Irish face huge task, says Kelly

GAA President Sean Kelly expects a "huge task" for Ireland when they go in search of back-to-back International Rules Series wins in October.

Manager Pete McGrath confirmed a provisional 43-man squad for the trip Down Under today.

Although the Irish emerged as 50-point aggregate winners at Croke Park last year, Kelly knows the Australians, under new boss Kevin Sheedy, will be no push overs this time around.

"The Australians are very competitive and sporting people by nature and it will be a huge task for Pete and his team to deliver back-to-back series victories," said Kelly.

Irish manager McGrath has selected Padraig Joyce as captain in what will be the Galway forward's fifth Test series as a player.

The Ireland backroom team to assist McGrath include former Cork All-Ireland-winning captain and manager Larry Tompkins, former Galway footballer and Galway and Roscommon manager John Tobin, former Dublin manager Mickey Whelan and former Down player Mickey Linden, who won an All-Ireland medal under McGrath in 1991.

Cork's Dr Con Murphy will take on the role of team doctor.

One of Ireland's panel members, former Kelly footballer Tadhg Kennelly, is currently involved in the race for Aussie Rules' Premiership title with the Sydney Swans.

On Friday night, Kennelly's Swans will take on West Coast at Perth's 45,000-capacity Subiaco Oval, in the second qualifying final.

The Oval will play host to the first Test between Australia and Ireland, on Friday, October 21 (6.45pm local time).