Clarke to miss Australia series

Martin Clarke has impressed since joining Collingwood

Former Down minor star Martin Clarke will not be part of the Ireland International Rules team for this year's series against Australia.

Clarke, who plays for Aussie Rules side Collingwood, has an ankle injury while Tadgh Kennelly of the Sydney Swans is also out because of a shoulder injury.

Former Derry star Anthony Tohill has been named as one of the three selectors for the series.

Oak Leaf defender Sean Marty Lockhart will act as a runner in both Tests.

Eoin Liston and Hugh Kenny are the other two selectors while former Irish rugby fitness coach Michael McGurn and ex-Ireland rugby international Trevor Brennan will also have roles.

McGurn and Brennan will have the job of teaching the Ireland players how to tackle during the series.

Monaghan man Pat McEnaney and Australia's Steve McBurney will be the two referees during the series.

There has been a huge response from the lads who are enthusiastic about playing the game and representing their country Ireland manager Sean Boylan

Both men have previously been in charge of rules tests.

Ireland's standby by referee and linesman will be David Coldrick while Brett Rosebury will perform these roles on behalf of the Australians.

The Irish umpires will be Gearoid O Conamha and John Bannon.

South African Ian Curlewis will be the video match referee during the series.

Mr Curlewis has vast experience in officiating and chairing disciplinary committees in rugby, cricket, hockey and tennis.

Ireland manager Boylan has said that he is happy with preparations for next month's series.

"There has been a huge response from the lads who are enthusiastic about playing the game and representing their country," said Boylan.

"Now that the championship has concluded we will have a clearer picture of the travelling squad over the next few weeks.? stated Mr. Boylan.

Several Ulster players have been involved in the early training sessions although the 27-man panel has yet to be announced.

These include Armagh men Ronan Clarke, Steven McDonnell, Aaron Kernan and Ciaran Keever and Down trio Benny Coulter, Dan Gordon and Aidan Carr.

Derry duo Paddy Bradley and Kevin McCloy, Fermanagh men Martin McGrath, Mark Murphy and Ryan McCluskey plus Monaghan brothers Damien Freeman and Thomas Freeman and Cavan's Seanie Johnson have also attended recent sessions.

However, a number of Tyrone players look certain to be in contention to travel Down Under following the completion of the All-Ireland Championship.

Sean Boylan will announce his final 27-man squad on 6 October.