Pete calls on Setanta to show Aussies how

NEW Irish manager Pete McGrath wants ex-Cork hurling star Setanta Ó hAilpín to be part of his squad for next month’s International Rules Series against Australia in Croke Park.

Ó hAilpín, now playing with Aussie Rules club Carlton, was yesterday included in a provisional panel of 42 players - representing 18 counties - along with Tadhg Kennelly, who played in the series two years ago and has been starring this season with Sydney Swans.

Notable absentees include Armagh captain Kieran McGeeney and injured Kerry duo Darragh Ó Sé and Seamus Moynihan. Padraic Joyce will captain the side.

Asked specifically about the Armagh captain’s absence, McGrath responded that it was simply a case of him not being selected. “Obviously, he was a player we debated and looked at. He didn’t play too much football this summer and in our view maybe wasn’t at his best.

“A new management team coming in has new ideas of how the game should be played. We came into the selection process at the start of the summer very open-minded. Judgments were made on what we saw and what we knew about players.”

McGrath, who coached Down for 13 years and led them to their All-Ireland victories of 1991 and 1994, has been working with four selectors, John Tobin, Larry Tompkins, Mickey Linden and John O’Leary.

Ó hAilpín is ruled out of action with his club due to a stress fracture, but McGrath is confident that he can play some role for his native country. “Some weeks ago, it was more or less categorically stated that he was injured, that he would not be in a position to play, but that has changed.

“Larry spoke to him and he is due home in Ireland on Friday week. He is in good shape physically, looking forward to being part of the squad and playing in the games.

“And, we are very optimistic about Setanta and what he can contribute. “Tadhg Kennelly is due back very shortly and, like Setanta, is very keen to be part of the squad.”

McGrath said Darragh Ó Sé had been part of the plans but for being injured on Sunday. He said if Seamus Moynihan or any player involved in the All-Ireland final shows he can be an asset, he will be considered. Interestingly, the management decided to dispense with trials, based on the view that bringing players together in August had been ‘self-defeating’ in the past. “There were days when people came from different parts of the country and no more than 12 or 13 players were present. That turned players off and the overall effect was not positive.”

Squad sessions will start next Friday night in DCU where the players will undergo a battery of fitness tests and the first outdoor session will be held.

Michael Collins from Cork has been chosen as the Irish referee for the series, Tyrone county secretary Dominick McCaughey will be team manager, with Gene Duffy from Armagh the assistant manager. Con Murphy from Cork will continue as the team doctor.