There are 4 big sporting events in Melbourne over this weekend.
1. Australia vs Ireland - International Rules football.
This game is a hybrid out of Australian Rules & Garlic football & it is played every year in either Australia or Ireland. I'm off to the game night which should be fun. There will be about 65,000 at the game. Attached is a explanation.
http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=intrules&spg=rules

2. Spring Racing Carnival - Derby Day
Saturday is the second biggest race day in Australia, The Victorian Derby. There will be, weather permitting, about 100,000 people will be there

3. Australian vs Ireland - Rugby
This is Australia's 1st big test in the World Cup. I wish I was going to this but tickets are so hard to get. I will be watching it on TV

4. Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday
The horse race that stops a nation & it is a public holiday in Melbourne. The biggest race day in Australia. There will be about 120,000 people at the race meeting. I will be watching it at the Laird Hotel with lots of friends

Melbourne are full of Irish visitors. All hotels are book out. It's going to be a great weekend

This is one of the best typos ever! <Homer Simpson voice> Mmmmmm....garlic football.... </Homer voice> wink

Thanks Joe

First I've heard of this "hybrid" game. I thought the AFL rules were used worldwide.

Hope it becomes more popular though, and doesn't die of benign neglect - like the language Esperanto.

No its been going since the 60s, only now the AFL and the Irish Gaelic Football whatever they are, I dont know if its league or what. Anyway they are serious about promoting the games, last year in Ireland they got 70,000 to a game while here in Melbourne they got 60,000 into a half built MCG.

The games are great to watch, its a very good television game. The Aussies being profesional have a fitness advantage, while some of the Irish are the cutest men you could ever lay your eyes on.