Ireland 52 (1-11-13) Australia 55 (0-14-13) (Australia win series 102-92)

FIRST they conquered the round ball. Now it seems the Australians are quickly coming to grips with the Irish climate.

GRAHAM CANTY has welcomed Conor Counihan’s decision to remain as manager as Cork attempt to build on the success of 2010.

AUSTRALIAN defender Paul Duffield believes Ireland will attempt to pick up at Croke Park from where they left off in Limerick.

INTERNATIONAL Rules festivities concluded in Limerick on Saturday night with a dazzling fireworks display on the banks of the Shannon.

IN comparison to so many of its dynamic, high-octane, hard-hitting, predecessors in so many other years, this opening round of the two-game 2010 version of the International Series was a vastly subdued affair.

Ireland manager Anthony Tohill was a relieved man after his side avoided an Aussie whitewash with a strong final quarter performance in last night's International Rules first Test at Limerick's Gaelic Grounds.

INTERNATIONAL RULES: Ireland 40 (1-8-10) Australia 47 (0-14-5)

AUSTRALIAN International Rules coach Mick Malthouse is ‘very hopeful’ that Down star Marty Clarke will return to Melbourne to resume his AFL career.

AUSTRALIA got their trip to Ireland off to a successful start in Páirc Uí Rinn last night, but it’s a moot point as to whether they gleaned much information before the decisive clashes that lie ahead.

BRENDAN MURPHY has told his Ireland team-mates that International Rules tourists Australia are here ‘to play football’, not rough us up.

Australia made a winning start to their 2010 International Rules tour of Ireland, with a comprehensive 105-12 victory over a Cork Colleges selection under the Pairc Ui Rinn floodlights in Cork tonight.

IRELAND’S Tadhg Kennelly has already started some good-natured mind games ahead of the International Rules opener on Saturday.

I WILL not make the short journey down the road to Limerick on Saturday for the International Rules clash and bash between Ireland and Australia.

IRISH International Rules selector Kevin O’Brien has warned against underestimating Mick Malthouse’s young and inexperienced touring Australians ahead of the upcoming two-test series.

TADHG KENNELLY’S return to Sydney has been hailed by his team-mates, with co-captain Adam Goodes predicting an important leadership role for the All Star.

JACK O’CONNOR is adamant that both Tommy Walsh and David Moran will play for Kerry again.