In-form Setanta set to be another Irish ‘gem’

SETANTA O hAILPÍN has been tipped to become a “gem” in the AFL, just like compatriots Jim Stynes and Tadhg Kennelly.

Stynes and Kennelly, along with Seán Wight, are acknowledged as the major successes of the so-called ‘Irish Experiment’ in Aussie Rules.

O hAilpín has been more of a slow-burner than that illustrious trio as this is his seventh season with Carlton. However, the departure of goal-king Brendan Fevola has given the former young hurler of the year an opportunity to cement a position at full-forward and with seven goals in two games, he has certainly made the right impression.

After matching the biggest goal return of his career with four in the defeat to Brisbane last Thursday, his coach Brett Ratten said that the club had found a forward in O hAilpín who could play in the air and at ground level.

Now, former Western Bulldogs star, Luke Darcy has picked the Corkman out as someone who could have a big year. Darcy knows all about goal-scoring, having been transformed from a quality ruckman to a forward who was the Bulldogs’ leading scorer in 2004 and he has been impressed with the way O hAilpín has rescued his career.

“Twelve months ago we weren’t sure if he had an AFL future after the intra-club incident with Cameron Cloke” wrote Darcy on www.afl.com.au. “He has played enough footy now and seems to understand the game a lot better. I love his competitiveness and he brings great energy to the Carlton side.

“Like Jim Stynes and Tadhg Kennelly before him, I think we’ve found a gem from Ireland who will have a long career ahead of him. Setanta has kicked seven goals already this year and with the Blues looking for new avenues towards goal in the wake of Brendan Fevola’s departure, he could be set for a big year.”