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Ciarán Whelan celebrates a goal for Ireland in the 1999 series. INPHO/Tom Honan

Ciarán Whelan steps down as selector ahead of International Rules series

Former Galway footballer Jarlath Fallon has been asked in to join Paul Earley’s backroom staff.

IRELAND’S INTERNATIONAL RULES manager Paul Earley has drafted in Jarlath Fallon to replace Ciarán Whelan after the former Dublin footballer stepped down from his role as selector.

Whelan has cited his work, family and management commitments, to Raheny GAA, as the reasons he must vacate the position. “I wasn’t in a position to give the upcoming series the full attention it deserved and for that reason I spoke to Paul outlining my position,” he said. “I wish the team and management every success and offer them every support I can from the background.”

Earley struck an emphatic chord when he addressed Whelan’s withdrawal. “He has made a great contribution to date as part of the management team, particularly in the process we undertook to identifying players. I am delighted to welcome Jarlath on board as a selector… He was highly regarded as a player and I know he will bring the same drive and passion to his involvement with the Irish team as a selector that he did as a respected footballer.”

Fallon, who won two All-Ireland titles with the Galway footballers, joins Earley’s backroom staff for the two-game series in October. The Tuam native represented Ireland in four tests against Australia. He joins Earley, Tony Scullion and Séamus McCarthy as part of the Irish management team.

Fallon said, “I was both surprised and honoured to get the call from Paul when it came and I am delighted to join Séamus and Tony as part of his backroom team.

I held the series in high regard as a player and will bring the same approach to it as a selector as we look to prepare the Irish team to the highest standard possible. I look forward to the weeks ahead and the opportunity of working alongside some of our best footballers.”

Ireland play Australia on 19 October in Kingspan Breffni Park before the second test in Croke Park seven days later.

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