Irish revival not enough as Aussies let off hook

AUSTRALIA dominated almost six of the eight quarters but in the final period at Croke Park on Saturday night, such was the passion and understanding for what is required to prosper in this game, that Ireland almost produced an unlikely victory.

The series needs physicality, speed and competitiveness to excite the punters, not the artificial frenetic ‘upyaboya’ schtick of the ubiquitous Hector O hEochagáin, and they got that in the end.

Ireland manager Anthony Tohill was a picture of animation in that final quarter, exhorting his players to attack in numbers so that the man in possession had support. He was almost as tired as they were at the end and was certainly as disappointed.