International Rules scrapped for 2009

The GAA have been shocked by the news that, in the year of their 125th anniversary celebrations, the Australian Football League (AFL) have pulled the plug on the International Rules series for 2009 due to the economic crisis.

It was confirmed last night (Tuesday) that this year's series, which had been scheduled to take place in both Limerick's Gaelic Grounds and Croke Park, will not go ahead after AFL officials contacted the GAA to say they were not in position to travel to Ireland for the games due to economic conditions.

Both GAA President Christy Cooney and Ireland International Rules manager Sean Boylan have expressed their disappointment at the deferral of the series until 2010.

Cooney said: "I suppose it's especially disappointing given that we are celebrating our 125th anniversary.

"But we have been in contact with the AFL over the past while and completely understand their situation.

"We have a written commitment from them that they will come to Ireland for the series in 2010, and the Gaelic Grounds and Croke Park will host those two games."

Following the success of last year's two Test matches in Australia, Meath's former All-Ireland-winning boss Boylan agreed that it is 'very disappointing' that the Australians will not travel this year.

"There was such a great buzz created by last year's series that it would have been great to have the Aussies back in Ireland this year."

The news will be particularly disappointing for Limerick GAA and the local economy.

The staging of one of the Tests at the Gaelic Grounds was set to benefit the local economy to the tune of €10m.

However, the one consolation is that the games will be staged at the same venues in 2010.

This is the second blow to hit the International Rules series this year, coming after long-standing sponsors Coca-Cola ended their sponsorship of the event.

The series has been dogged by controversy in the past due to on-field bust-ups, while current Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has also been critical of the series.

But the hybrid game has the unanimous approval of Ireland's top Gaelic footballers, including current Footballer of the Year, Tyrone's Sean Cavanagh.