Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mickey’s new man this year
MICKEY NEWMAN admits his decision to sit out 2018 was a last throw of the dice to revive his Meath career.
The former All-star nominee was so frustrated by a cycle of injuries and rehab programmes that he skipped 2018 after undergoing ankle surgery.
He started all of Meath’s Division 2 games this year, scoring 1-31 as they gained promotion and added 0-4 in their Leinster SFC win over Offaly.
Asked if missing 2018 was a last throw of the dice, Newman nodded: “Yeah, well it was really, because I’m 28 now. It’s not a career that you’re in until you’re 35 or 36 anymore, so yeah, it was time to kick on.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries over the years and I’d just had enough of it really, being in rehab all the time.
“So I gave myself every chance when I wasn’t in with Meath last year, I was in the gym, building myself up. Once I got the pre-season over me and I could stay on the pitch, it was great.
“I’m very happy with where I am. I’m sharp, I’m good, I feel good.”