Between 1946 and 1950, Aherne also made 6 appearances for the IFA XI. These include two Victory internationals played in early 1946. On 2 February at Windsor Park he made his debut for the IFA XI in a 3–2 defeat to Scotland at Windsor Park. Then on 4 May he helped the IFA XI defeat Wales 1–0 at Ninian Park. On 28 September 1946 Aherne also played for the IFA XI in a heavy defeat to England. The highlight of career with the IFA XI came on 4 October 1947 when he helped them gain a 2–0 win against Scotland.
