AUSTRALIA dominated almost six of the eight quarters but in the final period at Croke Park on Saturday night, such was the passion and understanding for what is required to prosper in this game, that Ireland almost produced an unlikely victory.

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

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.