Warriors seek support for upcoming Melbourne trip  

THE Irish Australian Rules Football team, also known as the Irish Warriors, will be travelling to Melbourne in August to take part in the 2017 edition of the AFL International Cup (the World Cup of Australian Rules Football). 

The all-island team, which includes two Northsiders – Liam Burns, from Drumcondra and Ronan Cull, from Sutton – will be fielding athletes from all codes and disciplines.

Ronan Cull said:

“In total, we’ve got 16 blokes travelling Down Under to represent Ireland and we’re meeting another 12 Irish players who are based in Australia. 

“We’ve been busy fundraising, training and planning over the last few months, so the time to pack is fast approaching.

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The cost for the team to participate in this competition is

?¬75,000. 

The team members have made a huge effort to raise funds over the last number of months and are now hoping to raise the final 10 per cent of funding via its Go Fund Me page – gofundme.com/irishwarriorsic17

“Everyone who makes a

?¬10 or more donation will be entered into a draw to win an Irish Warriors Guernsey (only five produced outside of the team), an Irish Warriors Polo Shirt and other prizes including various vouchers with more to come,

? added Ronan. 

Aussie Rules has been played in Ireland since 1999 and Ireland has previously won this competition on two occasions (2002 and 2011) and were finalists in 2014 and semi finalists in 2005 and 2008. 

Notwithstanding our National Team’s success at the highest level in international competitions in this sport, the team currently receives no State funding. 

It is a small association with limited resources, and therefore, the national team players fund their participation in the event themselves or through the support of personal sponsors and fundraising. 

Supporters of the Irish Warriors will be able to see their matches via YouTube, follow their progress on Twitter (@arfliwarriors) and Facebook (The Irish Warriors).

The Irish Warriors will kick off their campaign in a practice match at the Melbourne Demons’ training ground against Germany.