Michael Liddane will proudly step out and represent this country this weekend in what will be a moment that will sit proudly in his distinguished footballing career.
The long serving Naomh Eoin clubman is part of the Irish Over 40s squad that will play Australia in the Masters International Rules series this weekend down in Mayo.
He will fly the Banner flag alongside Kieran Kennedy who is playing for the Over 50s game against their Southern Hemisphere rivals while Louise Henchy is part of the first ever Ladies Over 40s squad.
The moment is undoubtedly a proud one for Liddane although he will not be the first member of his own family to don the green of Ireland. His daughter Leana has shone in surf lifesaving and has secured World and European medals with her father now aiming to make his own impression.
“This caps it all off for me. I have played club, county and now after this weekend hopefully with my country. My daughter Leana represented her country so I will be the second in the family to do it so there is a bit of pressure there. I only get the gear this weekend so hopefully we can get a photo of her in her national gear and me in mine at some stage.”
Ireland will face Australia this Saturday and seven days later in Cavan. This weekend, the sides will meet in Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club, Mayo. The Over 50s contest will commence at 12pm followed by the Over 40 Ladies encounter starting at 2pm.
Finally, Liddane and the Over 40s will face their Australian counterparts at 4pm. Ladies AFL Masters Australian Team – 2024 Ireland Tour & Irish Masters ladies team are meeting in St Joseph’s Charlestown prior to the inaugural Ladies Masters test series to celebrate International Women’s Day with this Saturday promising to be a memorable occasion.
Despite the honour of wearing his country’s colours, Liddane is keen to not lose focus on the goal, trying to help Ireland win both tests against their Southern Hemisphere rivals.
“It is a shot into the unknown for most of us. Some lads have been there before having played in these games. In a few years time I can say I played for my country but for now I am going to treat this like any other match. We will be up there early in the day and we will go out and give it a lash.”
“We had one lad injured last week so it is a bit daunting the thought of being injured. It can be in the back of your mind but if you go out thinking you will get injured then you should not tog. I will have my game face on when the times comes.”
The rules will differ with teams using a gaelic football but akin to the International Rules series, goals are worth six points, points secure a team three points while an over is worth one point.
The tackling technique is vastly different with players able to wrap each other up while the mark will be in effect. However, if a player takes a step forward after calling the mark, they can be tackled immediately. The ball can be picked off the ground while players can run six metres before taking a bounce or solo.
Australia have tended to struggle in recent editions of this competition but with Jason Akermanis, who held a storied rivalry with Peter Canavan during the International Rules encounters, in charge of the Men from Down Under, Liddane feels Australia will be well equipped.
“We are under no illusions that they will be very strong opposition. We have to be ready. They have struggled to get to grips before with the rules but Akermanis is over them so they will be taking it seriously. They will have trained in hot weather so we hope it is Baltic this weekend !”
The Naomh Eoin clubman has secured four Junior titles with his club while also winning three successive Sigerson Cups with Tralee IT from 1997 to ’99.
Having represented Clare from U-16 up to Senior level, Liddane is hoping to do his family proud with wife Christina, son Sam and daughter Leana watching on as he embarks on this latest sporting milestone.
“I definitely want us to win both tests. I really want to enjoy it and make sure we get some pictures so one of the grandkids can one day say that the old lad used to be ok at football. I am very focused on the game but I hope to look back in the future and be proud of this accomplishment.”