O'Riordan impressed Sydney’s staff with the determination he approached his rehab with and was presented with a two-year contract extension at the end of last year.

Former Down player Marty Clarke has begun a new role mentoring young Gaelic footballers identified as Aussie Rules prospects, as the AFL switches its recruitment focus away from the USA and back to Ireland.

Despite the brilliance of Conor McManus and Michael Murphy, Ireland wilted in the Adelaide heat and have it all to do to retain the International Rules series in next Saturday’s test in Perth.

As Joe Kernan keeps his fingers crossed that three of his bug-stricken players will be able to play some part in the first test, the Ireland International Rules manager has underlined the importance of the two referees doing their job tomorrow.

His future with the Geelong Cats looks more than secure but Zach Tuohy retains the ambition of wearing a senior Laois jersey for the first time.

Like their last two All-Ireland final clashes, champions Dublin have pipped Mayo by one in the 2017 PwC All-Stars, picking up seven to Mayo’s six.

Cork's Sean Powter and Niall Grimley of Armagh have been confirmed as the final two tourists for the upcoming International Rules series.

Young footballer of the year candidate Seán Powter could join Douglas teammate Eoin Cadogan in the Ireland panel to face Australia.

Joe Kernan has admitted that the long-term future of the International Rules series remains uncertain, but the Ireland manager believes the concept remains popular among players and can flourish if arrangements are tweaked.

Ireland’s International Rules prospects have been boosted by the likely inclusion of a number of Australian based AFL players for this year’s series.

This Thursday evening Castleknock play in their first senior football semi-final. Formed in 1998, they truly are the nouveau riche of Dublin GAA. Their story is a heartening one, their defiance to make their presence felt in west Dublin all the more impressive with the mammoth St Brigid’s for company.

Ciaran Byrne will become the latest Irishman to make a full AFL debut when he lines out in Carlton’s Round 3 clash with Essendon in the MCG on Saturday. 

A few high-profile footy players have returned home, but with nine Irish players set to feature, there will be plenty of interest in in the 2015 AFL season, which kicks off this morning in Melbourne.

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

St Vincent’s 3-11 Portlaoise 0-10

Portlaoise’s Leinster record these last four years illustrates the jump Dublin teams have had on them. Four different teams from the capital, a defeat each time.

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 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.

Meticulous scrutiny of Australian football matches was a central factor in Ciarán Sheehan’s selection on the Carlton side for this Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast.

Ciaran Sheehan will make his first start in the Australian Football League (AFL) for Melbourne-based club Carlton this Saturday against the Gold Coast.

MUNSTER SFC FINAL:

Australian Rules outfit Carlton Blues have officially announced the signing of Cork's Ciaran Sheehan, boosting the Irish ranks at the Melbourne club to three players.

Ciarán Sheehan has described his move to AFL outfit Carlton Blues as an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

Ireland 57 Australian Indigenous All Stars 35

Portlaoise 2-08 Arles-Killeen 1-08

Senior Football titles were up for grabs in Armagh, Donegal, Kerry, Laois, Meath, Down, Limerick and Waterford this afternoon.

Donegal forward Michael Murphy has been named as Ireland's captain for next Saturday's first International Rules Test, despite doubts over how much of the game he will play.

A total of 15 counties are represented in the 29-man squad today announced by Ireland team manager Paul Earley for the upcoming International Rules series against Australia.

Some big names will be missing from the Ireland squad when they take on Australia in the 2013 International Rules series later this month in Cavan and Dublin.

Louth youngster Ciaran Byrne has put pen to paper on a two-year international rookie contract with Australian Rules club Carlton.

Irish AFL star Zach Tuohy may play for Portlaoise in Sunday’s Laois SFC final against Arles-Kilcruise.

Former Kerry ace Tommy Walsh has been given an 11th-hour opportunity to play a role for high-flying Sydney Swans in the AFL’s finals’ series, earning a recall for tomorrow’s clash against Geelong.

A significant change to regulations relating to developmental players is likely to see an increase in interest in Irish players by AFL clubs.

Laois’ Carlton player Zach Tuohy has become embroiled in an umpire controversy in Australia after accusing the AFL of attempting to “gag” players.

Tributes have been flooding in for former Dublin minor footballer and AFL legend Jim Stynes after he lost his brave battle to cancer at the age of 45.

Australian Rules club Carlton Blues are hoping to lure young Dublin starlet Ciaran Kilkenny Down Under with the offer of a two-year rookie contract.

Tomorrow