Garda probe into death threat claims by Aussie captain

GARDAÍ are investigating claims that Australian captain James Hird received a number of phoned death threats the night before last Sunday's first International Rules test against Ireland.

Five messages were left on the Essendon player's hotel room telephone while another member of the tourists' squad also received abusive phone calls in Galway during the week.

The Australians were eager to play down the incidents in the lead up to tomorrow's second test as they attempt to reverse a 36-point deficit.