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FORMER Essendon import Michael Quinn is set to make his Virgin Australia International Rules Series debut against Australia - before playing in a crucial Gaelic football semi-final just 19 hours later.

The 25-year-old, who spent three years at Essendon before returning to Ireland, is hoping for "a weekend to remember" in what shapes as the busiest 24 hours of his sporting career.

Quinn, who will face off with former teammates Dustin Fletcher and Dyson Heppell at Croke Park on Saturday (6am Sunday AEDT), played eight games for Essendon but none as big as those which he will play in this weekend.

"It's a difficult challenge," Quinn told the Irish Examiner.

"It's about putting things in place so I can give the best for both.

"I think I can give it my all on both days.

"I'd prefer to have it this way than to have to make a decision and having regrets down the line.

"I'll deal with whatever happens on the Saturday and Sunday and hopefully it will be a good weekend."

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Fletcher, who will end his 23-year career at the top level after Saturday's match, fondly remembers his three years as a teammate of Quinn's at Essendon.

The young Irish star lived around the corner from the respected veteran and the two grew to become good friends.

"I used to pick ‘Quinny’ up every day for training. He's a quality person," Fletcher recalled.

"He used to speak to me about playing for his county at Longford and his local club as well.

  "I read in the paper yesterday that he's got a busy schedule ahead of him."