a fourth place behind New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and USA. Jim Stynes' brother David coached the 2014 national side hoping to defend the title however the side failed to defeat Papua New Guinea in the final. The men's side was considered favourites going into the 2017 international cup, thought they finished in 3rd place. Governing body and participation The governing body is AFL Ireland. Formerly it was the Australian Rules Football League of Ireland (ARFLI) until the league affiliated with the AFL Commission. As of 2014, there were more than 200 senior players and in 6 men's clubs and 3 women's clubs. Media coverage The sport, and International Rules has been covered in the media for many years, though it was only in 2010 that there has been regular AFL coverage on television through TG4. The and also in the media, including the International Rules Series. In 2021 the AFLW began showing on TG4. Current issues The sport in Ireland faces constant struggle, due to the massive popularity of the indigenous and similar sport of Gaelic football which discourages professionalism. A controversial International Rules series in 2005 may have irreparably damaged the reputation of the code in Ireland, however the continued export of Gaelic football converts to Aussie Rules ensures that the sport continues to have a small following in Ireland. Proximity to Great Britain and mainland Europe, where there are fairly strong Aussie Rules leagues gives teams from Ireland the opportunity to regularly participate in international competition and remain competitive through access to Gaelic football players. Players Australia has recruited several Irish Gaelic footballers to play Aussie Rules. As Gaelic football is primarily amateur competition and the AFL competition is professional, there is a strong financial lure. Converts have included Jim Stynes, Sean Wight, Tadhg Kennelly and Setanta Ó hAilpín (hurler). Leagues Australian Rules Football League of Ireland See also List of Australian rules football leagues outside Australia References External links