Gaelic girls could swing it for Aussies

MEET Renee Campbell. An Aussie born and bred, like her parents and grandparents, she owes her place on the Australian women’s International Rules team to Gaelic football and not to Aussie Rules, which she has never played.

Puzzling, right? Yet her situation is no way unique. Six of the squad that will play the first test against Ireland at Breffni Park this afternoon (TG4, 4pm) are here because of their prowess at the “Gah” and not the “footy”.

Joanne Butland spent four years between the posts for the “Matildas”, the Australian national women’s soccer side. Her Victoria colleague, Kathy Zacharopoulos, ran out for the girls’ youth side.