It would once have seemed an unlikely friendship, given their prowess in different sports and their counties' neighbourly rivalry, but Cork's Setanta Ó hAilpín and Kerryman Tadhg Kennelly are now professional footballers and firm friends.

Down teenager Martin Clarke has made an encouraging start to his fledgling Aussie Rules career, starring for Collingwood in yesterday's exhibition match against the Sydney Swans.

Kerryman Tadhg Kennelly was a notable omission from the 27-man Ireland squad which manager Pete McGrath named today for this month's International Rules series in Australia.

Kerryman Tadhg Kennelly is eyeing an Aussie Rules AFL Grand Final winners' medal after he helped the Sydney Swans defeat St Kilda 96-65 in today's Preliminary Final.