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.
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