Latest news with #Meyler
Irish Examiner
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Jesse Evans digs deep to claim 10th career victory
The classy, consistent, and versatile Jesse Evans continues to be a tremendous horse for connections, and when he summoned all of his experience to prevail, narrowly, in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle on ladies' day at Tipperary, it was a 10th career victory for the nine-year-old. Three times a winner on the level, once in a bumper, once over fences, and now five times over timber, he was coming here off the back of a trip to Ascot. Though out of luck there, the travelling certainly left no mark as the Noel Meade-trained and Donagh Meyler-ridden 7-2 chance was required to dig incredibly deep to collar similarly versatile veteran Enniskerry in the shadow of the post. 'He's a mighty horse,' said Meyler. 'He's a yard favourite, and he really toughed it out there. He had a nice weight on the ratings and had match fitness on his side, which definitely paid off. 'He's been great for connections, the Singletons. He has brought them all over the place, and was in Ascot last time out. 'I'm not sure what plans are — he might rock up in Galway — but he's won a Graded race today and we'll celebrate that. 'It's great to be connected with Noel, getting loads of rides off him, with plenty of opportunities, so long may it last.' Jesse Evans has been placed in the Galway Hurdle on three occasions and could go for another tilt, but the Galway Plate is also an option, and it is a race Meyler has won twice, most recently in 2024, aboard Pinkerton, for the Meade stable. Darragh O'Keeffe and Henry de Bromhead enjoyed a double on the undercard, starting with Red Glory home in the Donovan Transport Handicap Hurdle. In victory, the 11-1 chance ensured bumper and three-time chase winner The Banger Doyle, frustratingly, remains a maiden over hurdles, despite a favourable handicap mark. There was plenty of each-way support for Adaliz prior to the Cappawhite CE Handicap Hurdle, and the 7-1 chance completed the 95-1 double in good style. There was plenty of support for Strong Link prior to the O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey Maiden Hurdle, and he duly obliged under the coolest, most patient of rides by Keith Donoghue. 'He's that kind of ride — he got the same type of ride by John Gleeson when winning his bumper,' said winning trainer Ross O'Sullivan. 'He's a classy horse, but he gets a bit lairy when he gets there too soon. We learned that in earlier bumpers when he pulled himself up in front. 'Keith was impressed with him today. He just needs to tidy up his jumping, but he won with plenty in hand. We bought him off Jamie Codd, who recommended him. He'll go novice hurdling now, and the plan would be the two-and-a-half-mile novice on the Thursday of Galway, if everything goes well.' The card opened with the first three-year-old hurdle of the season and Minella Study landed a nice touch when winning under Daniel King. Backed from an overnight high of 10-1 to a return of 9-4, the John Nallen-owned and -trained gelding, who was a four-runner maiden on the flat, was prominent throughout, jumped well, and showed a good attitude to deny the promising Felicity Smoak. Sam Curling and Philip Enright, who teamed up for a winner and a runner on the all-chase card here on Tuesday, earned another trip to the winner's enclosure after Queenofthelodge erased the memory of her last-time-out fall with a game victory in the Easyfix Handicap Hurdle. Andy Slattery has his team in superb form and well-backed newcomer Ebony King added another to the yard's tally when taking the Tipperary Bumper under a positive ride by Adam Ryan. Victory completed an across-the-cards double for Slattery, after Exceeding's earlier success in Bellewstown. 'They're flying, and hopefully they'll keep that way,' said Slattery of his team. 'In fairness, they have been that way the last couple of years.' Of the night's winner, he added: 'Adam had a lot of confidence in the horse. He's still on the weak side and we had him under-trained, if anything, and he was still very green. He was idling in front, but he has the makings of a nice horse. Tom Meagher bred him, and his wife, her sister, and another lady own him. 'I had him in last year but I left him off because he was very weak. He jumps very well and his work has been good since I brought him back this year, but I still think there's a lot to come. I don't know where he'll go, but if he comes out of the race well, we might go for a winners' bumper.'
