Coca Cola Ireland International Rules team manager Sean Boylan has named Tyrone All Ireland winner Seán Cavanagh as captain of the Ireland team which will play Australia in a two test series Down Under this October. Cork’s Graham Canty has been confirmed as vice captain of the squad. Both men are vastly experienced in the International game. Cavanagh, a member of the Moy club in Co Tyrone will now represent his country in his fourth Test Series, having been part of the Ireland Team’s that hosted Australia in 2006 and 2004 as well as being a key part of Pete Mc Grath’s side that played in Perth and Melbourne in 2005. Bantry Blues’ Graham Canty toured Australia in 2005, 2003 and 2001 and has already played on 10 occasions for his country.

Ireland manager Seán Boylan said he was delighted to be able to confirm the players’ in their respective roles. “Seán Cavanagh has been in the form of his life this year” said Boylan. “He was Man of the Match in the All Ireland final and was one of the key players in Tyrone’s march to glory this year. He is an excellent communicator and leads by example on the field. He is also ideally suited to the International game and it is a tremendous boost to have him on board for the trip Down Under”.

Of Canty, Boylan said “Graham is a natural leader. You only have to think of the way he came up the field to score the winning goal for Cork in the closing moments of their Munster Championship game with Limerick this year when they looked down and out. He has starred for Ireland in the past and is one of the best defenders in Gaelic football at the moment”