Fingers crossed for Johnny

FINGERS are crossed right across Limerick that Johnny McCarthy will be selected this Thursday in the Irish squad to face the Australians for the International Rules Series.
The inter-county and St. Kieran’s defender remains the only local still in contention for a place on Anthony Tohill’s 23-man Irish panel.


Croom’s John Galvin was also in contention, but, unfortunately, injury has ruled the midfielder out.
Johnny McCarthy was one of 34 players to attend last weekend’s training sessions in Limerick when Anthony Tohill’s panel were based in Adare Manor and trained at the Gaelic Grounds.
McCarthy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Stephen Kelly, John Quane and Paddy Barrett and represent his country against the Aussies.
Of course making this season all the more special is the fact that Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds will host the first test under floodflights on Saturday, October 23.
This week it was confirmed that the Mackey Stand was sold out for the eagerly-anticipated event, but tickets are still available for both the uncovered stand and terraces.
Tickets can be purchased from the Gaelic Grounds Office, Gleeson Sports Scene or through ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.ie or www.gaa.ie.
Entry to the uncovered stand is €20 and the terrace is €15. A host of special offers for groups, students and OAPs are also available.
The Australian team will arrive in Ireland this Saturday and will play a warm-up match in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork on Wednesday, October 20 against a combined Irish Universities selection.
Both international panels will be afforded a Limerick City Mayoral Reception on Thursday, October 21.
On the day of the First Test pre-match entertainment is planned from 5pm - two hours ahead of the starting time for the match.
Stilt walkers, face painting and live music will all add to the excitement on the approach roads to the Gaelic Grounds while inside the ground the Newcastle West-based Supermodel Twins and the Artane Band will provide pre-match music.
The internationally acclaimed band The Walls will perform at half time while after the game a fireworks display will light up the night sky.
Before attention turns to the International Rules all the focus this Sunday (3.30) will be on Newcastle West when the county senior football championship final takes place outside of the Gaelic Grounds for the first time since 1987. The meeting of the men from Monaleen and the Adare lads is a repeat of the 2002 senior final which required a replay before Monaleen prevailed.

Jerome O’Connell