IRISH international rules boss Nickey Brennan has hit out against the series' detractors, saying the two teams deserved great credit for what they had produced.

Ireland beat Australia by four points in the second Test Friday night at the MCG to reclaim the Cormac McAnallen Trophy.

The series is now certain to continue this time next year in Ireland, given the lack of on-field violence in these two Tests.

Furious Irish officials cancelled last year's series because of incidents during the 2005 and '06 matches and the future of the concept was at stake this time.

While the series has far from universal appeal in Ireland and Australia, Brennan said the quality of last week's match in Perth and the MCG game had shown the compromised game's true potential.

"Anybody who didn't see this series in a positive light ... we have those in Ireland, as you well know, who are not pro the series anyway - they have them here, too," said Brennan, the Gaelic Athletic Association president.

"As far as (Friday night) is concerned, we simply have to just ignore their views, because they're not going to see a positive in it, probably.

"But anybody who would watch this series, see the efforts of the players on both sides, would have to commend them for what they've done here.

"Yes, there will be some begrudgers, but let's push them aside for once."

AFL officials were also delighted with the series, but its future hinged more on how well it was received in Ireland.

"It's fair to say, doubts are dispelled after (Friday night)," Brennan said.

He praised Australian coach Mick Malthouse in particular for ensuring his players curbed their natural instinct for fierce physical pressure.

Less than 43,000 were at the MCG on Friday night, although rain undoubtedly affected that figure.