Everyone might be resigned to the inevitable but no-one will volunteer or be asked to resign, writes Kieran Shannon.

Former International Rules manager Paul Earley says the introduction of the mark from a kickout can curb the number of hand-passes and resurrect the high-fielding midfielder.

Paul Earley has lifted the lid on Ireland’s International Rules preparations over the last two years, revealing intriguing team talks from Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and an Australian hockey legend.

Australia 56 (0-17-5) Ireland 46 (2-9-7)

The result may have well and truly saved the International Series for the foreseeable future, but that will provide Ireland with cold comfort after they left it too late in Perth earlier today.

Australia 56 Ireland 46

Paul Earley believes his team are as prepared as they will ever be to capture the Cormac McAnallen Cup for a third consecutive time in Perth tomorrow (throw-up 9.45am Irish time).

I am not really a gambling man but when I see a gap in the betting markets, I sometimes make an investment.

Some might call it cruel but at least Paddy O’Rourke can laugh about it now.

Ciarán Sheehan is philosophical about his club Carlton’s decision not to release him to play for Ireland in Saturday’s test against Australia.

INTERNATIONAL RULES WARM-UP:

VFL Selection 27 (1-5-6) Ireland 100 (9-11-13)

Darren Hughes doesn’t need the platitudes of the Australian players at next week’s pre-test team dinner to appreciate just how unique inter-county Gaelic players are.

It started with a text. Ciarán McDonald came home from a championship game with Aherlow when his phone chimed.

Paul Earley expects the Australians to try and make next month’s test in Perth an intimidating one for his players after Ireland’s last two series successes by considerable margins.

Ireland manager Paul Earley has included players from 15 counties in his 25-man squad for next month’s International Rules test against Australia in Perth.

Ireland coach Paul Earley has applauded Australia for demonstrating their faith in the International Rules concept after naming what he regards as their best squad ever.

Following the abysmal showing of Australia’s international rules side last October and the subsequent promise that it wouldn’t happen again this year, it appears the Aussies have kept their word by naming an exceptionally strong squad.

David Moran has revealed he respected his friend Tommy Walsh too much to try and convince him to return to Kerry.

Former Footballer of the Year Bernard Brogan has issued a come and get me plea to International Rules manager Paul Earley, revealing he’d love to play again but hasn’t been asked.

All-Ireland football semi-final day. Home in front of the telly.

Controversial RTÉ GAA pundit Joe Brolly has been forced to apologise to Rachel Wyse after branding the Sky Sports GAA coverage ‘TV3 meets Baywatch’.

Dublin’s Bernard Brogan has held talks with Sky Sports and hopes to work with them in the coming months. But the double All-Ireland winner wasn’t giving away too much about the details of the potential collaboration.

Fresh from announcing their team of analysts and presenters for this year’s championship action, Sky Sports have released their first GAA television ad.

Former Munster rugby winger Brian Carney has been chosen to front Sky Sports’ GAA championship coverage alongside Rachel Wyse.

The man overseeing Sky Sports’ championship coverage has ensured GAA supporters its production will be of the highest quality.

Sky sports unveiled its GAA coverage team this morning, with Kildare-born Rachel Wyse and former rugby player Brian Carney front and centre as presenters.

Sky Sports’ stable of GAA pundits and commentators to be announced today is expected to lean heavily on TV3.

The chairmen of the Cork and Kerry county boards have criticised the GAA’s decision to agree to a single International Rules Test in Australia this November.

Dublin manager Jim Gavin will not be replacing selector Michael Kennedy, who has stepped down due to work commitments.

GAA president Liam O’Neill says Dublin’s new multimillion sponsorship deal may change the way the Association funds county boards.

Loughgiel (Antrim) 3-14 Slaughtneil (Derry) 1-15

Ireland 116 (6-22-14) Australian Indigenous All Stars 37 (2-7-4) (Ireland win series by 101 points on aggregate, 173 to 72)

Ireland’s International Rules manager Paul Earley insists there is no need to alter the playing rules to save the hybrid series.

Ireland 116 Australia 37, Ireland win series on aggregate 173-72

I’m an ideas man.

Davy Fitzgerald is set to remain as Clare senior hurling manager for another three years following last night’s county board meeting.

Ireland 57 Australian Indigenous All Stars 35

Ireland 57 (2-12-9) Australia 35 (1-7-8)

Ireland captain Michael Murphy said he is fully prepared to lead out his country this evening, just 21 hours before he plays for Glenswilly in the Donegal SFC final.

TODAY:

INTERNATIONAL RULES SERIES FIRST TEST:

GAA president Liam O’Neill is adamant there is no better time to stage the International Rules series and said its future will be reviewed in the coming weeks.