Boylan reveals Rules Series backroom team

Ireland manager Sean Boylan has confirmed his backroom team for next month's International Rules Series, which will see the Irish take on Australia in Perth (October 24) and Melbourne (October 31).

Former inter-county footballers Anthony Tohill (Derry), Eoin 'Bomber' Liston (Kerry) and Hugh Kenny (Wicklow) will be Boylan's selectors, while tour manager Sean Walsh will be assisted in his role by Tommy Kilcoyne.

Current Derry footballer Sean Marty Lockhart, a former team-mate of Tohill's, will act as a runner for the two Test matches.

Boylan, said: "We're very pleased with the progress and hard work undertaken by the squad in training to date.

"There has been a huge response from the lads who are enthusiastic about playing the game and representing their country.

"Now that the championship has concluded we will have a clearer picture of the travelling squad over the next few weeks."

The referees for the Test matches have also been confirmed - Monaghan man Pat McEnaney and Australian Steve McBurney will be the whistlers in charge.

Ireland's standby referee and linesman will be David Coldrick from Meath, while Brett Rosebury will perform these roles on behalf of the host country.

Ireland's umpires on the tour will be Gearoid O Conamha (Galway) and John Bannon (Longford).

The video match referee for the Series has been confirmed as Ian Curlewis of South Africa.

He has vast experience in officiating and chairing disciplinary committees in rugby, cricket, hockey and tennis and has a law degree from Natal University in South Africa.

Commenting on the Irish backroom staff assembled for the tour Down Under, GAA President Nickey Brennan said: "Sean has put in place a very strong team to ensure that everyone will be in good shape when the squad departs for Australia.

"In Anthony Tohill, Eoin Liston and Hugh Kenny he has three exceptionally committed and talented football men.

"I wish them all the best of luck with their endeavours. I am also very pleased with the new rules outlined here today by GAA Director of Games Pat Daly. These new rules will go a long way towards ensuring a competitive game and successful sporting series."

IRELAND 2008 INTERNATIONAL RULES SERIES MANAGEMENT:

Team Manager - Sean Boylan

Selectors - Anthony Tohill, Eoin Liston and Hugh Kenny Tour Manager - Sean Walsh Assistant Tour Manager - Tommy Kilcoyne Runner - Sean Marty Lockhart Doctor - Dr Owen Clarke Physiotherapist - Frank Foley Masseur - Martin Regan Kit Manager - Owen Lynch