The 42
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
'You can't let your own individual feelings manifest itself in being grumpy, being bitchy'
'IN A PANEL of over 30 players, you can't keep everyone happy – 10 to 15 lads are not getting game time and that's tough going. 'There comes a time in all careers when you have to make a decision whether the effort is worth the potential reward. Micheál has come to that stage.' When Kerry manager Jack O'Connor said these words last year, he was referring to Dr Crokes forward Micheál Burns who had just left the panel. The decision came down to a lack of game time. It would not be the last Kerry would hear of Burns but more on that later. Former Cork hurling manager John Meyler has encountered this species many times before. He's seen them in the several club and inter-county teams that have come under his command. He knows the body language of a disappointed player. He knows what their inner dialogue sounds like. 'What more do I have to do to get in there? So-and-so didn't score. So-and-so didn't do this.' It's the common refrain of the player who feels disillusioned in the set-up. And in the days leading up to All-Ireland hurling semi-final weekend, it's a thought that will pass through the minds of many players who won't get what they have been training for. For some, it's a lack of game. For others, it's no minutes at all. John Meyler and the Cork hurlers before the 2018 All-Ireland semi-final. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO At this stage of the season, the 15 starting positions have already been filled, as have the cast of substitutes. Audition time is over. All that is left are the periphery roles, confined to the training field. That job is important in the overall system, but it's a hard sell too. Advertisement In Meyler's mind, the squad is divided into three playing groups: the starters, the impact substitutions and the players 'who feel they're not really involved'. Outside of those residing in group one, there's a lot of unfed mouths in the camp. Balancing their feelings of unfulfillment with the needs of the collective is a constant struggle for the manager. And the reality is that the manager must always prioritise one over the other. 'Sometimes that can be hard on people and people get frustrated because 'I'm not getting an opportunity, I'm not getting a chance to play,' Meyler says. 'They're on the tip of the iceberg. They're just trying to get into the matchday 26 panel. 'It's demoralising then. 'I'm doing my best but it's not good enough. 'And sometimes then you need to sit down with the manager and say, 'What do I need to do?'' Meyler has always favoured taking the first step when handling dissatisfied players on the panel. He's the one to instigate an upfront conversation about the areas of concern in their game. And whenever an opportunity to showcase their value was looming, he makes sure they are suitably warned about what's at stake. It's in their hands to change their position in the player roster. And what they do next is up to them. 'You've got to show me what you have,' Meyler typically says in that scenario. 'I'm going to put you on such and such a player. 'That's really the only basis that they're getting to the [matchday panel] 26, or the 20, or the 15. Fellas need to see the opportunity in training. 'I always made an effort to talk to the 11 players that were left out of the panel of 26. I can pick out negative points of you and I can pick out positive points. And at times then there's not much point really arguing with the manager.' The importance of the five matchday substitutions is well established. No team can go without dipping into the reinforcements for games that go over the 70-minute mark. When Meyler was in charge of Cork, his side's 2018 All-Ireland semi-final against eventual champions Limerick went to extra-time. Conor Lehane has been making an impact off the bench for Cork. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO The Rebels made eight switches from the bench that day, including Shane Kingston and Daniel Kearney who both came back on after being taken off. Robbie O'Flynn was also introduced that day and is still serving the impact sub role in 2025. Kingston is also a regular among the Cork replacements these days, as is Conor Lehane who started in that 2018 All-Ireland semi-final. The transition to back-up option is difficult to accept when you know what it's like to be a first-choice selection. Keeping those players engaged is a challenge for managers too. 'You're going to them and saying, 'Look, you're not going to start on Sunday but more than likely you are going to come in and I want you ready,'' says Meyler. 'José Mourinho used to say, 'I want two players for each position.' And then that other player puts pressure on you to perform. The subs you bring on must make an impact. You're bringing on like for like. 'You look at Shane Kingston, he came on against Clare up in Ennis, and he wasn't great to be honest. Then he comes in the Munster final and gets three points. 'So he's saying to Pat Ryan then, 'I need to be playing against Dublin. I need to be in there from the start.'' Both Kingston and Lehane emerged as headline acts from that epic Munster final. As the battle went to extra-time and penalties, the pair were introduced in the 65th minute and 72nd minute respectively and scored a combined five points from play. They both volunteered when it came to the shootout and both converted their shots to nudge Cork to a first provincial title since 2018 by a 3-2 margin. A moment to savour for their patience when self-pity surely tempted them at times. This was particularly true for Lehane, who was cut from the Cork squad for the 2021 season. 