It was confirmed this week that Setanta O’hAilpin- who plays for the Australian GAA team Carlton Blues- will not feature in the International Rules series against Australia in October.

O’hAilpin has been with the Blues since 2004.

He has never played in the Aussie Rules.

O’hAilpin’s youngest brother, Aisake, has also tried to get on the Blues team but was never successful and returned home to Ireland last year.

Old school Aussie Rules participant Tadhg Kennelly has said he would love an opportunity to line out for the Irish side when Australia come to Limerick on October 23 for the first test.

Kennelly, from Co. Kerry, currently lives in Australia and plays Gaelic football for the Sydney Swans. He is on a new two-year contract.

A captain and preliminary Irish panel are expected to be announced next week once Irish boss Anthony Tohill and his management team have a chance to integrate Cork and Down footballers in a trial match this Friday in Croke Park.

“We are bringing in a few Cork and Down players this weekend,” said selector and Wicklow native Kevin O’Brien.

“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.”

On the Ó hAilpín issue all O’Brien could add was: “I don’t think he (Setanta) is going to be available. I’m not quite sure to be honest. Anthony is talking to them.”