Ireland withstood a late fightback from Australia to claim victory in an exciting International rules test at Croke Park on Saturday evening.
Just over 38,000 turned out to watch Ireland take on Australia in the Eirgrid International Rules test, and weren't disappointed as the home side claimed a 56-52 victory.
Goals came in the first half from Aidan O'Shea and Conor McManus as they kept to the pre-game promise of their manager, who emphasised that his players would not be found wanting when it came to the commitment they would show.
Ireland's players putting their bodies on the line to get the scores #internationalrules pic.twitter.com/nhRFjp6daz
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) November 21, 2015
They went in at the break with a commanding lead of 43-23, but in the final quarters, Australia began to force their way back into the match.
They chipped away at Ireland's advantage with a series of scores before coming very close with just a few minutes left in the fourth quarter, as Eddie Betts slapped the ball home from close range.
Australia narrow the gap with a goal that about three of their layers will claim. It's 55-49 #internationalrules pic.twitter.com/jb4mczUnTt
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) November 21, 2015
Australia's Robbie Gray added a further three points to close the gap even further, but Joe Kernan's side were able to hold on to claim the Cormac MacAnallen cup.
Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
It was a similarly close affair in the Shinty/Hurling Challenge match earlier in the day between Ireland and Scotland, with the hosts once again emerging victorious.
An incredibly strong defensive display in the second half meant that they limited Scotland's chances and allowed them just one score, which saw the teams head into the fourth quarter deadlocked.
Eoin Price and Shane Nolan found the space to get two late scores that were to prove decisive, as they won by a scoreline of 2-10 to 2-08.
Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