'He's only 32, he's a brilliant hurler,' Meyler says about Lehane's return from the wilderness. Players don't typically return from inter-county exile. The trajectory tends to go one way: a rise followed by a fall. But there have been some outliers. Michael Fitzsimons grafted his way back into the starting 15 for the Dublin footballers after losing his spot. Kieran Donaghy's star was born with Kerry in the 2006 season but he too was ushered out of selection before his career was reignited in 2014. He battled through injury to earn that second coming which yielded All-Ireland glory that year. Lehane is also part of that esteemed group, as is the aforementioned Micheál Burns. One year on from O'Connor's words of doubt and finality, Burns is back in the Kerry rotation preparing for an All-Ireland football semi-final after scoring two points off the bench against Armagh last weekend. Related Reads Desire for silverware fuel Dublin's drive as they seek to build on Limerick upset Cork's Pat Ryan on team selections: 'I don't believe in pulling strokes' 'He's in our minds every time we take the field. It's a privilege to still play for him' 'It's up to the player and up to his personality, up to his attitude,' Meyler says about players who are faced with a similar challenge. 'If he wants an All-Ireland medal, then he's got to stay there. 'And he's got to be part of the team. That's the team ethos, the team culture. That's where you have your psychologist in there trying to keep the culture of the 37 players going. And you're creating that culture around the whole idea of managing subs. 'That's up to individuals then to have the personality to get your confidence back up.' To reinforce his point further, Meyler points to his son David who is a retired Republic of Ireland international. He spent over a decade playing in English football, and played in the Premier League. Professional sport is an even more unforgiving environment for players who are fighting for position. 'David always said that to me when he was in England, 'Don't ever, ever show the manager your weakness. Always be positive. Always put the team ahead of you.' 'You can't let your own individual feelings manifest itself in being grumpy, being bitchy.' Pat Horgan in action against Dublin in last year's All-Ireland quarter-final. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO The influential power of the squad will be evident again on All-Ireland hurling semi-final weekend as Cork and Dublin meet again. Last year's encounter ended in a five-point win for the Rebels to send them through to the last four. Opportunities can appear from anywhere this time around. Already, there is an opening in the Cork team on account of Séamus Harnedy's hamstring injury with Declan Dalton getting the nod in the team that was named last night. And with John Hetherton producing huge performances off the bench for Dublin so far this championship, both Pat Ryan and Niall Ó Ceallacháin will be looking to the players in the gallery once more on Saturday.
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Norman Visitor Centre in heart of New Ross expected to open in summer of 2027
'The centre has been designed to offer a world-class experience which will eventually attract up to 100,000 visitors annually, it will be a new landmark for the town,' he said. 'We've set out to create something which will provide exceptional experiences for all ages, it will have economic benefits for the town, it will act as a gateway to Norman Wexford and connect with other attractions in the county.' Featuring a multi-purpose courtyard which will be open to the public and allow for outdoor dining, the final design of the interior of the centre has not yet been completed but Mr Meyler said the focus will be on 'educating people as well as entertaining them'. 'It will tell the story of the Normans without making it a history lesson, it will feature interactive devices and interpretative signage with a capsule area where you can learn about Isabel de Clare and Strongbow, and who they were,' he said. 'There will be exhibits detailing what life was like for the Normans who settled in New Ross, and we're looking at having some sword fighting opportunities, jousting, there will be something for everyone, lots of things to do.' Returning to the courtyard space, Mr Meyler said those who reached the top of the visitor centre would be able to look out and see a map of Norman Wexford built into the brickwork below. Confirming that the intention was for the building to be complete in February 2027, Mr Meyler said the intention was to open it to the public in July of that year. With the research team behind the project having been furnished with historical tomes written by authors like Billy Colfer and Nicky Furlong, Mr Meyler allayed any fears that the project would not capture the attention of visitors, outlining how the centre would start with the arrival of Diarmuid Macmurrough and go from there. While the notion of up to 100,000 people visiting New Ross every year sounded appealing to all councillors, there was one major drawback according to Councillor Michael Sheehan. 'Bed nights are going to be the issue, the lack of hotel is a problem, that's where our attention now needs to turn,' he said. 'There's no point in having all those people coming here and staying in Waterford.' After director of services Eamonn Hore confirmed he had been talking to The Neville Hotel Group regarding ongoing developments in New Ross, Mr Meyler sounded another note of slight caution. 'We do need to go back to the minister for more money to complete the project,' he said. 'We received €5.5m in 2019 but a lot of money has been spent in the interim on repairs to the Dunbrody Ship and upgrades to the Dunbrody Experience. So there's not enough money left in the kitty as things stand but we have the opportunity to go back and get the rest. The time to do that will be when the tender goes out.' However, Mr Hore said that sourcing the remaining funds was unlikely to be a problem. 'The minister sanctioned those repairs and upgrades and we realised at the time the funding would need to be added to. At national level this project is considered one of the most important in the country so I have no doubt the funding will be approved,' he said. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
RTÉ News
15-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Emotional Conor Meyler returns to fray after 'long two years'
