Na Piarsaigh boost as Setanta set for dramatic return

SETANTA Ó hAILPÍN is expected to make a dramatic return to hurling this weekend with Na Piarsaigh of Cork.

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.”

The younger Ó hAilpín was a spectator on Hill 16 for this year’s All-Ireland final, but last season his swashbuckling style won him the Young Hurler of the Year award and a corner-forward slot on the Allstar team.

He has made a huge impression in his brief Australian Rules career with Carlton, kicking an amazing seven goals in the competition for senior reserve squads before being drafted into the club’s senior side. He looked set for his senior AFL debut six months after taking up the game but a stress fracture in his right foot ruled him out of the code for the rest of the season.

Ó hAilpín came home to recuperate and enjoy a well-earned holiday, but he was soon back in training with his former team-mates.

“He is showing outstanding form since his return, and there is every chance he’ll start against Sarsfields on Sunday,” the club spokesperson added.