Boylan backing his Irish side to win fair fight in Oz

SEAN BOYLAN believes the Coca-Cola-sponsored Irish squad he has assembled is strong enough to reverse the trend of recent tests which saw Australia edge ahead 7-6 in the International Rules Series.

The Meath man also shares the confidence of GAA President Nickey Brennan that the games in Perth on October 24 and Melbourne a week later will be free of the violence which marred the last meeting of the countries two years ago — and all but killed off the hybrid game.

From the feedback he was receiving from Tadhg Kennelly (the nominated Irish captain but ruled out of the series by surgery on a shoulder injury) and the other Australian-based players, he was satisfied that the AFL and new team manager Mick Malthouse are very positive about ensuring a new beginning.