Histon bounces back from a difficult 2015
CORK’S chances of regaining a hold of the Munster Under 21 FC title and progress to the All Ireland Final received a massive boost with the return of defender Kieran Histon from a series of crippling injuries.
A quality player with a bit of freshness about him, earlier in the season defender Histon elevated into the Cork senior panel and featured in the NFL.
It’s in sharp contrast to 2015, Histon injured the week prior to the start of the Munster Under 21 campaign owing to torn ligaments in his ankle. There was some consolation when he was called into the senior panel later in the summer but disappointment surfaced on losses to Kerry in the Munster SFC Final replay and Kildare in the qualifiers.
“I missed out much of last year, that’s sport, to sit out owing to injury is boredom and it just drove me on to return to training. And it proved worthwhile, Brian Cuthbert brought me into the senior panel and I’ve returned under Peader Healy,” he said.
For a time, it looked as if a lengthy injury was again going to surface in 2016 after Histon made his NFL debut against Mayo, he needed attention and to resolve bulging discs.
His perseverance paid off, Histon key to Cork landing provincial Under 21 spoils, an all important clearance off the goal line key to a win over Kerry.
“The early games in Munster against Clare and Waterford were a bit of a banana skin. Our character showed in the decider, Kerry drew level and we showed our character to dig deep and take victory on a special night in Tralee,” said Histon.
Another close engagement against Monaghan in the All Ireland semi-final, but the all important ticket to a final against Mayo was secure after Cork landed telling scores from play.
“That’s going to be a tough ask for Mayo are a strong side with a number of big names and senior players involved. It’s an All Ireland Final and we’ve been together at underage from development squads, now capable of taking the last step to landing the spoils,” he said.
Histon made the Development Squads at fourteen years of age, subsequently overcoming adversity after breaking his arm and collar bone in the same season. Missing on playing his first year minor with the county after deciding to focus on hurling.
“But at 18 years, I was a dual minor player, I might get a chance with the Under 21 hurlers later in the year, but that’s on hold until after the football is completed,” he said.
At underage, Histon helped Cobh won two minor championships and under Seán Hayes, he is part of the County Under 21 panel for three seasons.
Histon was speaking after receiving the monthly East Cork and District Sports Award at a function in the Midleton Park Hotel.