Carrickedmond) proving a thorn in Australia's side. Despite carrying an injury, her immense work rate and the number of times she turned the ball over, and her top class scores, was an inspiration to the Irish squad. The Ladies squad will be looking forward to the second part  of this encounter this Saturday with a very optimistic chance of winning the series.

The Mens over 40's game provided a top class game of football throughout. It was packed  full of action and end to end football with lots of hits, high fielding, great passing, and top class scoring. 

Longford's Jamsie Martin was on hand to unselfishly set up the first 6-pointer, when he was in a good position to finish to the net himself, a score that was badly needed to finally get Ireland's scoring underway, after a very dominant start by Australia. 

In a game  that was evenly contested, Australia, similarly to the previous two matches, found it very difficult to convert in front of goals, the round ball posing a big problem for them and this undid  all their hard work out the field and in the end proved costly for them. 

In addition to Dromard’s Jamsie Martin in attack, Conor McShane, Donegal, and Conor Beirne, Roscommon in defence, Keith Fannin, Cavan, Kevin McGuckian, Derry, in midfield, and Kevin Golden, Dublin, in attack were some of the better players in a team of very high quality throughout. Unfortunately one of the better players, Westmeath's David Martin was ruled out through injury.

Chatting with Kevin Hourican, joint team manager, he mentioned that the final tests are being played locally in Denn GAA, Cross Keys, in Co. Cavan, to honour former Cavan Masters player, Paddy Gaffney, RIP.

It will be a great opportunity for locals to see the Ireland and Australian teams and for family and friends and the local clubs and counties to support their players who are on the panel. This support will be much needed as the Australians are expected to work heavily on their only flaw, their round ball skills, during their week off, with improvements there, and with their jet lag and acclimatising out of the way, we are expecting a huge challenge from them to try and claw back our lead, and to challenge for an overall series win. 

Hopefully a lot of people will show up and support the Irish team and  local players. With the Australian team and supporters staying in the Farnham Hotel and the Irish panel booked into the Kilmore Hotel there should be a great St. Patrick's weekend buzz in the area and a festive mood in Denn GFC this Saturday. 

There will be an open reception and presentations immediately afterwards in The Tank Pub. Details of the match are: International 50's is at 12 noon, International Ladies 2pm, International 40s is at 4pm. Tickets €10, children & pensioners free. Address; Kilnacor, Cross Keys, Co. Cavan.