Cork football coach Ronan McCarthy says there was never any likelihood of Ciarán Sheehan returning to the Rebels fold for the coming season.

The AFL’s love affair with Irish football talent has found a new poster boy.

Former Cork footballer Ciaran Sheehan impressed when he played his first AFL game with Carlton this morning.

Meticulous scrutiny of Australian football matches was a central factor in Ciarán Sheehan’s selection on the Carlton side for this Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast.

Ciaran Sheehan will make his first start in the Australian Football League (AFL) for Melbourne-based club Carlton this Saturday against the Gold Coast.