Na Piarsaigh boost as Setanta set for dramatic return
Back from Australia in advance of Cork’s All-Ireland hurling final success over Kilkenny, Ó hAilpín has been training with the club’s senior team ahead of their Cork SHC quarter-final against Sarsfields and seems certain to start on Sunday at Páirc Uí Rinn (6.15 pm). Na Piarsaigh officials confirmed last night that Setanta’s availability and the return of All-Ireland heroes Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and John Gardiner have resulted in a huge upsurge in interest among supporters.
“Setanta has been training with the rest of the team for the last fortnight and is enjoying himself,” said a club spokesperson. “It is as if he was never away from the game. Everyone was talking about the effect Setanta’s absence would have on Cork when he decided to play Australian football, but nobody ever thought how devastating it was for the club. His availability is a massive boost for us as we look to make amends for last year’s defeat by Sars at the same stage of the championship.”
