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Ronan O'Neill: 'I took the long and hard way'

Ronan O Neill pictured at the AIB All Ireland Football Championship launch.

Ronan O Neill pictured at the AIB All Ireland Football Championship launch.

By Cian O'Connell


In the winter Ronan O’Neill sought advice from family and friends about the journey Tyrone were about to embark on in 2016.  O’Neill wanted to play a part so the importance of the McKenna Cup and Allianz Football League couldn’t be underestimated.

That was where O’Neill wanted to illustrate his potential.  “Before Tyrone got together I did a bit of hard work by myself,” O’Neill admits.  “I'm just lucky enough I get chances to start and things kicked on from there in the McKenna Cup to the League and from the League into the first round of the Championship.  I'm happy enough so far.

“I had to think long and hard about where I wanted to be with Tyrone and whether I was good enough to be there, I made the decision that I would give it a right good lash in the off season to see where it would take me in the McKenna Cup. 

“One thing just fell after the other in terms of games.  The run of games brings confidence and I think confidence is key when you're playing at inter-county level.

“I spoke with family and a few good friends, people that I trust.  They pointed me in the right direction.”

Mickey Harte was always aware of O’Neill considerable class.  “We always have meetings at the end of the year, Mickey wanted me to push on this year to become an important part of the team as he does for every person.  I just took it on board. 

“Last year different boys were getting on ahead of me which was very frustrating, but I took it upon myself to get in shape.  I needed to improve my fitness, Mickey told me that too, and it was something I worked on.”

Such a heralded figure in the underage ranks, O’Neill is now beginning to realise his potential in a Tyrone shirt at senior level.  “I probably learned the hard way, seeing different boys ahead of me getting chances.  I've just knuckled down this year.

“I took the long and hard way.  The game probably evolved around 2012, 2013, and 2014 with Donegal putting a serious effort into games, training, and the level of preparation.  It took me two or three years to grasp it and the professionalism of Gaelic Football. 

“I think Bernard Brogan said it in an interview that he went the long way to get into the Dublin team, I think I did too trying to get in the Tyrone team. 

“Listen all I've done is have a good league campaign and score in the first round of the Championship.”  Further chapters in O’Neill’s sporting story are expected to be scripted in the coming weeks and months.