Ireland’s power failure

INTERNATIONAL Rules festivities concluded in Limerick on Saturday night with a dazzling fireworks display on the banks of the Shannon.

It seemed appropriate that there was finally some sparkle on show after a night where the sterile fare in the Gaelic Grounds left the 30,117 supporters in attendance distinctly underwhelmed.

The initiative lies with the Australians after a sub-standard first test and they head to Dublin for Saturday’s second test in a buoyant mood. That Ireland still have tangible hopes of success will be a source of solace for both the GAA and AFL chiefs. At one juncture on Saturday night the second test looked set to be a non-event as Australia would have constructed an unassailable advantage.