Masters International Rules 2016
October 21, 2016
Masters International Rules 2016
The sixth instalment of the International Rules Masters series between Ireland and Australia will conclude at St. Mathews Park in Crosskeys this Saturday, 22nd October when Ireland attempt to regain the Paddy Gaffney Cup - the trophy dedicated to the honour of the former Denn, Cavan and Ireland stalwart who only shortly prior to his untimely death in May 2006 had represented Ireland with distinction in the series played in Australia over Easter of that year.
This will be the concluding game in a two game series - the first game was played in Clonberne, Galway on Wednesday 19th October with the Irish team coming out winners over the Australians.
In continuation of their long association with the Masters concept Denn will have a representative on the Ireland squad - Jerome Kiernan being the latest Denn man to gain international recognition following in the footsteps of Paddy, Donal Keogan and Martin Cahill.
Ireland and Australia have played previous series in 2004 when games were played in Roscommon and Lucan Co. Dublin with Ireland winning the series. In 2006 an Ireland panel including All Ireland winners such as Joe Mc Nally. Brian Murray, Matt Gallagher travelled to Australia to defend the series and returned winning both games. Unfortunately, in May of 2006 one of the stars of this trip - Paddy - went to his untimely reward and such was his impact on all involved that it was universally accepted that the trophy for the series be named in his honour. A very focused Ireland team defended Paddy's honour in the autumn of 2006 however when Ireland travelled down under in 2008 Australia gained their first test and series victory. The last occasion on which the trophy was contested was in 2009 when both teams gained a test victory - Australia by 6 in Roscommon with Ireland emerging by 2 in Dublin leaving the Trophy to make the long journey back to Australia. Entering this series Ireland have 3 victories with Australia winning on two occasions.
On Saturday some of Ireland finest players including Eamon O Hara (Sligo) Declan Meehan (Galway) Jason O Reilly (Cavan) will backbone an Ireland team which will attempt to bring the Cup back to Irish soil.
Throw in at St Mathews Park will be 2pm and it promises to be a memorable day full of memories for all concerned.
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