Setanta eyes Rebel swansong

FORMER Young Hurler of the Year, Setanta Ó hAilpín, has expressed a desire to play for Cork again when his career in the AFL has ended.

Ó hAilpín, who plays his 50th senior game for Carlton Blues this weekend, admitted he would love to line out alongside brother Seán Óg and Aisake with the county senior side.

He said: “‘Sake’ has broken into the hurling team with our older brother, Sean Óg. I would love to play with them, but I have business to finish here. When I finish that business I hope to play a year with them.”

Ó hAilpin’s AFL career looked in tatters earlier this year after a controversial clash with team mate Cameron Cloke in a pre-season intra-club match.

“I would like to think I’m on the way to winning back respect from my team-mates and within the football community. Respect is hard to gain and easily lost, but I’m working very hard. My actions were those of a very frustrated man, frustrated with the constant injury and not knowing what was causing it.”

Ó hAilpín revealed he has endured an injury nightmare for almost three years.

“I knew there was something wrong because my body wouldn’t let me show I could play good football. But I had 16 scans over 2½ years and they kept coming back with nothing, even after I went to Germany.

“I couldn’t understand it because I was getting numbness in my legs, pins and needles and then losing all power. I questioned myself and thought maybe it was in my head.”

Vascular specialist Dr Michael Denton eventually diagnosed the problem as a blocked artery which was restricting blood circulation to the lower leg.

“It was a massive relief. Now I’m feeling fitter and a lot more comfortable. I would like to think I will fulfil my potential over the next few months and next year.”