Byline: Colm Keys
THE GAA are now guaranteed a sell-out Croke Park for the second International Rules test, a record for the annual series.
An announcement yesterday confirmed that no more stand tickets were on sale at headquarters with only tickets for Hill 16 remaining.
The capacity for Croke Park has been restricted to 78,000 because of work being carried on Hill 16. Despite those restrictions, the 2002 second test record of 71,571 will be easily surpassed.
The phenomenal interest has ensured that tickets will now be at a premium next week, particularly if the first test tomorrow night is a close affair. The Irish players gathered in Galway yesterday ahead of tomorrow's test and have reported no major injury worries.
Vice captain Tadhg Kennelly feels the rule changes and introduction of a card system will ensure that the violent scenes that marred last year's series won't be repeated. Kennelly explained how the Australians believe so strongly in the team ethos and if a player is now sent off and can't be replaced it will be tantamount to letting the team down.
'That's the way they are,' said the Kerryman. 'If they feel the team will be let down by their actions, then they won't let it happen. They really believe in that team ethos.'
Kennelly has hinted that despite signing a contract with Sydney Swans that extends to 2009, he may still come home at the end of next season. 'I've signed until 2009 but that doesn't mean that I'll be seeing it out. If I wanted to move on I don't think the club would stand in my way on it,' he said.
Meanwhile, Irish boss Sean Boylan has admitted he is finished with inter-county management. The Meath legend, 62, is also scheduled to lead Ireland for the 2007 series Down Under.
'No I couldn't,' he said. 'For people to be able to do it with other counties, and to start all over again, I think is very courageous. And it's not that I wouldn't be courageous. But at this stage my family (of six) are very young.'
