When players return from the AFL and attempt to reintegrate themselves into inter-county Gaelic football, there is often a period of adjustment.
That is completely understandable. While the two sports do share many of the same skills, they are also very different in many ways. After not playing GAA for a number of years, it has to be expected that it will take some time to get back into the swing of things.
At least, that is the general consensus. Conor McKenna is certainly bucking that trend at the minute.
When it was announced that McKenna would be returning from his five-year spell it caused a huge amount of excitement, especially for Tyrone supporters. We doubt that many thought he would make this big of an impact right off the bat.
After scoring 1-2 in his first every senior inter-county appearance last week, all eyes were on the 24-year old to see if he could put in a repeat performance against Mayo this afternoon.
It's fair to say he matched any expectations.
McKenna would end the game with a personal tally of 2-2 as Tyrone secured their Division 1 status for 2021 with a one-point victory.
He scored his first goal in the 20th minute, producing a lovely left-footed finish into the corner.
Cúllllllllll Conor McKenna 🔴⚪
There was power in that shot 💪@TyroneGAALive @GAA_BEO #AllianzLeagues #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/Y6Mc0gv9DW— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 25, 2020
The former Essendon player also shouldered some of the playmaking duties.
It was his pinpoint pass to Darragh Canavan that set him away for Tyrone's second goal. Take a look at this.
Pass McKenna 👀🤯
Críoch Dara Canavan 😍
GOAL @TyroneGAALive!!@GAA_BEO #AllianzLeagues #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/XNB9syi5Mw— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 25, 2020
McKenna's second goal came after interval, recovering after losing his footing to score from a tight angle.
Cúl dochreidthe 🤯😱
Conor McKenna is on 🔥@TyroneGAALive @GAA_BEO #AllianzLeagues #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/MlQTaQvb5A— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 25, 2020
It's safe to say that people were impressed with the way he has adjusted since his return to Gaelic football.
How Conor McKenna can flick the ball up with ease on the run after 5 years of playing with an oval ball in mind-blowing. And his finishing isn't bad either.
— Eunan Lindsay (@eunanjack) October 25, 2020
McKenna's emergence is a much needed boost for Tyrone ahead of the championship.
Without top scorer Cathal McShane due to his long-term injury, the Eglish St. Patrick's man will add the extra firepower required to make a run over the remainder of 2020. Donegal will provide the toughest of tests in an Ulster quarter-final, but if they can overcome that challenge Tyrone could be on course for a big year.
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