How freakin' awesome was the International Rules match this morning! OMG.

I find the Aussie Rules/Gaelic footy hybrid absolutely fascinating and it's such an exciting, fast-paced, high-scoring game. I'm growing rather attached to the series each year, and love seeing my boys get a chance to play for our country (and even one of my boys, Tadhg Kennelly, get a chance to play for *his* country)

So, yeah, the talk of cancelling the series because Australian players are too violent or whatever makes me sad. Because, c'mon, you can't say that first quater wasn't entertaining. And you can't tell me Ireland didn't go in fist-first, too. We're just better at it, that's all. *g*

Yes, there is somewhat of an unfair advantage in terms of physicality, given that Australian players are professional athletes and the Irish players play their football as well as work full-time jobs. Yes, we're used to more tackling and hard footy. And, yes, I agree that the refereeing should have been much more strict and the rules (which are there for a reason) should have been enforced better. Doesn't mean the brawls and bumps weren't fun to watch, though. I'd pay to see them next year.

So yay, Australia. And especially yay for Ryan-o, Barry, Nick and Schneids who all made the team, and for Tadgh who made Ireland's (and, yes, I was upset when he was injured early on). Let's hope we get to see what they can do with the round ball next year. And let's hope I won't have to get up at the crack of dawn to catch coverage of it on TV this time. *yawns*


Australia Wins Series But Rules Turn Ugly