Cork manager John Meyler pictured at the launch of the Allianz Hurling League.
By Cian O'Connell
Following such a promising 2017 campaign, John Meyler was delighted to answer Cork's call.
Kieran Kingston's departure as Cork manager left a vacancy which the highly regarded Meyler was delighted to fill.
Meyler admits to be being surprised that Kingston, who guided Cork to Munster glory last year, departed. “I thought we would’ve stayed for another two years with the Under 21s and Kieran would’ve stayed with the seniors," Meyler says. "We got on well together last year so I didn’t see myself getting this job, it was just because Kieran left.
“I was surprised because I thought he had done a really good job last year. He had brought through the younger players, he had re-energised, re-focused the whole thing. I just thought he’d stay on, but he had work commitments and that’s it.
“I was involved with the Under 15s (in 2015), they won the U17 All-Ireland last year, John Considine managed them. Then last year the Under 21s. So I’m aware of what’s going on there. There’s a lot of young talent there, but bringing that through is a hard challenge.”
Meyler relishes being involved coaching and managing a team, regardless of the level. “I’m doing it for 30 years, I enjoy doing it," Meyler reflects. "I cycle, I go to soccer matches in England. That’s it. I don’t go horse racing or anything.
John Meyler before the 2017 All Ireland SHC Semi-Final against Waterford.
“I organise my time. I’m probably six weeks ahead of myself, I know where I’ll be in six weeks. I try to squeeze in the matches in England, I’ll squeeze in the training, everything in.”
The trips to England to watch his son, Republic of Ireland soccer international David, are always useful according to Meyler.
“I used to love going to Sunderland when he was there, and going down to Hull when Steve Bruce was manager. (There was Leonid) Slutsky, Mike Phelan – his father was from Kilkenny actually – and would’ve looked at all of their coaching sessions, see what they’re at.
“I watch Cork City training at times because they’re in the college (Cork IT) at times on the 4G pitch at the moment.
“See what they’re at, what they’re doing, what they’re not doing – a lot of it is about coaching as distinct from training -physical training.
Sport carries significant weight in the Meyler household. Saturday is the latest example. John will patrol the sideline at Pairc Ui Chaoimh when Cork host Kilkenny, David will be in FA Cup action for Hull City.
“We talk twice a day," Meyler comments. "On Saturday night, they’re playing Notts’ Forest in the FA Cup and we’re playing Kilkenny. You can imagine the phone call now. He loves it. To get paid for what you love doing is brilliant."
Joy will always be found, no matter what the code. The journey moves on, the conversations will continue, being Cork manager brings pride and satisfaction.
