“You could be sure that he would have some impact on the game.”
After discussing Mayo’s depth in their squad and players like Tommy Conroy coming off the bench, Kyle Coney reveals who Tyrone’s best impact sub was during his career.
Mayo beat Kerry, and the difference between the two teams was the strength in depth, as Conroy and Eoghan McLaughlin were sprung from the bench to have a huge say in the match.
Discussing the topic on the latest episode of the GAA Hour, Coney admits that that role wasn’t as prevalent during his time, but one player does come to mind in terms of making the difference when coming on in a game.
“In recent times it’s been emphasised throughout Ireland that teams have starting teams and finishing teams. Probably in my Tyrone career it was more that you wanted to be on the starting 15.
“That was always the goal, any team named on a Thursday night, you wanted to be on the starting 15. The way things have went made this last four or five years, teams have realised that you can empty the tank in 40-45 minutes, and we have got Tommy Conroy, Paddy Durcan, and Eoghan McLaughlin, it’s evolved now.
“I suppose one player that made an impact every time that he came on, and he had pace in abundance too was Martin Penrose. If he didn’t start, you could be sure that he would have some impact on the game.
“He was probably one of the most underrated tacklers – he was rated within ourselves – but as a forward you’re maybe not best known as being the best tackler in the team, but Martin Penrose was a serious man for getting a turnover when their was a short kick out or high press.
“He was one of the men that would be sure to get you a turn over.”
Penrose played for Tyrone between 2005 – 2014, picking up two All-Ireland medals, and two Ulster titles on the way.
Now just touching 40 years old, the Red Hands legend hasn’t slowed down, playing a key role for Carrickmore in last year’s championship, scoring 1-1 in the final, but ultimately losing out to Errigal Ciaran.
The sharp shooter hasn’t hung up the boots yet and came back to haunt his old teammate Coney in the Tyrone league last week.
“He came on in a league game against Ardboe on Friday night, and he was there and there about. He only came on the last ten minutes or so, but he was on the winning side so that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?”
Related links:
- Kyle Coney asks question that’s on everyone’s lips about Tyrone’s forwards
- The GAA Hour: Kyle Coney on The Sunday Game row, the problem with Tyrone and a Mattie Ruane masterclass
- The GAA set to trial new kick-out and free kick rule in freshers football
