Sheedy walks away from series

The fallout from the disastrous public relations exercise that was the International Rules series continues unabated in Australia with Kevin Sheedy indicating on radio this week that he would not be returning to coach the Australia team in 2007.

Of course, that is assuming a series even exists as GAA president Nickey Brennan has already called for the hybrid game to be abolished.

Sheedy is expected to continue coaching Essendon, the club he has been associated with since 1981. He came in for heavy criticism from Irish coach Seán Boylan for the tactics adopted by Australian players during this year's second Test at Croke Park.

Sheedy is a hugely respected and admired figure in Australian sporting life but his relationship with the GAA and the Irish media deteriorated after he defended the tackle that hospitalised Graham Geraghty and accused the Irish of being poor losers.

"Every time Australia win, this series is coming to an end. Unbelievable. You're the greatest conmen I've ever met . . . I think Ireland were the aggressors last week and this week," Sheedy said in the aftermath of this month's overwhelming Australian victory.

The AFL convene this week for a strategy conference to decide how best to take their association into the future. The International Rules series is expected to be discussed with its future remaining in grave doubt until the GAA and AFL meet in the New Year.