Ó hAilpín won't feature in Rules series

GAA:SETANTA Ó hAILPÍN will not feature in the International Rules series against Australia next month. However, Tadhg Kennelly has indicated his willingness to line out for Anthony Tohill's Irish side when the Australians come to Limerick's Gaelic Grounds for the first Test on October 23rd.

The Listowel man returned to the Sydney Swans on a new two-year contract having clinched an All-Ireland medal in his solitary championship with Kerry last season.

Despite signing professional terms with the Carlton Blues in 2004, Ó hAilpín has never featured in the hybrid sport although he was denied the opportunity to play alongside elder brother Seán Óg in the 2004 series due to a calf injury.

In June Tohill ruled out considering the youngest Ó hAilpín brother, Aisake, as he was not playing inter-county football, having committed to the Cork hurlers for 2010. Aisake also spent several seasons trying to break into the Blues first team before returning home last year.

The brothers are currently in Australia and are not expected back until the middle of next month – thereby ruling them out of contention.

A captain and preliminary Irish panel are expected to be announced next week once Tohill and his management team have a chance to integrate Cork and Down footballers in a trial match this Friday in Croke Park.

“We are bringing in a few Cork and Down players this weekend,” said selector and Wicklow native Kevin O’Brien. “We will meet on Friday, play a trial and train on Saturday. It will be held in Croke Park, with DCU or Parnell Park also being used.

“We have about 40-something players at present as we have to juggle from week to week due to club commitments. Anthony is speaking to all the (Australian-based) players at the moment so we hope to get a few of them back. They have yet to give a full commitment yet.”

On the Ó hAilpín issue all O’Brien could add was: “I don’t think he (Setanta) is going to be available. I’m not quite sure to be honest. Anthony is talking to them.”

Down playmaker Marty Clarke is expected to feature after a fine return to Gaelic football from Collingwood in the AFL, while Tommy Walsh may also be selected to play alongside with Kennelly.