Bernard Brogan honoured to lead Ireland against Australia

Dublin's Bernard Brogan will captain Ireland in the one-off game against Australia at Croke Park in November.

Team manager Joe Kernan will announce his panel early next month, with Brogan set to make his third appearance in the International Rules series after scoring 14 points in the two Tests during the home series in 2010.

Reacting to his appointment the 31-year-old former Footballer of the Year said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to not only represent Ireland, but to captain the national team too. As Gaelic footballers, opportunities to play for Ireland and pit our skills against athletes from other nations and codes are few and far between and next month we will test ourselves against arguably the strongest ever Australian team to come here.

“Not only do they include the best of the AFL in terms of talent but they have experience of this code in their ranks, not least with their management team whose exploits both in their domestic game and indeed in this code, are proven. It’s a challenge we will relish and I look forward to working with Joe and his selectors and all of the lads on the panel to do our best to keep the Cormac McAnallen Cup in Ireland.”

Team manager Joe Kernan added: “I wish Bernard well in what is a coveted role. He is following in the footsteps of many great footballers in accepting the role and it is something he is sure to embrace.

“He has been a top footballer in our game for many years – something borne out by the many accolades he has earned – and he has also shown his prowess in this game. In addition to helping to generate a vital team spirit amongst our players, he will also lead by example where it matters most – on the field of play.”

Brogan, whose brother Alan has also represented Ireland, replaces Michael Murphy who led the Ireland challenge in last year's narrow defeat to Australia in Perth and in the home series win the previous year.