An emotional Conor Meyler was delighted to return to action after a "long two years" sidelined with consecutive knee injuries. The 30-year-old made his long-awaited return for the county in their victory over Cavan, a win that books their place in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-finals. Meyler has had a torrid time with knee injuries of late, as well as plenty of other niggles and knocks over the years. "I had three, in total, knee surgeries, two in the last two years. I had a lot of trouble with my achilles, groin, hamstring, hip, foot. Just a lot of niggles along the way. The knee has been the big one and that was the one that I probably wasn't sure will I get the chance again. "Thankfully I have good people around me who supported me and I got that chance", Meyler told RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport after the game. The Omagh St. Enda's club man was visibly emotional post-game (above), and was quick to thank his family and wider "support network" for their efforts in getting him back onto the field. "It was a special moment. It's been a long two years. It's been a very rocky road as well; it hasn't been straightforward. "With a lot of setbacks along the way, you start to wonder if your chance is going to come again but very grateful for firstly my family, who did back me when I probably doubted myself at times; and the support network I have around me. "They're good people who back me and support me. The management team and the backroom team, who supported me as well", Meyler added. "It's emotional. Seeing my family, because I know how much they've given up to try and help me. Just to thank them for backing me and believing me and that was a nice moment because they've been through a lot as well to try help and support me. "It's as much for them and for other people as well. Hopefully it's a sign for others as well that the body can do unbelievable things if you really believe in yourself," Myler said. "To get the chance to put on the Tyrone jersey again is class but the bigger picture of when you back yourself, believe in yourself, you do something worthwhile. You endure enough then that opportunity eventually will come. Thankfully my chance came today." Like all long-term injuries, the road to recovery provided a plethora of obstacles which Meyler managed to overcome. "I think anyone who has been through a long-term injury will know that it's far from straightforward. You can go to training, be surrounded by people, yet still feel quite alone. "It's the time away from the setup, it's the nights where you're rehabbing by yourself, it's when you're sitting and icing or you're living the lifestyle but not getting the reward of actually playing", Meyler explained. "That's really difficult." Nonetheless, Meyler is back in action and delighted to be helping the cause of a strong Tyrone squad. "To get the chance to put on the Tyrone jersey again is class but the bigger picture of when you back yourself, believe in yourself, you do something worthwhile. You endure enough then that opportunity eventually will come. Thankfully my chance came today", Myler said. "As far as the panel goes, it's definitely very close [to the All-Ireland winning team]. We have a fully fit panel there of 33/34 men all chomping at the bit, and eight or nine boys who didn't make the 26 today who are all top, top players. "We're in a healthy place." Tyrone qualified top of group 1, ahead of Donegal, Cavan and Mayo. That means they will skip past the preliminary quarter-finals, and into the last eight alongside Meath, Monaghan and Armagh.
Irish Examiner
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'This club needs to have an identity': Cork City boss Nash on Meyler appointment
David Meyler has never worked with Ger Nash and the duo had diverging playing careers but the pair of thirty-somethings are tasked with avoiding a third relegation in five years for Cork City. Ten points off safety, Damien Duff's Shelbourne stand in City's way of a managerial home bounce at Turner's Cross on Friday night when the Premier Division season reaches the midway point. Nash's first official match at the helm in his first senior managerial job last Friday resulted in a 2-1 defeat at Galway United, a fourth successive defeat for the Rebels. He'd been in negotiations with a couple of candidates to flank him and succeeded in luring the Irish international back to his hometown club in their time of need. Meyler was working at his former club Hull City as an U18 coach before deciding to answer the call. His first game in the dugout will be the first match after the international break, also at home, against Bohemians on June 13. 'Look, we're both all-in on this,' 38-year-old Nash said about the role of Meyler, two years his junior, relocating from England. 'This isn't a hobby, this isn't a part-time gig, this is both of us devoting our lives to hopefully bringing Cork City back to where we believe it should be. 'That's what our motivation is. We're both going to be here, you'll see us at the training ground every day and that's what we're going to do. Time will tell if we can get that right.' Unlike Nash, who was the first-choice centre-back alongside Paul McShane through the Ireland underage ranks, Meyler was a late bloomer. His potential at City in 2008 led to Roy Keane forking out £250,000 to sign him for Sunderland. Like his new colleague, his career was finished by injury, but not until he'd reached 30 years of age with 25 Ireland caps. 'Some of the aspects that work are if you look at our careers, they are polar opposites,' explained Nash. 'He played at the highest level; my career ended as a teenager. I have got significant experience as a coach and have spent a lot of time on that side of the fence and in that environment. David is slightly different. For me, it is a good balance for the two of us in terms of that aspect. 'What I really do believe in is bringing people to the club who want Cork to be successful in the long term, not just a short-term fix. 'They want to be here and for Cork to be successful for a long time. This club needs to have an identity, not just in the coaching staff but also the playing staff, which represents the area. "Even the people I have spoken to since I have taken this job have said that the Cork identity was really evident in the club during the years when it was successful. 'I think it is a unique aspect of the people down here in terms of that passion. I would like to recreate that and bring more people back to it.'
