WHEN the Australian of team of highly paid professionals run out on to Patersons Stadium for Saturday night's International Rules Test against Ireland, they'll be confronted by a bunch of amateurs.

 

Amateur by sporting status that is, definitely not playing ability wise.

 

Because Brisbane Lions star Pearce Hanley aside, the Irish players aren't paid to kick the footy around, as Gaelic football is an amateur sport in Ireland.

 

"It's going to be great to judge ourselves to see how far off amateur sportsman are of our professional rivals," said Irish forward Colm O'Neill

 

"The Australians are a professional outfit, that's their job. They've picked the best of the best, so they're coming out all guns blazing."

 

O'Neill, from Ballyclough in County Cork, works for one of Ireland's leading banks and wouldn't be representing his country without the ongoing support and encouragement of his employer.

 

"It's a huge credit to them to give me a few days off so I can come over here and play," he said

 

The 26-year-old looms as one of the main men the Aussies must stop if they want to reclaim the Cormac McAnallen Cup.

 

The goal poacher, who's overcome a knee reconstruction on each knee, displayed his innate ability up forward in Ireland's easy practice match win over a VFL side, slotting four goals.

 

Pride is a major factor in his brilliant form.

 

"I love playing for my country and county but to represent Ireland is a huge honour for me," said O'Neill

 

"It's great to mingle with players who are normally the opposition back home in Ireland. It's a once in a life time opportunity, so I'm just trying to make the most of it.

 

"Personally, its a big deal for me."