CONOR WENT EXTRA MEYL’ TO WIN SAM
CONOR Meyler says he would never have tried the ball in for Cathal McShane’s All-Ireland final goal if he hadn’t learned to back himself and go for it.
Meyler’s floated ball from underneath the Hogan Stand was flicked to the net by McShane to pave the way for Tyrone’s Sam Maguire triumph over Mayo.
Omagh St. Enda’s man Meyler worked with a life coach through the GPA for a year and was reaping the dividends.
He was more relaxed going into games and expressing himself more, but for the first time people were beginning to sit up and take notice, particularly after his battle with Paudie Clifford in the last four.
Meyler was concerned about his changed circumstances going into the All-Ireland final, so went looking for help.
“It is funny this year, I had a conversation with a coach and a sports psychologist after the Kerry game to sort of say, ‘Well, how do you deal with the expectation that is on you now?” he reveals.
People
“Because people are starting to recognise you so there is that bit of expectation.
“It all just came back to me just being me and whatever happens, happens.
“It is just a game so I think when you strip it all back down to that and that is why (my) assists, kick passes and possessions this year were really high.
“Like, my ball into McShane for the goal that was just playing with freedom. That was just the difference, a quick jink and have a go there, just put it into the big man.
“I think by doing that this year, across all the games my kick-pass stats and assists were up. Just having a go.
“It is hard when you are so far back to maybe get up and get a score or two but maybe that will happen next season.”
Tyrone are still fourth favourites for next year’s All-Ireland title, but Meyler says it suits them to still be hunting.
He continued: “I suppose it is how you look at it. I still see ourselves as a team hunting rather than being hunted. We are probably fourth in the All-Ireland list.
Allow
“In terms of Ulster, Donegal have two out of four, so we are still chasing all these teams.
“I think that is the way it has to be. We can’t get comfortable or get complacent and I don’t think our management will allow us to do that, the way they are.”
Meyler believes there is plenty of room for improvement with Tyrone.
He said: “We had a kick-out plan (against Mayo) that did not necessarily go to plan either. We had a plan to press up on the Mayo kick-out, which didn’t really work either.
“You look at the chances we missed as well. Some boys had great games. Other boys, not so good.
“You just wonder. We played in spells this year and if we really clicked I still think there is a lot more in us, so there is.
“There is definitely a lot more if you look at the bench we have, and the panel, never mind the 26.”