TYRONE JOB OFFER TRUMPS AFL CONTRACT FOR McSHANE
AJOB offer closer to home played a big part in Tyrone AllStar forward Cathal McShane’s decision to turn down a contract with AFL side Adelaide Crows.
McShane had a 10-day trial Down Under last month, fuelling speculation that he was about to embark on a new chapter in his sporting life.
But Tyrone clearly made him an offer he couldn’t refuse in the shape of a new job with Keystone Lintels and the 24-year-old’s decision to stay represents a massive boost to the Red Hands and their manager Mickey Harte.
‘Once I came back to Ireland, I knew I had to weigh up my options, had to see what was the best for me going forward, in my future,’ the player told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.
‘This career opportunity was obviously a deciding factor in me staying.
‘With Tyrone, we’re in a very fortunate position. Everyone knows I love putting on the white and red jersey of Tyrone. Those two things had big bearings on me staying. I’m looking forward to the future ahead.’
He admitted that his decision really wasn’t made until the last minute after enjoying his trial stint.
‘Obviously, there’s deadlines in terms of decisions. It did come down to the wire in terms of the last day I had to make the decision.
‘It was something that I really enjoyed. I feel that I did really well when I was out there. The opportunity out in Australia was appealing but I feel that I made the right decision.
‘The aim, you want to win the AllIreland. That’s the top aim that I would have in my career. I know we’re well capable of that.’
McShane is already itching for action as Kerry come to Healy Park in Omagh on Sunday in a tasty Division 1 game in the Allianz Football League.
‘The show goes on,’ tweeted a player who finished as top scorer in the championship in 2019. ‘I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things with Tyrone.’
A delighted Mickey Harte hailed it as ‘really good news for Tyrone football’.
The news broke via an official statement from the Adelaide Crows late on Wednesday night. The club’s general manager, Justin Reid, revealed: ‘It is a big decision to relocate to the other side of the world and pursue a professional career in a different sport.
‘Ultimately, this was not something that Cathal was ready for and we wish him the very best in his endeavours both on and off the field. ‘We will continue to look for opportunities to bring talent into our club.’ Meanwhile, Mayo manager James Horan has made four changes to his side for Sunday’s Allianz League Division 1 clash with Meath in Navan. James McCormack, Eoin O’Donoghue, Tommy Conroy and Kevin McLoughlin all come into the starting 15 following last weekend’s round two defeat by Dublin in Castlebar. McCormack and O’Donoghue make up a new central spine at No 3 and No 6 while Conroy and McLoughlin are named in the two corners alongside full-forward James Carr.
The four players who make way are the suspended Jordan Flynn after his straight red card, an injured Colm Boyle along with Aidan O’Shea and Oisin Mullin.
Lose a third consecutive game and Meath’s time in football’s top flight could turn out to be short-lived.
It’s only going to get harder to pick up points looking at their schedule of remaining games — away to Kerry, home to Galway, away to Dublin and away to Monaghan. MAYO (FL v Meath):
R Hennelly; P O’Hora, J McCormack, B Harrison; E O’Donoghue, M Plunkett, P Durcan; S Coen, D O’Connor; F Boland; R O’Donoghue, J Durcan; T Conroy, J Carr, K McLoughlin.