The EirGrid International Rules series has its critics but as a kid Conor McManus loved watching his heroes represent their country and wants to inspire a new generation of fans.
Ireland face Australia in Croke Park on Saturday in the 19th renewal of the series with both teams having claimed nine wins apiece since 1984.
Monaghan forward McManus is vocal in his support of the often-maligned hybrid game.
“It’s very easy to cast judgement until you’ve actually played the game,” the Clontibret O’Neills man told RTÉ Sport.
“As a youngster I used to love coming up to watch these games – the likes of Peter Canavan, Kieran McGeeney, Darragh Ó Sé, Pádraic Joyce playing the game, and you used to love the chance to come up and watch them.
“I think now it’s no different for any of the youngsters in Ireland.
“Once you’ve been involved in it and played a number of times, you realise how good a game it is and you realise how enjoyable it is. I love being a part of it.”
"It’s very easy to cast judgement until you’ve actually played the game"
Back in 2006 Croke Park was full and even in 2010 over 60,000 poured into HQ. McManus wants Ireland supporters to come out in force for the one-off Test.
“Get out and support it,” the double Ulster Championship winner said.
“We’d love to have a full house. We went down to Perth last year and played the Australians in a one-off Test, I think there was full house there.
“Croke Park holds 82,000 and it would be magic to have 82,000 in here.
“The atmosphere we had for the game last year was brilliant. A lot of the players would say it’s the best atmosphere they’ve ever played in.
“I’d say just get out, get the green and gold on and come out and support us.”
Ireland v Australia is live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm, with radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 and a live blog on RTE.ie.
