Joe Kernan has been confirmed as Ireland's new International Rules manager.

The Armagh man, who led his native county to All-Ireland glory in 2002 and also managed his home club Crossmaglen Rangers to three All-Ireland club titles, has been handed a two-year term, as is traditional.

Kernan becomes the eighth manager of Ireland since the series was revived in 1998. Ulster has provided three previous managers: Brian McEniff, Pete McGrath and Anthony Tohill.

The Armagh man will take charge of his country for the first time when Ireland face Australia on November 21st in a one-Test series, bidding to reclaim the Cormac McAnallen Cup after losing in Perth last year.

Former International Rules internationals Pádraic Joyce, Darragh Ó Sé and Dermot Earley will complete Kernan's backroom team.

The former Armagh and Galway manager, who has also led Ulster to Interprovincial glory, says: "I'm delighted to accept this role and I view it as a real privilege. I have been involved with the GAA all my life and there are not too many opportunities to represent Ireland as an active GAA member.

"This is one, and one I look forward to immensely. It will be an honour to work with the top players from our game planning to face the best the AFL has to offer. I also look forward to working alongside Pádraic, Darragh and Dermot, all of whom have vast experience of this code."

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