McDonnell in line for Rules series captaincy

ARMAGH’s Stevie McDonnell is likely to be handed the Irish captaincy today for the forthcoming International Rules series against Australia.

The veteran Killeavy attacker will be handed the armband as coach Anthony Tohill finalises his set-up for the two game series, the first of which takes place at Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds on Saturday week, October 23.

There was some speculation ex-Kerry star Tadhg Kennelly would be handed the captaincy but Tohill is poised to name his provincial colleague for the role.

This will be the 31-year-old’s fifth International Rules series.

Meanwhile, confident GAA chiefs say all seats in the Mackey Stand have been sold for Ireland’s first test at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick next week.

With that, a special combination package for both the Limerick and Croke Park tests now includes a seat in the North Stand at Páirc na nGael and one in the Lower Cusack Stand for the second test in Dublin on October 30.

This two test package costs €35 and is available from www.gaa.ie/tickets. Other ticket offers include Group passes available to schools and GAA Clubs at €3 for U16’s or under with one adult having free admission for every 10 juveniles.