Mixed news for Meath sports stars
There was mixed news for Meath's sports stars this morning with Skryne's Natalya Coyle withdrawing from the Modern Pentathlon World Cup, Simonstown's Conor Nash returning to AFL action after a long spell on the sidelines and Moynalvey's Devin Toner securing a new contract with Leinster Rugby.
Coyle was scheduled to compete at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup final in Bulgaria today, but because of positive Covid tests returned by some of the athletes and coaches involved in the finals, Meath's Olympic hopeful decided not to take any risks and withdrew from the finals.
NASH'S BACK
After enduring a nightmare 2020 season due to injury that required shoulder reconstruction surgery, former Simonstown and Meath GAA underage star Conor Nash will make his first appearance of the 2021 season for Hawthorn in their Beyond Blue Cup clash with Melbourne on Sunday.
Nash has been the standout player for Hawthorn's reserve side, the Box Hill Hawks, this season and returns as an interchange player for Hawthorn, who make four changes from the side that lost to Fremantle in the AFL last week for Sunday's clash with the unbeaten Demons.
BOOST FOR DEV
Yesterday afternoon Leinster confirmed that Devin Toner has extended his contract with the province ahead of next season.
The Moynalvey lock joined fellow Ireland international Dan Leavy, versatile back Jimmy O’Brien and hooker Ronan Kelleher in having confirmation of his stay confirmed on Friday.
Meath man Toner is the most capped player in Leinster’s history and has won four Champions Cups and seven domestic leagues with his native province.
The 34-year-old has also won three Six Nations with Ireland, including a Grand Slam in 2018.