Setanta O hAilpin is unlikely to feature for Ireland in next month's International Rules series.

Despite plying his trade in the AFL with the Carlton Blues since 2004, the former Young Hurler of the Year has never worn the Irish jersey, although he was denied the opportunity to play alongside older brother Sean Og in the 2004 series due to a calf injury.

Ireland manager Anthony Tohill has already ruled out considering the youngest Ó hAilpín brother, Aisake, because he is not playing inter-county football, having committed to the Cork hurlers for 2010. Aisake also spent several seasons with Carlton before returning home last year.

The brothers are currently in Australia and are not expected back until the middle of next month - thereby ruling them out of contention.

"I don't think he (Setanta) is going to be available. I'm not quite sure to be honest. Anthony is talking to them," Ireland selector Kevin O'Brien told The Irish Times.

The Irish management will announce a preliminary panel and a captain next week after players from All-Ireland finalists Cork and Down attend a trial match in Croke Park on Friday evening.

"We are bringing in a few Cork and Down players this weekend," former Wicklow star O'Brien added.
"We will meet on Friday, play a trial and train on Saturday. It will be held in Croke Park, with DCU or Parnell Park also being used.

"We have about 40-something players at present as we have to juggle from week to week due to club commitments. Anthony is speaking to all the (Australian-based) players at the moment so we hope to get a few of them back. They have yet to give a full commitment yet."

Down ace Martin Clarke, who spent two years with Collingwood, is expected to feature as is Tadhg Kennelly, who returned to the Sydney Swans at the end of last year after winning an All-Ireland medal with Kerry. Fellow Kerryman Tommy Walsh of St. Kilda is also likely to come into the reckoning. Tweet

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