Play stops as Australia's Ryan Crowley and Ireland's Colm Begley clash (right), while Paul Galvin and Chance Bateman tussle on the ground during the infamous second test of the 2006 international rules series at Croke Park. Photograph: Eric Luke
With a timely flourish, the old controversy about young Irish players signing up for Australian rules clubs has landed. It does so in a week marking the anniversary of a crucial turning point in relations between the GAA and AFL.
On November 5th, 2006, Ireland and Australia met for the second test of that year’s international rules series at Croke Park. The match sold out for the only time in the 33 years of the international series. Fascination with the newly completed stadium was at its height, as was interest in the game itself.
A week previously, in Galway, the home side had staged a late surge to win by eight, so the outcome was in the balance.
Kevin Sheedy
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