Walsh called up to International Rules squad

Nicholas Walsh has been drafted into the Ireland squad to replace Longford's Paul Barden ahead of Sunday's opening test against Australia.

Walsh is a former Cavan minor and Irish boss John O'Keeffe has been putting the player through his paces in training for the last number of weeks.

He had no hesitation in calling up the player when Barden's temperature soared to 105 degrees and said of the Melbourne Demons lad: "You can see from Nicholas' physical development that the experience in Australia has brought him on. He'll be an excellent asset."