TRIBUTES have poured in for AFL pioneer Sean Wight, who has passed away at the age of 47 after a short battle with lung cancer.

Sean Wight, the former Kerry minor footballer and one of the first recruits for the so-called 'Irish Experiment' in Australian Rules, has died following a short illness.

Laois native Zach Tuohy has been selected to make his AFL debut for the Carlton Blues against Port Adelaide on Sunday, joining Cork's Setanta Ó hAilpín in the team.

AFL CHIEFS have officially stated that “first-choice players” from Gaelic football and hurling should be specifically targeted for recruitment for Australian Rules.

AISAKE O hAILPÍN has predicted that his brother Setanta will follow Tadhg Kennelly’s footsteps by returning from Australia to play for his native county before the end of his career.

SETANTA O hAILPÍN has been tipped to become a “gem” in the AFL, just like compatriots Jim Stynes and Tadhg Kennelly.

IT COULDN’T have been more fitting as an Aussie Rules season that shapes up to have a greater Irish influence than ever before, kicked off last night with one of our exports providing the opening night fireworks.

FORMER Young Footballer of the Year Tommy Walsh is winning over AFL fans without having played a competitive game in Australia.

TADHG KENNELLY wants to become the Australian Football League’s (AFL) first Irish ambassador, a role which he hopes would prevent Gaelic football from turning into a meat market for the oval code.

THE AFL risks alienating its GAA counterparts if AFL clubs proceed with plans to hold a week-long recruitment camp for young Gaelic footballers in Australia this year.

THE GAA’S best footballers may have left Australia empty handed after the last International Rules Series but the Association’s president and top officials certainly achieved more than a little revenge yesterday.