Rumours are rife that talented teenage hurler Aisake O hAilpín is set to follow in his brother Setanta's footsteps and link up with Aussie Rules side Carlton.
The 19-year-old, who fired over five points in Sunday's Cork Senior Hurling final, will miss Na Piarsaigh's impending AIB Munster semi-final against Tipperary's Toomevara if he takes up the offer of a Friday flight to Melbourne to trial with the Blues.
O hAilpín refused to comment on the rumours of a code switch in the aftermath of his side's 0-17 to 0-10 defeat of Cloyne, but has previously admitted his liking for the Aussie game.
"I'd love to play for Cork - I’ve been hurling since I was nine so I’d love to give that a bash," he said.
"But if I got the opportunity to go abroad and play Aussie Rules, I’d love that too."
O hAilpín must now be a target for the AFL's rookie draft on December 14.
Meanwhile older brother Setanta, whose Monday flight down under was delayed due to fog, has been named as one of two second-year rookies in Carlton's 35-man senior squad for the 2005 season.
The 21-year-old could make his Premiership debut in the Blues' Round One fixture against Fremantle next March.
