Sheehan relishing AFL opportunity

CIARÁN SHEEHAN has admitted to conflicting emotions surrounding the pursuit of an AFL career and the chance to play at senior level for Cork, but remains adamant that the opportunity to become a professional sportsman is too good to turn down.

A dual county minor, Sheehan proved a central cog in John Cleary’s U21 team that won this year’s All-Ireland title, despite the fact that he won’t be 19 until November.

The Éire Óg starlet was called into the senior squad by Conor Counihan immediately afterwards and admits that it was a dream come true.

“For an 18-year-old, it’s what dreams are made of” he said. “I was only U16 a couple of years ago. The feeling of walking into the dressing rooms and seeing all them heroes that you looked up to when you were younger; it’s a feeling I can’t just explain. It’s just amazing.”

And yet he has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Aussie Rules club Carlton, who also have compatriot Setanta O hAilpín on their books. Aisake O hAilpín and Michael Shields were also with the Melbourne-based outfit for a while before resuming their GAA careers with the Rebels.

The Blues have been trailing Sheehan, who started his Leaving Cert exam yesterday at Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig, since the 2007 Munster MFC final victory over Kerry, when he was contacted by agent, Gerard Sholly.

“When I got the phone call I thought it was someone messing (with) me. I had this feeling inside, I just couldn’t believe what was happening. I went over two Christmases ago for four days, just to see what it was like and to do a bit of training and I loved it. I’m going over now in July for a month. The contract is signed but I’m under no obligation. After four weeks, I can stay or go home. It’s up to me at the end of the day.”

He doesn’t imagine that he will be tearing up the contract though.

“It’s a professional sport and to be doing something you like doing all the time. Always growing up you’d aim to be with the Cork seniors. This has cut across what I always dreamed of in that regard. It has put doubts in my mind and I know it’s a long way away; I’ve always been a home bird. At the same time, it’s something kids would love to do.”