Ireland manager Joe Dooley is hopeful that a sizeable crowd will turn up at Croke Park to watch this evening's Shinty-Hurling International between Ireland and Scotland.

Dooley, who is in his second year in charge of the Irish team, will be hoping that his charges can enjoy a good first leg against the Scottish before travelling to Inverness for the second fixture in November 13.

"Last year was my first experience as I was never lucky enough to play it," Dooley told the Irish Independent.

"It's a totally different game from hurling really and you need a good first touch. Their skill is awesome and what they can do with the ball from a long way out takes a little bit of getting used to."

Up until 2004 the Irish had been dominant in the Test, winning seven-in-a-row, but the Scots were dominant after that until Ireland claimed back the title last year.

This year will see the first-ever two-legged affair take place, starting at Croke Park today (throw-in 4.45pm), which will be a curtain-raiser to the crucial second Test between Ireland and Australia tonight in the International Rules Series.

"In fairness to the Scottish lads, they take it very seriously because it's probably more akin to their game than it is to ours," said the Offaly boss. "But it's a great spectacle and hopefully a good crowd turns up at Croke Park to see it. To put a '65' over the bar from the ground is no big deal for them. It's a brilliant skill. I tried doing it with their stick and I couldn't manage it. The advantage we have is that we can run with it." Tweet

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