CONNACHT SCRUM-HALF John Cooney is determined to put the heartbreak of dislocating his shoulder in May’s Pro12 final behind him, and already he is back with a bang.
Cooney, 26, was a replacement in that Grand Final win over his native Leinster, but his first game against his former team only lasted four minutes as the shoulder injury that would rule him out for six months struck.
But the talented number nine returned for Connacht last weekend and played a key role in their victory over Cardiff, scored a try and also kicked three from three off the tee after he was handed the kicking duties at the last minute due to Craig Ronaldson’s injury.
And while it is quite a distance removed from the season decider in Murrayfield, Cooney is desperate to start again this Saturday as Connacht host Treviso at the Sportsground.
“It’s been a long six months since the final, but I’m delighted to get back, especially getting the win. We’ve had a few loses back to back so it’s nice to get the W,” said Cooney.
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“It could have gone better, I still made a few mistakes and I am quite annoyed with that. But I’ll take the positives from it.
“It’s something coming back from shoulder surgery, you try and get a tackle in early on, but I actually missed my first tackle, but it was good to get one later on.
“I’d love to start this game ahead of the two Wasps games, any game time I can get would be great. I’d play for Terenure if I could.”
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Cooney had only just replaced Kieran Marmion when he felt his shoulder pop on the occasion of Connacht’s first trophy success. But such was the pressure of the moment he battled on in the defensive line for a further two minutes with his shoulder in agony.
A winner’s medal softened the blow, but the reality of such a long time on the sidelines soon hit in too.
It was bittersweet. Also playing Leinster in the final, it was my first game to play against them and I was licking my lips. Then two minutes in, I had a dislocated shoulder. These things happen and I’m a stronger man now.
“There was about 13 minutes left and after that Matt Healy went in to scrum-half. I think I played two minutes or so with it out, I don’t know why, the adrenaline got me through it.
“But it’s a good time to be back. Hopefully we can get the four or five points against Treviso and then move on to Wasps after that.
“The Italian teams always seem to play well against us here. They mix it up, they like to run. I remember I injured myself in that game here last year. They ran from everywhere and we were struggling and we expect the same again.”
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'I'd play for Terenure if I could': Cooney desperate for game-time after long lay-off
CONNACHT SCRUM-HALF John Cooney is determined to put the heartbreak of dislocating his shoulder in May’s Pro12 final behind him, and already he is back with a bang.
Cooney, 26, was a replacement in that Grand Final win over his native Leinster, but his first game against his former team only lasted four minutes as the shoulder injury that would rule him out for six months struck.
But the talented number nine returned for Connacht last weekend and played a key role in their victory over Cardiff, scored a try and also kicked three from three off the tee after he was handed the kicking duties at the last minute due to Craig Ronaldson’s injury.
And while it is quite a distance removed from the season decider in Murrayfield, Cooney is desperate to start again this Saturday as Connacht host Treviso at the Sportsground.
“It’s been a long six months since the final, but I’m delighted to get back, especially getting the win. We’ve had a few loses back to back so it’s nice to get the W,” said Cooney.
“It could have gone better, I still made a few mistakes and I am quite annoyed with that. But I’ll take the positives from it.
“It’s something coming back from shoulder surgery, you try and get a tackle in early on, but I actually missed my first tackle, but it was good to get one later on.
“I’d love to start this game ahead of the two Wasps games, any game time I can get would be great. I’d play for Terenure if I could.”
Cooney had only just replaced Kieran Marmion when he felt his shoulder pop on the occasion of Connacht’s first trophy success. But such was the pressure of the moment he battled on in the defensive line for a further two minutes with his shoulder in agony.
A winner’s medal softened the blow, but the reality of such a long time on the sidelines soon hit in too.
“There was about 13 minutes left and after that Matt Healy went in to scrum-half. I think I played two minutes or so with it out, I don’t know why, the adrenaline got me through it.
“But it’s a good time to be back. Hopefully we can get the four or five points against Treviso and then move on to Wasps after that.
“The Italian teams always seem to play well against us here. They mix it up, they like to run. I remember I injured myself in that game here last year. They ran from everywhere and we were struggling and we expect the same again.”
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Connacht John Cooney Pro12