All-Ireland SFC: Jonny Sexton tip assists Niall Morgan winner for Tyrone

A chance encounter with former Ireland rugby star Jonny Sexton helped Niall Morgan hold his nerve and convert two late frees to beat Tyrone Mayo by 0-22 to 1-18 to secure a place in the last eight of the All-Ireland SFC.

An arcing 45′ converted to level the side, before the Edendork man surged forward To kick the winner 90 seconds left from two-point range.

“We met Jonny Sexton on campus at Easter, when we were over, just by chance. A few of us got to chat to him and he just talked about the importance of going through your routine and taking your time,” Morgan told BBC Sport NI.

“At the end of the day, you’re there to do a job and sometimes it’s not the prettiest or the easiest job.

“Some days you’re well ahead and you’re going to hit a free kick. To go hit one that wins the game is a little bit special.

“Just trying to relax and stop your breathing and thinking about what you’re going to do.”

As Morgan approached to take the kick he said the thought of missing the last-gasp loss to Armagh in their Ulster SFC preliminary round was running through his mind.

However, words from club-mate Darren McCurry, who took six points after coming on as a second-half substitute, helped provide clarity.

“Armagh that’s what was going through my head. That Ulster game and the chance to equalize in the last kick, basically. I was completely rushed that day and I was so disappointed after the game that I did it.

“Darren McCurry just said to me, relax, the way I was going. If he’s happy to let me hit it, it just gives you confidence. Because going forward, the form he was in and the way he was pushing me, it’s thankfully gone.

“It was just a typical Tyrone and Mayo game, chaotic from start to finish. We’re delighted to get over the line.”

The Red Hands will join Galway, Louth and Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-finals in two weeks’ time.

“It’s a lot to have the weekend off. Especially if you look at the teams in that draw now, it’s going to be dog-eat-dog next weekend.

“We’re going to get a chance to go a little bit later, maybe Tuesday night, and then build again for the weekend,” Morgan added.

“Ultimately, your goal at the start of the year is to get to Croke Park and luckily we’ll be there.”