League Sunday panel: ‘Remarkable’ Colm O’Neill the difference for Cork
By Grainne McGuinness
Colm O’Neill has shown incredible mental strength to come back from a devastating third cruciate injury to lead the line for Cork in their battle with Monaghan in the League on Sunday.
Cork maintained their winning start to their League campaign with a
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Twice during the game Monaghan had opened up a four point lead, but goals from O’Neill had pulled Cork back into it each time.
On League Sunday last night, Kevin McStay had no doubt that the forward was the crucial factor for the Leesiders.
“What have Cork missed while Colm’s been out with his cruciate injuries?” McStay asked. “2-06 today, two fantastic goals - points from frees, points from play.
“Twice Monaghan got four points ahead, but his goals reined them back in. Four points is a lot in the League, above in Monaghan in early spring and the goals were critical.”
He continued: “It’s great to see him back, it really is.”
Presenter Michael Lyster agreed and emphasised the work the Ballyclough club man has put in to get himself back to match fitness.
“You look at the performance of Colm O’Neill,” Lyster said. “For those maybe who don’t realise, what this man has gone through in the last couple of years, every credit for still being in a Cork jersey.”
Kildare’s Dermot Earley was also on the panel and knows the pain and difficulty of dealing with a cruciate injury.
“It’s a huge road, it’s a long road,” he said. “(A cruciate injury) is probably the most devastating injury a footballer can have and he’s had three cruciates.
“Two years ago he was showing this type of form in the League down in Cork when he did it for the third time. And I remember watching that and thinking, ‘are we going to see him back?’.
“The mental strength that he has shown has been remarkable. To actually go through it all, to get it right. And not only that but to go out with confidence. That’s what happens when you get a knee injury, you have to get that confidence back.”
McStay agreed with Earley about the mental fortitude O’Neill had showed in his recovery.
He said: “To me it’s the mental strength he shows. When you come back from injury, the first three or four months you’re dodgy about everything. You’re worried will it stand up to belts or pressure.
“For him to lead, I mean 2-06 in a League match, a fantastic return.”
Lyster also wondered if O’Neill would act as a motivator for the rest of the panel.
“Does that rub off on his teammates?” he asked. “I’m sure other fellas are looking at him and saying well if he can put himself through that, we can get more out of ourselves.”
Earley felt the 26-year-old could be in for an exceptional season.
“If he shows that form going forward, I mean he could have one of Championship performances.”
The Sunday League show also reviewed the Division One matches between
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If you didn’t watch the programme you can watch it on the RTÉ Player.
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