Plans afoot to stage International Rules Test in New York

The GAA and AFL are exploring the possibility of an International Rules Test in New York next October.

Director general Páraic Duffy confirmed both organisations are “looking at ways of identifying potential venues” for a game in or close to the city in 11 months’ time. Several of the major stadia would not be able to accommodate the size of pitch required.

The Test is likely to be a one-off fixture. However, if it not possible for the game to go ahead in New York, at least one test will definitely be staged in Australia next year.

“We met in advance of the Test and it went very well,” said Duffy of his and GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail’s meeting with AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan on Friday. “We’re exploring the possibility of staging a game in New York next October and then going back to Australia the following year.

“Finding a venue is the real question because there is no doubt we will attract an attendance with the Australian and Irish Diaspora over there. The Australians are enthusiastic about it and we are keen.We’re not interested in downsizing a game like has been done with the hurling (Super 11s). We’ve agreed to look into it and if it doesn’t work the game will be in Australia.”

A return to a two-test series at some stage is also “more than likely”, according to Duffy, but he and McLachlan have to discuss it over the coming months. Philly McMahon says the time has come for people to stop talking about the future of the International Rules and realise it’s here to stay. “I think we need to stop talking about the future of the series. It’s there, it’s happening. There was a good crowd this year. And as you can see, down in Australia, there’s a massive crowd at those games so it’s starting to build back up.

“I suppose, (previous) tests were a bit more physical. Now they’re getting a bit more skilful. With the Aussies getting more skilful, the physical side of their game has changed to the technical side . And I suppose that’s a good spectacle. But the physicality is still there, the aggression is still there, but it’s definitely not crossing the line like it used to.”

McMahon likes the Australians’ suggestion of staging one of next year’s Tests in New York: “I suppose there was talk of one Test in New York, one Test in Australia - that would be really good! It would be nice to get a trip over to New York and play a game. I think the two Tests gives the team a chance to learn a little bit more about the game and gives the fans a second opportunity to see another big game.”

He had no qualms about not being able to play alongside men he clashed with during the season although he was concerned the group mightn’t gel given their rivalries.“I’m the type of player that if I commit to a team, I commit to the jersey I put on. So if it’s for Ballymun, if it’s for Dublin, for Leinster, for Ireland, you put your grievance behind you; you battle with each other. And especially when you’re playing a physical sport like that, you need to rely on each other. You need to have the support of the players around you.

“That was one thing I was thinking of coming in, this being my first test … ‘Jesus, will these lads battle? Will we come together?’ And Joe (Kernan) and the backroom team have done a great job in putting us together and getting us fighting for each other.”