Ireland's two goal hero Aidan O'Shea was "delighted to get over the line" in this evening's International Rules clash against Australia.

The Irish withstood a strong second-half rally from the tourists and, afterwards, the Mayo man told RTE: "We played very well the first two quarters.

"Last year Australia really beat us to the punch and we were chasing the game from there.

"We probably lost our shape a little in the second-half and missed a couple of easy chances to let them back into the game. Eddie Betts came up with a good goal and put us under real pressure towards the end but just delighted to get over the line.

"After the third quarter we felt we didn't have enough energy on the pitch and we just wanted to increase our intensity levels, try and take a few more chances going forward. I think we did that but unfortunately we weren't clinical enough.

"But look, we got over the line so we're just happy."

Asked what it means to the players to represent their country, O'Shea replied: "It's special because we've only come together over the last couple of weeks.

"It's great to get an opportunity to play with the guys from around the country and everyone coming out here tonight it was brilliant, there was a great atmosphere.

"It's great to test ourselves against Australia. I think that series breathed life into the game again and I'm just delighted."

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