Ó hAilpín glad to be tested

FILLING the number three jersey was something of an unusual experience for Séan Óg Ó hAilpín in Cork’s concluding game in the preliminary series of the Allianz NHL against Wexford at the weekend.

It wasn’t as if the full-back position was totally new to him, except that he last played there 12 years ago with the U21 team. Alerted to the situation by manager Gerald McCarthy early in the week — because of the unavailability of Diarmuid O’Sullivan — he explained yesterday that his immediate reaction was one of delight to be getting back into the thick of the action.

“To be honest, I’d play anywhere to get a run-out. The more games I play, the more they will benefit me,” he commented. “The main thing was the result and we are now in the next round of the League.”