Carney takes positives from defeat

Irish selector Martin Carney took the positives away from a narrow defeat in the International Rules first test at Croke Park to Australia.

Carney, a selector under boss John O'Keeffe, said following the 65-58 reversal: "We're very disappointed to have fell away so badly in the third quarter. But I still think things are very evenly poised ahead of next week's ultimate test."

The respected TV pundit added that the Aussies' professional background helped late on.

"Their standards and fitness all combined to give us a headache from the third quarter onwards. They worked very well as a unit and move effectively all across the park."