Football

International Rules still has a future: Steven McDonnell

Ireland's Stevie McDonnell at the 2011 International Rules series
Ireland's Stevie McDonnell at the 2011 International Rules series Ireland's Stevie McDonnell at the 2011 International Rules series

INTERNATIONAL Rules veteran Steven McDonnell believes that the hybrid game could and should have a future.

At the weekend, GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail announced that the series would not take place this year, but that that there will be a series in Australia in 2017 followed by a further series in Ireland and an 'exhibition' series in the United States.

A schedule for the latter two events is to be released later in the year.

What is clear is that the long term future of the 32-year-old project is by no means certain.

For the last two years, the series has been a one game affair and the GAA statement outlined that this to revert back to two games for the 2017 series.

Former Armagh star McDonnell, who from 2003 played in six series, insists that first and foremost, the shelving of the event is a let-down for the players.

"I suppose from a player's point of view it's disappointing because there's no doubt the Ireland players would have been looking at it as an opportunity to come up against professional players at the end of the year," said the Killeavy man.

"I think over the last number of years the game maybe has taken a step back in the thoughts of the AFL and the GAA. It could be a case of winding it down.

"But I still believe that there is plenty of room for it to be played. I know from the GAA's point of view that they always generally get the best players playing.

"The AFL haven't taken it as seriously over the last couple of years but it's still a great competition.

"Maybe they need to look at different angles of trying to attract more people towards the games as well. You still, over the course of two tests get 60 to 80 thousand people there, so any game that is attracting that volume and that scale of people in to watch it has a future."

McDonnell suggested that fresh thinking is required around the concept and outlined his thoughts about making the game a charity fundraiser.

"The AFL don't need money, the GAA don't need money – so why not play the game and the proceeds go to charity?" said McDonnell.

"You pick one charity – for instance a kid's charity or a cancer charity or whatever it may be.

"That in itself will generate more interest and will attract more people to the game.

"It's putting it out there on a global network more than anything. There are not too many games played in big stadiums throughout the world where the proceeds go to a charity, and that's an opportunity for the GAA and the AFL to maybe look at something along those lines.

"Some of the sceptics in Ireland here alone would probably buy into it a wee bit more as well."

Other well-known GAA figures, however, remain in that sceptic camp.

Derry's Cailean O'Boyle gave a blunt appraisal.

"I would shelve it personally, [it has] no real future," said O'Boyle.

"I find it always very dead and a poor atmosphere while watching. Always a let-down in the end…"

Donegal's Rory Kavanagh admitted he once was a fan but has been turned off lately.

"I used to love watching the games of ten years ago," said Kavanagh.

"Last few years have been terrible. They have become non-events. And the public has lost interest as a result.

"[It] also needs a two game test with both countries selecting their best players or forget about it."

Armagh player Finnian Moriarty meanwhile felt that the decision to postpone was regrettable but that it may have a positive impact long-term.

"The decision, while disappointing for players hoping to play for Ireland this year, is in my opinion probably in the best interests of the series going forward," said Moriarty.

"Firstly, with the one-series, it will struggle to capture the imagination or support of previous series as it's only started and it's over.

"Two games give both teams the chance to adapt to the game and is a fairer reflection on the two countries ability levels.

"Secondly, the playing calendar is saturated enough that the one test series every year places excessive stress on those players.

"They are at the elite end are in demand all year round from several different teams at various levels.

"Two tests every other year is the best way forward for players, supporters and the series as a whole.

"Beat the Aussies two or three years a row in the one-test format and they'll lose interest and dump the series altogether."