GAA: Setanta Ó'hAilpín has been given a lifeline in the AFL after being drafted by Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy. THe former Cork hurler was let go by Carlton Blues last month but he will remain in the league with the fledgling franchise.
Ó'hAilpín was the most high profile of the those selected in the draft yesterday and former Australian International Rules manager Sheedy said it was "nice to take a big leprechaun".
Sheedy added: "Not many players at AFL level were re-drafted, only two or three, probably sending a message out to players that you really want to knuckle down and get your career right. It's very difficult at the present time."
Ó'hAilpín is seen by Sheedy as a verstaile option with top level experience, a must for a team embarking on its first season.
The Corkman played 80 games for Carlton from 2005. He was suspended indefinitely after clashing with teammate Cameron Clarke in 2009, but fought his way back into the side and ended last season in good form for the Blues.
Nevertheless, he was let go by coach Brett Ratten and will now join veterans Dean Brogan, James McDonald and Chad Cornes at GWS.