An inspired performance from Ash McGrath wasn’t enough to help get Australia over the line in Saturday night’s first International Rules Series test in Ireland.

McGrath, who was the Australian goalkeeper, made a good fist of one of the most difficult roles in International Rules and was named among the country’s best players.

His most notable moment came five minutes into the second term when he smothered Sean Cavanagh who looked set to slot a point-back goal for the Irish.

The Australians were on the back foot early, trailing by 13 points at the first break, before the lead extended to 25 points midway through the third term.

But to the Aussies’ credit, they fought back and even got to within eight point early in the final quarter, before Ireland steadied to run out 22-point winners.

The Australians will now need to defeat Ireland by 23 or more points in next Saturday night’s second test at Croke Park if they’re to claim the series and bring home the Cormac McAnnellen Perpetual Trophy.

IRELAND 0.5.2 0.8.4 1.9.6 2.12.9 (57)
AUSTRALIA 0.1.1 0.2.3 1.5.6 1.7.8 (35)

GOALS
Ireland: Tuohy, McLoughlin
Australia: Neade

OVERS:
Ireland: Murphy 2, Munnelly 2, Begley, O'Shea, Byrne, Cavanagh, Flynn, Sheehan, Boyle, McManus
Australia: Motlop 2, Franklin, Lew. Jetta, Al. Davey, Stokes, Ler. Jetta

BEST
Ireland: Tuohy, McCaffrey, Murphy, Hanley, McManus, Munnelly
Australia: Motlop, McGrath, Wells, Stokes, Franklin, Betts, Yarran

INJURIES
Ireland: Walsh (leg)
Australia: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Maurice Deegan (GAA), Matt Stevic (AFL)

Official crowd: 17,657 at Breffni Park