Conor Meyler celebrates St Mary’s Sigerson Cup final win over UCD in February

IN an extended interview in this week’s Gaelic Life, rising Tyrone star Conor Meyler reflects on his “lonely” road back to fitness.

His 2016 was blighted by hamstring problems and he was forced to watch on from the sidelines as Tyrone surged to a first Anglo Celtic title since 2010.

At least the physical and mental trauma wasn’t permanently scarring – he memorably captained St Mary’s to a historic Sigerson Cup success in February and played a full part in Tyrone’s National League campaign.

It’s a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Omagh St Enda’s man, who speaks openly about a frustrating and protacted period of rehabilitation in 2016.

“It was very hard at times watching boys play when you would’ve loved to have been a part of it. But you had to look at the achievements of the other boys on the team, who busted themselves through those games and deserved every minute of game-time.”

He added: “If you can do any small bit for the team on the day, even if it’s just to hand out water, just to help the boys get through the game and help them bring the [Ulster] title back to Tyrone, that’s worth it.”

The full interview with Conor Meyler is available in store today or online here.