Rainbow’s End Down Under or a Crock of Shite?
Talking Balls Comments
Speaking in that diplomatic way that only Australian sportspeople can muster, Sheedy pulled no punches sledging the Irish manager a week ahead of the first bout in the eagerly anticipated International Rules Series.
Writing in his column in the Sunday Herald Sun Sheedy dismissed irish criticisms of the last series when Graham Geraghty was stretchered off the field his neck in a brace. Says Sheedy:
“At no stage was I concerned about the way the game was played. Sean Boylan didn’t see it that way and he ranted and raved for an hour after the match in Dublin. I almost fell asleep waiting for my turn and it was the first time I thought I had met a leprechaun.”
“There is one thing I would like to pass on to the Irish ahead of the revived International Rules series. You can punch an Australian and we won’t be totally insulted. But if you kick us you are going the wrong way about it.”
“After the last series was marred by controversial acts it would be disappointing if the Irish sought retribution. They should bump and tackle, but don’t stick a leg out. If it’s played in the right spirit, this will be a fantastic spectacle.” Recalling his own time as Australian coach, Sheedy claims there were some “over-reactions”, adding: “Yes, Chris Johnson made a poor decision three years ago, but Danyle Pearce made a legitimate and honest tackle the last time the teams met. So at no other stage was I concerned about the way the game was being played.”
The right spirit. Well we’ll see about that. What about a bit of f***in manners Mr Smarthole Sheedy?
As all of you who wasted half a day’s leave watching the game will know by now, Ireland won the hybrid by a solitary point. And despite attempts to talk it up there was little to write home about. Certainly those watching hoping to see a scrap would have been disappointed. As yer man from Derry sang (not Eoghan) things can only get better.
