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.

Former Cork hurler Setanta O’hAilpin’s Aussie Rules’ senior debut ended in defeat this morning as the Carlton Blues lost their season’s opener 86-66 to Geelong at the Optus Oval.

Two goals from second-half substitute Setanta O’hAilpin steered Cork to victory over Tipperary in the Allianz NHL tie at Thurles in an end-to-end game played in perfect conditions.