Reilly set for trip to Australia

Profile by Fergal Lynch Updated: Wednesday, 12th October, 2011 5:00pm

Kevin Reilly in action for Ireland during last year's International Rules series.

Meath's Kevin Reilly has been included in Anthony Tohill's Ireland squad for the International Rules Series against Australia. The squad was unveiled at Croke Park on Tuesday morning.

Reilly is one of Ireland's most experienced campaigners and he has once again been selected in the final 23 that will fly out to Australia on Saturday 22nd October

Ireland will play the hosts at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on Friday 28th October and the Metricon Stadium in Gold Coast on Friday 4th November.

No other Meath players were given serious consideration by manager Tohill, but Reilly's inclusion is no surprise as he was one of Ireland's better players when the sides met in Limerick and Croke Park last year.

Last year's International Rules Series wasn't the all-action, entertainment-packed spectacular that everyone had hoped it would be.

The test in Limerick was dreadful, but the whole series was made worthwhile by a mesmerising final quarter in Croke Park when Ireland almost overturned a massive deficit, but fell just short.

Throughout last year's series Reilly was expectional and his style and commitment earned him rave reviews, especially considering he was coming off the severely injured list to perform in such a physical game. The Navan O'Mahonys is delighted to be included again

"I was happy to be provisionally selected, but I wanted to be part of the main panel heading to Australia for the International Rules Series and I'm looking forward to that now," Reilly told the Meath Chronicle.

"Training has been very competitive this year and it is going very well. There has been very little in the way of a trial process.

"Usually 60 or 70 lads would be called in for trials, but this time the manager picked a reduced panel and worked on the skills of the game instead.

"That approach seems to have brought a lot of the players together. We know about each other this time around and that is sure to be a benefit when it comes to the games," said Reilly.

The professionalism of the Australians and their full-time fitness is something that has caused Ireland problems over the years, but Reilly is confident that the Irish now have a greater experience under their belts and have been more focused on the skills of the game.

"The manager has brought in plenty of lads with International Rules experience. I have been involved in three series so far and an under-age series. I have plenty of experience of the game, but he also has brought in players who play in the AFL and a few new lads so there is a nice mix of players, which is always good because it keeps it fresh.

"I think these types of games suit my style. The whole concept of the game has gone very fast and it is very much a running game now. I enjoy playing the game, I wouldn't put my name forward for it if I didn't. It is a great game and it is a great challenge," concluded Reilly.