MEYLER NURSING HIS WAY THROUGH CRISIS

TYRONE’S Conor Meyler has earned a reputation as a combative footballer who never shirks a challenge.

But the Covid-19 crisis has driven him to a life of caution, care and compassion at home and in the workplace.

The children of frontline healthcare workers continue to attend the Belfast primary school where he teaches.

And back home, his mother, an intensive care nurse at the

South West Hospital in Enniskillen, plays her vital role in the battle to save lives.

“I’m in school one day a week and the other days I’m teaching from home,” said Meyler (left).

“When we are in school, the numbers are low. You might have four or five, six or seven children in, and they could be children of any age. You’re really just minding them.

“It’s actually fairly enjoyable. It’s nice to help and feel like you’re playing a small part in helping NHS staff.”

Amid the uncertainty, though, he is instinctively compelled to maintain fitness levels by whatever makeshift means he can muster.

“Thankfully, at the house here we have a small hill, so I’m able to do a few runs,” he said.

“We have a bit of gym equipment in the shed, and before everything went on lockdown three or four weeks ago, I managed to get a couple of weights from the club. So I have had enough to keep me busy.”

Meanwhile, Conor Mckenna says he fully intends to restart his Gaelic football career in the coming years.

The Essendon player (inset) is back in Ireland after the AFL season was shut down last month.

And while the 24-year-old will head back Down Under when the time is right, he doesn’t plan on staying for the long haul.

“I will be home in the next few years,” he told BBC Sport NI.

“Whether it’s this year or next year I’m just not sure.

“I didn’t grow up dreaming of playing AFL, I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity, but I did grow up dreaming of playing for Tyrone, win Ulsters, win All-irelands. I want to play for Eglish first and see if I can kick the ball straight, then reassess from there.”