THE GAA IS set to lose yet another young player to Aussie Rules, it has emerged today.

Cork footballer Ciaran Sheehan – an All-Ireland winner with Conor Counihan’s side last September – will join Carlton. But not after one more season with the Rebels.

The Irish Independent reports that the Blues have confirmed that the Eire Óg player will join them for ‘pre-season training next October and start his AFL career with them in the 2012 season’.

Sheehan had month-long trial with the Melbourne club in 2009.

Cliodhna Foley spoke to Carlton Blues general manager of football operations Steve Icke, who said that the Sam Maguire win was key to any decision:

I think that’s part of it. It’s a box ticked I suppose…to have won an All-Ireland medal as a 19-year-old is a great achievement.

He’s in the second year of a sports marketing course, so he’d like to finish next year’s term.

He wants to be able to have a career outside football which is important.

For more information read this story in this morning’s Irish Independent.

The Rebels lost Young Hurler of the Year Setanta Ó hAilpín to the Melbourne club previously of course. Enter ‘King Hit’…