Setanta signs for Carlton

Rebel ace Setanta Ó hAilpín has confirmed his signature for Aussie Rules outfit Carlton, ending days of speculation about his future.

The Young Hurler of the Year has been given a rookie contract that will see him earn around €13,000 for his first two years at the Melbourne club.

"The biggest thing that drove me here is the professionalism of the AFL and I'd like to see myself as a professional player in the years to come."

Carlton's gain is very much Cork hurling's loss and county selector John Allen said the 20-year-old will be a major loss.

"He'll leave a huge void," said Allen. "But we're delighted for him. He could have stayed around and picked up any amount of endorsement work, had a nice easy job and earned much more than what he'll be on in the first year."