World Footy News

AFL club Carlton are believed to be interested in luring a second Irish player to Australia - the older brother of former hurling star, Setanta "Carlos" Ó hAilpín. The following information is courtesy of the ARFLI website.

Delegates from Carlton are believed to be in Dublin during the International Rules series between Ireland and Australia, to cast an eye over the performance of Seán Óg Ó hAilpín. Seán is the older brother of Setanta Ó hAilpín, who has already spent a year in Australia playing for Carlton's local VFL affiliate, the Northern Bullants. Seán Óg (Óg meaning junior, as he was named after his father) has been both a hurler and Gaelic footballer, and is representing Ireland in the Coca-Cola International series at Croke Park. He was one of Ireland's best in the first Test.

Seán Óg was 11 years of age before he moved to Ireland and he had already developed an interest in Australian Rules and Rugby league. However, AFL clubs mainly pick young players. Seán Óg is 27 and may be at the end of his career by the time he is fully trained to play AFL footy. It will be interesting to see if the Blues take a punt - it says much for their belief in Setanta, who has yet to make his debut (perhaps largely due to an untimely injury) that Carlton are apparently even considering a 27 year old hurler from the other side of the world.

Earlier stories on Setanta:

Setanta's debut stalled

Setanta Takes the Next Step