Na Piarsaigh, however, produced an exceptional second-half display and secured a 0–17 to 0–10 victory, with Ó hAilpín finishing as the game's top scorer with five points.
Following Na Piarsaigh's county championship triumph in late 2004, Ó hAilpín decided to travel to Australia where he took up Australian rules football.
Ó hAilpín began his third year again on the rookie list in 2007, which had to be his final rookie-listed season by AFL rules, playing exclusively in the Bullants' seniors and predominantly in the ruck.
He was believed to be close to elevation and selection, with Carlton coach Denis Pagan confirming this in a post-match press conference in June, but shortly afterwards Ó hAilpín sustained a season-ending groin injury.
[3] After promising so much potential, Ó hAilpín failed to register a senior game and was delisted at the end of the 2008 season and left Australia.
Ó hAilpín started and was selected as man of the match in Cork's surprise first-round championship win over Tipperary.