Kerry and Tyrone supply 17 players to squad

International Rules Ireland panel: Tried and trusted was Pete McGrath's formula for putting together the Irish panel for the International Rules series against Australia in October.

The Irish manager announced his preliminary panel of 43 yesterday, although that will be reduced to around 25 ahead of the two Test matches, in Perth (on October 21st) and Melbourne (October 28th).

Given Ireland's comprehensive victory in last year's series on home soil, McGrath was unlikely to pull too many surprises. In fact, most of his players have the experience of previous Tests.

McGrath also announced that Galway's Padraig Joyce has been reappointed as captain for what will be his fifth series.

"Like last year, myself and my fellow selectors have spent the late spring and entire summer going to as many intercounty football matches as we possibly could," said McGrath.

"We've had a number of meetings and, having drawn in a very large panel in the first place, we've now refined that panel to 43. It goes without saying that when people sit down to select a panel that is going to represent the country then inevitably there will be debate and controversy about the content of that panel."

There are 14 counties represented at this stage, led by Kerry (with 10 players) and then Tyrone (seven) and Armagh (five). Like last year, however, there is no room for Armagh's Kieran McGeeney, while regular goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton was ruled because of a pending ankle operation. Ciarán Whelan is recalled having opted out last year, while Ross Munnelly and Carlow's Thomas Walsh are among those trying to make the final panel for the first time.

The goalkeeping spot will go to either Armagh's Paul Hearty or Kerry's Diarmuid Murphy. Cork's Seán Óg Ó hAilpín was among those also recalled from last year - but there is no room this time for his brother Setanta. AFL player Tadhg Kennelly of Kerry was always going to be included.

McGrath explained his selection policy. "Ultimately, the squad was built around two things - the performances of players in this year's championship, and also the performances of players in last year's series.

"I think last year's squad did perform exceptionally, but we know as well that travelling to Australia is going to be even more difficult, especially as they look for revenge or retribution or whatever you want to call it.

"Over the next six weekends we will get together, excluding those still involved in the championship, and then make even more difficult choices to reduce the squad to its touring party."

The absence of McGeeney, he admitted, was an inevitable talking point: "Yes, but there's a lot of very talented players that didn't make this squad. I accept Kieran is still playing very well, but we're working to certain specifications, and so it's unavoidable that certain players of very high quality will be left out."

McGrath also indicated that Australia are approaching the series with renewed intent. He referred to the news that Kevin Sheedy, the long-serving coach to the AFL side Essendon Bombers, was taking over the Australian coaching.That represents a new departure for the Australians in that he's the first active AFL coach to be appointed, with a highly impressive record to go with it.

"If I was to put myself in their position," said McGrath, "and Ireland was destroyed out in Australia last year, I'd be making a massive effort to repair the damage. So we are expecting a highly-charged and competitive atmosphere out there, and I think the games will reflect that.

"But our guiding principle will be to impose as much Gaelic football on the games as possible, like we did last year."

McGrath's selection team shows one change from last year, Mickey Whelan replacing fellow Dubliner John O'Leary. Larry Tompkins (Cork), John Tobin (Galway) and Mickey Linden (Down) complete the team.