Ó hAilpín makes Carlton debut

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.

Former Cork hurler Setanta Ó hAilpín'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.

The 20-year-old, who has been in Australia barely three months, hit three kicks before being rested in the final quarter of the Wizard Home Loans Cup game.

He was however the star attraction for visiting fans as his first kick after 11 minutes of the third quarter brought great cheers amongst the Blues.

His second kick, his best, angled over 55 metres but his marker Matthew McCarthy did get the better of the rookie, kicking three goals off Ó hAilpín, although the errors were more to do with the Irishman’s team mates than himself.

Blues coach Denis Pagan told afl.com afterwards, “It will only be time that will determine when Setanta becomes a regular AFL player and no one knows when that time is.”

“There wouldn’t be too many people on the planet who could do what he has achieved today, coming from a different country and a different code in such a short space of time and we are all proud of him.”

“I’ll cherish this first game until I die,” stated Ó hAilpín, “It’s a great club, I just love it here.”

The 2003 Young Hurler of the Year had only played one official VFL (Victoria Football League) game, the AFL’s reserve league, before the Geelong game.

But an excellent defensive performance from the Cork man for Carlton’s affiliate club the Northern Bullants last Friday convinced Pagan of his worth in his opening day squad of 24.