He could also have been the classic AFL player. The eldest of the O'hAilpins, his younger brothers Setanta and Aisake are on Carlton's rookie list learning the game. To get a sense of just what Sean Og could have been as an AFL player, consider that in Ireland last year he played on and defeated James Hird. Twice.

"If I had have had the opportunity like Setanta and Aisake to have a go at their age, I would have definitely went for it. I would have given up everything to have the chance. I am delighted for them," said Sean Og, now 29 and beyond such conversions.



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"I remember at the time Setanta was in a big dilemma whether to go or not. He was (Cork's) gun forward. In his first year he won everything possible, and it will take a good while for that to be equalled. For him to walk away from that was a big move. He is sacrificing a lot — at the time it was like a funeral at Cork when he left. If he walked anywhere in Ireland he would be known.

"But I encouraged him to go. I said, 'If it works out, brilliant. If it doesn't, you will be a better man for it, for having a go rather than being the guy that never tried and you are 40 and sitting at a pub knocking your head against a wall saying 'F---, why didn't I do it?' "