Earley’s selection as Ireland coach for next two series a surprise but credentials are impressive
Later Earley spoke to the young Tadhg Kennelly about the possibility of being recruited by Sydney after the club had identified him as a prospect.
An immensely personable individual with evident communication skills he is likely to be an asset to the GAA, particularly in the scheduled away series next year, with his background in both games and media experience.
His technical credentials are wide-ranging. As well as coaching club teams, he stepped in after the resignation of John Maughan five years ago as caretaker Roscommon manager at the end of the league, taking the team to its only win of the season, insufficient as that was to stave off relegation from Division Two.
He is also a tutor in Level Two coaching courses, making him one of the association’s most technically qualified coaches and has been serving on the Football Review Committee, chaired by Eugene McGee, which has forwarded proposed reforms to next month’s congress.
Played in Ulster
This year’s series will begin on October 19th, with the first Test to be played in Ulster. This month’s management committee meeting will decide the venue but although Kingspan Breffni Park has been speculated on, according to Croke Park sources no decision until the report of the National Infrastructure Committee, which has been asked to assess the options.
A week later, on October 26th , the second Test will take place in Croke Park.
The international project is currently under pressure after an uncompetitive and poorly attended series in Australia 15 months ago and the next two years will decide whether it has a long-term future.
A media conference, scheduled for yesterday, had to be postponed following the death of Earley’s mother but in the weeks ahead he is expected to outline his plans and name the back-up team.
International Rules Managers and records
1984: (Selection committee)
Peter McDermott (Meath), Liam Sammon (Galway), Jody O’Neill (Tyrone)
Australia win series 2-1
1986: Kevin Heffernan (Dublin)
Ireland win series 2-1
1987: Eugene McGee (Longford)
Australia win series 2-1
1990: Eugene McGee (Longford)
Ireland win series 2-1
1990-98: Series in abeyance
Resumed internationals – two-test series
1998: Colm O’Rourke (Meath)
Series drawn 1-1, Ireland win on aggregate (128-118)
1999: Colm O’Rourke (Meath)
Ireland win 1-0 with one drawn
2000: Brian McEniff (Donegal)
Australia win 2-0
2001: Brian McEniff (Donegal)
Ireland win 2-0
2002: John O’Keeffe (Kerry)
Australia win 1-0 with one drawn
2003: John O’Keeffe (Kerry)
Series drawn 1-1, Australia win on aggregate (101-94)
2004: Peter McGrath (Down)
Ireland win 2-0
2005: Peter McGrath (Down)
Australia win 2-0
2006: Seán Boylan (Meath)
Series drawn, Australia win on aggregate (109-79)
2007: Internationals suspended
2008: Seán Boylan (Meath)
Ireland win 2-0
Move to three-year cycle
2010: Anthony Tohill (Derry)
Australia win 2-0
2011: Anthony Tohill (Derry)
Ireland win 2-0
