Manager Meyler has raised Cork to impressive heights

EVEN FOR a side that’s unbeaten in Munster championship hurling over two seasons, preparing for a provincial final still brings its own pressure. Therefore, one could understand the caution in John Meyler’s voice when I spoke with him on Saturday morning in a cordial and friendly conversation, reminding us constantly of those daily calls when he was in charge of the Model county.

I have known John for many years, since his early days down in Tacumshane, coupled with his playing career both for Our Lady’s Island and Wexford, and later his managerial experience with his native county.

And no one realised the pressure facing into a provincial final better than the Wexford man, as he was on the cusp of history. It’s great to speak and meet with this hurling fanatic on a regular basis, particularly following the harsh treatment meted out to him by fellow Wexford people.

John was endeavouring to become the first Wexford man to manage a county to a Munster Senior hurling title success, days far apart from when he assisted Wexford District to a Senior football title in 1977.

John has been a long time around, having won an All-Ireland hurling medial with his adopted Rebel county in 1986, while steering St. Finbarr’s to an All-Ireland Club football title.

Having cut his teeth in management under some expert eyes down in Cork, the Tacumshane native was soon to become a household name, taking his experience from periods in charge of Kerry and Carlow, in addition to many club sides along the way.

And of course there was his spell with Wexford. John’s last game in charge of the Model county Senior hurlers was also in Semple Stadium in 2008 when he came so close to leading the side through to a second successive All-Ireland semi-final, losing out by one point in that quarter-final clash to Waterford, who went on to the final.

Then he was unceremoniously relieved of his duties on a fateful day in Dungarvan when asked to attend a meeting with then Chairman, Ger Doyle, and County Secretary, Margaret Doyle.

Given where he had brought Wexford hurling, this was one of the worst decisions ever made in a county, and it was followed by a stormy County Board meeting.

Meyler was a huge loss to Wexford, as he has subsequently demonstrated, enjoying success in other counties.

And this season thus far he has delivered for his adopted Cork, where he has worked and resided for some 40 years. He has proven himself a top-class coach and manager, and his success has been welcomed by genuine G.A.A. people in Wexford. It’s no more than he deserves.

When Meyler took over this Cork side at the start of the year, he was facing into a huge challenge. Cork have been starved of All-Ireland success of late, but his first real challenge was to successfully defend the Munster title.

Cork misfired through most of the first-half against Clare, but an explosive finish to the opening 35 minutes set them up for the second-half although still trailing by four points.

This was a crucial moment for Meyler. Cork had not played well, they were struggling with a highly-motivated Clare, so the dressing-room during that half-time break was where the response was orchestrated.

It was a real tester for Meyler and his ability to lift his charges for a second-half flourish. It may have taken an extra few minutes but the manner in which Cork responded suggests the power that Meyler has over his squad.

Now Meyler has his side in an All-Ireland semi-final. Cork have once again become a hurling power, hoping to go one better than last year, and qualify for the decider.

That’s Cork as we once knew them. Amidst all the hurling frenzy which the championship has brought this year, Meyler has emerged amongst the top hurling managers.

It goes to show that there was much more to Meyler’s confidence than he showed in that telephone conversation on Saturday morning. Eight points down at one stage, it was in typical Meyler fashion that Cork responded.

I’m looking forward to more hurling chats with the Cork hurling maestro over the coming days and weeks.