Boylan relieved with victory
Ireland International Rules manager Sean Boylan and debutant Leighton Glynn both spoke of their relief following Ireland's 45-44 first Test victory at the Subiaco Oval in Perth today.
Boylan watched Ireland cling on to their advantage in the final quarter - Australia managed to reduce the visitors' 17-point advantage to the minimum margin.
"A one-point victory...but look at the way Australia came back at us in the last quarter. But for a little bit of luck it could have been a one-point defeat," Boylan said after the game.
And the former Meath All-Ireland-winning manager conceded that his players will have to go back to the drawing board, ahead of next week's final Test, to find out how they let such a comfortable lead slip from their grasp.
"We have a lot of work to do for next week," Boylan mused.
On a more positive note, the Irish boss was delighted to see the game played in such a sporting manner and hopes for more of the same in next Friday's encounter in Melbourne.
"Come next week, win or lose, so long as it's played the way it was tonight there's a great future for the series for years to come."
Boylan also praised the large contingent of Irish supporters who turned out for the game.
They were in full voice throughout as chants of 'Ole, Ole, Ole' rang strong throughout the 40,000-seater venue.
"It was lovely to hear them and have them there. We are so grateful to them - people who have come great distances from all over Australia."
Wicklow's Leighton Glynn was one of Ireland's high ranking scorers. He amassed ten points on his debut, just three points behind Ireland's leading scorer Sean Cavanagh.
One of three goalscorers in the Test, Glynn got Ireland's first goal almost five minutes into the second quarter.
He credited Tyrone's Joe McMahon for providing an excellent pass, which ensured Glynn was well placed to bulge the back of the net.
"Joe put in a great ball, it was great quick thinking from him," Glynn recalled.
"I was just straight in one-on-one with the goalkeeper. I had been practising it in training and thankfully it paid off."
Glynn conceded that the pace of the hybrid game certainly is raised in intensity from the levels experienced in Gaelic football.
"We were starting at 100 miles an hour, when you are coming in you just have to go for it.
"It's twice as quick as Gaelic football."
Glynn lamented Ireland's poor final quarter performance but remains upbeat for the second and final Test.
"We didn't play as well in the final quarter but we played good football in the third quarter.
"It's only half-time (in the series). We'll do a bit of work during the week and hopefully we can nick it," he added.
