O'Shea to lead 21-man International Rules panel

Mayo's Aidan O'Shea will captain Ireland's 21-man International Rules panel for November's tour of Australia.

As expected, there are no Dublin players in Joe Kernan's squad, as the All-Ireland champions take an extended break following the Dublin SFC club championship, which concludes on Monday with the final between Ballymun Kickhams and reigning Dublin champions St Vincent's, which will be shown live on eir Sport 2 [throw-in 7pm].

November's series will therefore be the first time in the 33-year history of the series in which no representatives of the All-Ireland champions will feature.

In all 14 counties are represented, with four Mayo players and three from Kerry, in the provisional squad for the two-Test series against Australia in Adelaide on 11 November and Perth on 18 November.

Kernan previously confirmed in September that he planned to select three AFL players, Zach Tuohy, Conor McKenna and Pearse Hanley, in the panel.

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

"I'd like to congratulate all of the players who have made the panel and acknowledge not only their hard work and training but that of all of the players who trialed and trained with us since our preparations commenced," Kernan, who led Armagh to the 2002 All-Ireland title, said.

"Everyone involved is enthused by the prospect of representing Ireland and we are fully aware of the challenge involved in trying to retain the Cormac McAnallen Cup won against Australia at Croke Park two years ago.

"We are looking forward to pitting ourselves against the best the AFL has to offer in the coming weeks."

International Rules Panel

Niall Morgan [Edendork, Tyrone], Chris Barrett [Belmullet, Mayo], Gary Brennan [Clondegad, Clare], Eoin Cadogan [Douglas, Cork], Killian Clarke [Shercock, Cavan], Peter Crowley [Laune Rangers, Kerry], Kevin Feely [Athy, Kildare], Paul Geaney [Dingle, Kerry], Pearce Hanley [Gold Coast/Ballaghadereen, Mayo], Brendan Harrison [Aghamore, Mayo], Conor Mc Manus [Clontibret, Monaghan], Michael Murphy [Glenswilly, Donegal], Niall Murphy [Coolera/Strandhill, Sligo], Paul Murphy [Rathmore, Kerry], Karl O’Connell [Tyholland, Monaghan], Aidan O’Shea [Breaffy, Mayo], Niall Sludden [Dromore, Tyrone], Enda Smith [Boyle, Roscommon], Conor Sweeney [Ballyporeen, Tipperary], Zach Tuohy [Geelong/Portlaoise, Laois], Shane Walsh [Kilkerrin/Clonberne, Galway]

Standby players: Mattie Donnelly [Trillick, Tyrone], Niall Grimley [Madden Raparees, Armagh], Connaire Harrison [Glasdrumman, Down], Caolan Mooney [Rostrevor, Down], Sean Murphy [Fenagh, Carlow], Brendan Murphy [Rathvilly, Carlow], Sean Powter [Douglas, Cork].

Missing the Championship already? eir Sport will broadcast up to 30 games from the GAA Football and Hurling Club Championships in 2017, including the Dublin club football championship final between Ballymun Kickhams and reigning Dublin champions St Vincent's from Parnell Park on Bank Holiday Monday, 30 October, which will be shown live on eir Sport 2 [throw-in 7pm].

And for hurling fans, eir Sport are showing the Dublin club hurling championship final between reigning All-Ireland club champions Cuala and Kilmacud Crokes from Parnell Park on Saturday, 28 October, live on eir Sport 2 [throw-in 3.30pm].

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