Ireland have included four players from the domestic Rugby League Ireland competition in their squad for the European Nations Cup. Kilkenny Wildcats duo Ian Dowling and Simon Manuel will be joined in the 20-man line-up by Kerry's Declan Foy and Clontarf's Philip Purdue.
The squad also includes eight players with Super League experience.
Ireland begin against Wales in Aberavon on Sunday before hosting Scotland in Navan on 29 October.
2004 EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP:
Ireland squad: David Bates (Halifax), Phil Cantillon (Halifax), Mick Cassidy (Wigan), Carl De Chenu (Sheffield), Lee Doran (Oldham), Ian Dowling (Kilkenny Wildcats), Tommy Gallagher (Leeds), Karl Fitzpatrick (Salford), Declan Foy (Kerry Kings), Stuart Littler (Salford), Simon Manuel (Kilkenny Wildcats), Richard Marshall (Leigh), Chris Maye (Swinton), Matt McConnell (Barrow), Philip Purdue (Clontarf Bulls), Rob Smyth (Leigh), Paul Southern (Rochdale), Anthony Stewart (Salford), Pat Weisner (Halifax).
Fixtures:
16 October: Russia v France, Moscow Olympic Stadium
17 October: Wales v Ireland, Aberavon RUFC (1430 BST)
24 October: Russia v England, Moscow Olympic Stadium
24 October: Scotland v Wales, Glasgow Hawks RFC (1500 BST)
29 October: Ireland v Scotland, Navan RFC (1930 BST)
30 October: France v England, Avignon
7 November: European Nations Cup Final at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington (1345 BST)
MMIX
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