The GAA and the Australian Football League confirmed on the eve of St Patrick’s Day that a one test international rules encounter would take place later this year at Croke Park.
The game will be played on Saturday, November 21st and provide a financial boost to the Stadium and the Association at a time when it would normally be in shut down mode for the winter.
A crowd in excess of 50,000 should provide a revenue stream before costs of over €1 million and there will also be interest in sponsorship. Previous supporters of the series have included Coca Cola, the Irish Daily Mail and GAAGo who sponsored the team on last year’s trip to Australia.
“We are pleased to confirm details of this year’s series involving Ireland and Australia following on from last year’s competitive encounter in Perth,” said GAA President Aogáin O’Feargail announcing the game.
“We are confident that the Irish public will turn out in large numbers to see the best of the two codes compete for the Cormac McAnallen Cup and we welcome Australia’s commitment to the series and their decision to once again select All Australian players for the game.”
“Australian and Irish fans want to see a spectacular and competitive contest played between the most talented AFL players and Ireland’s best Gaelic footballers,” added AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan.
“It is extremely important that the Australian team give the best possible account of itself, as we did last year, and the players who were part of that squad will be given the opportunity to play again.”
“We remain determined to ensure the prestige and popularity of the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland,” he said.
