Keegan to miss International Rules series

Reigning Footballer of the Year Lee Keegan has been ruled out of November's International Rules series against Australia through injury.

Ireland boss Joe Kernan, who led Armagh to All-Ireland success in 2002, says Keegan suffered an as-yet unspecified injury during Mayo's run to the All-Ireland final, and will not be available for the two-Test series in Adelaide on 12 November and Perth six days' later.

"He's carried a wee bit of an injury over from the All-Ireland and just unfortunately won't be able to make it," Kernan told RTE Sport. 

"It's disappointing. I'm sad for him and I'm sad for us that he can't make it."

Kernan also confirmed that there will be three AFL players, Zach Tuohy, Conor McKenna and Pearse Hanley, in the 23-man Ireland squad, which will be announced in three weeks' time.

"That's it at the minute unless there's an injury or something happens," Kernan continued.

"That doesn't mean before the whole thing is over, we mightn't have another one or two in yet. But I just want to get as many Irish [Ireland-based] boys out there: it's a great honour and a great trip."

Ireland are the current holders of the Cormac McAnallen trophy after their 56-52 win over Australia at Croke Park in November 2015.

Missing the Championship already? eir Sport will broadcast up to 30 games from the GAA Football and Hurling Club Championships in 2017. Coverage continues on Friday, 29 September on eir Sport 2 with the Dublin club football championship quarter-finals between St Vincents and St Sylvesters [throw-in 6.45pm] and Castleknock and Kilmacud Crokes [throw-in 8.15pm] from Parnell Park. On Saturday, 30 September, eir Sport 2 are showing the Kilkenny club hurling championship quarter-finals between O'Loughlin Gaels and Erins Own [throw in 2pm] and Ballyhale Shamrocks and Clara [throw in 3.45pm] from Nowlan Park. Later on Saturday, eir Sport are showing the Donegal club football championship semi-final between Naomh Conaill and Gaoth Dobhair [throw in 7.30pm] from MacCumhaill Park. 

Image: Inpho/ James Crombie

eir Sport channels are available across the eir Vision, Sky and Vodafone TV platforms as well as on the eir Sport app. All 7 channels in the eir Sport pack are available for free if you are a residential eir broadband customer.