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Ireland beat Australia to claim victory in International Rules test

Ireland withstood a late fightback from Australia to claim victory in an exciting International r...



Ireland beat Australia to clai...
Football

Ireland beat Australia to claim victory in International Rules test

Ireland withstood a late fightback from Australia to claim victory in an exciting International rules test at Croke Park on Saturday evening. 

Just over 38,000 turned out to watch Ireland take on Australia in the Eirgrid International Rules test, and weren't disappointed as the home side claimed a 56-52 victory. 

Goals came in the first half from Aidan O'Shea and Conor McManus as they kept to the pre-game promise of their manager, who emphasised that his players would not be found wanting when it came to the commitment they would show.

They went in at the break with a commanding lead of 43-23, but in the final quarters, Australia began to force their way back into the match.

They chipped away at Ireland's advantage with a series of scores before coming very close with just a few minutes left in the fourth quarter, as Eddie Betts slapped the ball home from close range.

Australia's Robbie Gray added a further three points to close the gap even further, but Joe Kernan's side were able to hold on to claim the Cormac MacAnallen cup.

Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

It was a similarly close affair in the Shinty/Hurling Challenge match earlier in the day between Ireland and Scotland, with the hosts once again emerging victorious. 

An incredibly strong defensive display in the second half meant that they limited Scotland's chances and allowed them just one score, which saw the teams head into the fourth quarter deadlocked.

Eoin Price and Shane Nolan found the space to get two late scores that were to prove decisive, as they won by a scoreline of 2-10 to 2-08. 

Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

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