Kildare's Dermot Earley named as part of International Rules management team

Kildare legend Dermot Earley will be part of the Irish management team for this year's International Rules Series against Australia, with the first game set to take place in Adelaide, Australia, on November 12 before the second tie takes place in Perth on November 18.

The Sarsfields clubman is part of manager Joe Kernan's backroom team, along with Galway's Pádraic Joyce and Kerry's Darragh Ó'Sé.

A number of Kildare players are expected to be involved in the squad this year, with calls already made to some of Cian O'Neill's players to come in for trials ahead of the series.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “I am pleased that the International Rules Series is coming into sharp focus so soon after the completion of our inter-county championships.

“Once again Joe Kernan will prepare the team with a highly experienced backroom team that includes Pádraic Joyce, Dermot Earley and Darragh Ó Sé. We are delighted that the series has reverted to a two-game competition and we look forward to working with EirGrid to ensure that the series connects with the largest audience possible.”

Irish team manager Joe Kernan added: “We were delighted to emerge victorious from the last series in Dublin and we will be doing everything in our power in the coming weeks in preparing to try and retain the Cormac McAnallen Cup. I hope the large Irish community in Australia has the dates locked in their diaries and come out in force to support our players. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the continued support of EirGrid to the International Rules Series.”