International Rules 2014

The International Rules is back again for another year and we’re lucky to have three current members of the DCU community involved for the trip away to Australia. 

Ross Munnelly - well known Laois star and current staff member of DCU - is one of the players who is making the trip and is joined by his county colleague Colm Begley who is studying sports science at DCU.  Dublin’s James McCarthy, who recently won an All Star, is also a DCU student. He recently enrolled in a Master’s programme at DCU and graduated with a sports science degree last week.  

Ross Munnelly emerged on to the scene in 2000 as part of the Laois minor team and in 2002 and 2003 he was part of the Laois under 21 team. In 2003, he joined the Laois senior football team, helping them to a Leinster Senior Football Championship. In 2005, Ross was chosen to represent Ireland in the International Rules Series away to Australia, and in 2006 he was nominated for an All Star Award. He played twice for Ireland against Australia in the 2013 International Rules Series, as Ireland romped to a record-breaking victory.

James McCarthy won the 2010 Leinster Under-21 Football Championship and All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship with Dublin. He made his championship debut for Dublin against Laois in the quarter-final of the 2011 Leinster Championship, winning his first Leinster Senior Football Championship against Wexford at Croke Park in July that year. 
Dublin progressed to an All-Ireland final against Kerry and McCarthy won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. McCarthy was nominated for GAA GPA Young Player of the Year for his defensive performances.

Colm Begley played Australian Rules with Brisbane Lions and St Kilda before deciding that he would make a return to Ireland. Begley is currently playing for Dublin side Parnells and has returned to inter-county football with his native Laois.

Past students are also represented on the side - the captain of the Ireland team is Michael Murphy.  The Donegal and Glenswilly man is a recent graduate and will once again have the honour of leading out the Irish team. He will also be joined by past student of DCU Cathal Cregg, a proud Roscommon man and former sports science student at the University. 

The game takes place on Saturday the 22nd of November. In a break with tradition, this year’s Ireland-Australia competition will comprise of just one game rather than two.
It promises to be a proud moment for all the DCU contingent’s mentors, lecturers and colleagues here at the University. It’s certainly a long way from St.Claire’s to Australia! 

History of the Rules since 1984

Ireland

Series Won - 9

Test Matches won - 20                       

Australia

Series Won - 8 

Test Matches won  -16