Published Friday, 28 October 2011
Goals from Donegal's Michael Murphy, Kildare's Eamonn Callaghan, Wicklow's Leighton Glynn and Armagh's Steven McDonnell helped the tourists to a 80-36 victory, giving the Aussies an almost-insurmountable deficit to recover in the second and final test in a weeks time.
The 2010 series against Australia saw Ireland struggle to get into the game until the final quarter, a quirk which saw them beaten by 10 points over the course of the two games.
However, Ireland raced out of the blocks from the throw-in, with Tommy Walsh firing the first over of the game.
Ireland totally dominated the opening exchanges, with Murphy's well-taken goal helping them to a 22-4 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
The tourists showed no signs of slowing down as the game progressed, Down's Kevin McKernan began the second period with a behind and an over, before Eamonn O'Callaghan fired into an empty net for the game's second goal.
Rules veteran Steven McDonnell added two superb overs before Australia finally grabbed a significant score of their own midway through the second period when Brad Green capitalised on a rare Stephen Cluxton mistake to grab a goal.
However Ireland looked in irresistible form and deservingly went in 24 points ahead at the break.
McKernan was again among the scorers with another over in a goalless third quarter, as Ireland led 59-29 heading into the final quarter.
The visitors then claimed two more goals before the final hooter, the first a superbly-struck effort from Wicklow dual star Leighton Glynn who powered the ball high into the net from 20 metres.
McDonnell added a fourth goal from a tight angle before Australia rallied briefly, but Brendan Murphy added the final score of the game with an over right on the hooter as Ireland secured an 80-36 victory.
With the result of the series coming down to aggregate score over the two tests, Australia must score 44 points just to achieve parity when the sides meet in Queensland next Friday.