Final may be deferred for Ó hAilpíns

CORK GAA chiefs may now defer the county hurling final from Sunday week to enable Seán Óg and Setanta Ó hAilpín play with Ireland in the second test against Australia on the same day.

Sean Óg yesterday described Na Piarsaigh's semi-final victory at the weekend as "throwing the cat among the pigeons" with GAA president Sean Kelly describing the clash as "an awkward one" for Cork.

"They would have had the county final pencilled in for several months past and they would not have anticipated Sean Óg being on the international rules team," he said.

"But Cork have always been very proud and supportive of their stars and in this instance, I think they will be able to readjust their schedule to accommodate them."

Based on the attendance of 15,800 at the semi-finals on Sunday, he expressed the view that it was doubtful if the County Board would consider playing the final under lights the night before. Cork chairman Jim Forbes said the board would look at the situation.

While Setanta had been included in the original panel of 42, Sean Óg agreed his addition to the squad had come as a surprise to a lot of people. But, he didn't hesitate to seize the opportunity to play with his brother.

"This will probably be the only chance I'll get to tog out with him if things go well for him in Australia," he said. "I was under no illusions when Pete McGrath and Larry Tompkins approached me. Basically they told me there was no guarantee. I'll never get a chance of representing Ireland otherwise and I'd love to wear an Irish jersey. When I was asked if I would be interested in getting involved, the natural answer was 'yes'.

Irish manager McGrath said that Sean Óg was such an accomplished footballer that he could 'walk on' to most county teams.

"He has performed exceptionally since he joined us the week after the All-Ireland final, particularly in the trial matches. He has exceeded my expectations and I'm very confident he will do very well. The first time I met him I was taken by his focus, his determination to do well and his willingness to learn."

Sean Óg said the club players appreciated the pressure Setanta was under and that the Carlton club did not really wish him to play hurling because of the fear of him getting injured.

"But Setanta grew up with a lot of the players in the club and wants them to do well," he said. "If it means helping us out he will play. If he can help us to county final glory, so be it. And, then we'll give him a good send-off."

Both are key players for Na Piarsaigh, who qualified for the Cork SHC final on Sunday by defeating reigning All-Ireland club champions, Newtownshandrum.

Na Piarsaigh manager Joe O'Leary said: "We signposted it well in advance that we could have a problem if we qualified for the county final and the two players were selected for Ireland. We have been officially informed that the county final is fixed for October 24. However, we have also been informed that in the event of the two players being selected, the GAC will look at the situation.

"In the meantime, we hope nothing will happen to them. Both are central to our chances of winning the county, and whatever chance we have with them, we'd have none without them."

Board chairman Mr Forbes is conscious of Na Piarsaigh's problems, but is also aware the Munster Club championship involving the Cork champions is scheduled for November 7.

"There are no nominations permitted in the club championship," he said. "We'll have a look at the problem tomorrow night (Tuesday) before the board meeting to see whether we can come up with a satisfactory resolution."

Na Piarsaigh are conscious that Setanta Ó'hAilpín is due to fly back to Australia on Monday, October 25 for pre-season training with Carlton.

It's understood that if the county final is deferred, he has asked Carlton to allow him stay at home for the extra week to play with Na Piarsaigh.

Na Piarsaigh's Christy Connery has been ruled out of the County Final after breaking his collar bone.