Tyrone All-Ireland winner focused on county and not AFL after being named U20 Player of the Year

Belfast Telegraph

a day ago

The Red Hands ace was outstanding as they defended their All-Ireland crown, scoring 2-4 in the Final against Louth including two goals in the second half.
It continues a remarkable run for McElholm, who starred in the All-Ireland Minor Final for Tyrone and won the Hogan Cup with Omagh CBS, captaining the side to the title in 2023.
And while the Loughmacrory teen is not shutting the door completely on an AFL career in the future, especially after impressing at the Draft Combine two years ago and spending time on loan with Fremantle last July, he is not taking his eye off his county role.
"If the opportunity came, I'd definitely look into it because I was out twice and really enjoyed it out there,' said McElholm.
"I really enjoyed the whole experience. But just for the meantime, the focus is on Tyrone and what happens there.
"I did the combine over there, when I went out two years ago. It's the 2km run, the 20m sprint, the jump and agility test. I actually did well in the 20m sprint, I got top-10, ninth. Probably the rest of my scores weren't as good as the sprint.
"But that's what they really look into, your physical attributes. Because they know when you're over there, you'll have the skill base to pick up on their game and learn it."
McElholm admits he has kept a close eye on Fremantle since his time there but that it would be hard to walk away from Tyrone now when he is so close to cracking the senior team.
The impressive youngster has come on as a substitute in all three of the county's Championship games thus far but he could be in line for his first start against Cavan this weekend, when a win would see Tyrone top their All-Ireland group and reach the Quarter-Finals.
"It definitely would (be tough to walk away). It wouldn't be a straightforward decision,' said McElholm.
"The two Canavans and Petey (Peter Harte) and Darren (McCurry), they're boys who you watched growing up. Now playing with them and learning different tips and skills, it's a complete pleasure.
"I'd obviously have to think about it and stuff. I just really enjoyed the opportunity and obviously if things weren't going well, you're always only a flight away from home.'
Reflecting on the Cavan game, the Sigerson Cup Semi-Finalist continued: "It's a knock-out game, that's the way you have to look at it. It's an elimination game now. You have to prepare for it as if it's your last chance basically. The main thing is getting a performance.
"Cavan showed great glimpses of what they can do against Mayo and Donegal. They're going to be very up for it, especially after us beating them in the Ulster Championship."
McElholm was one of six Tyrone players to be named in the Under-20s Team of the Year as the All-Ireland champions, unsurprisingly, dominated the nominations, with runners-up Louth having four on the panel, Mayo two and Kerry one.
Goalkeeper Conan McGarvey, full-back Joey Clarke, corner-back Caolan Donnelly, centre-back Callum Daly and corner forward Ruairí McCullagh were all named in the team, with Donegal pair Kevin Muldoon and Seanan Carr also included.
Under-20s Team of the Year: Conan McGarvey (Tyrone); Padraic Tinnelly (Louth), Joey Clarke (Tyrone), Caolan Donnelly (Tyrone); Tadhg McDonnell (Louth), Callum Daly (Tyrone), Hugh O'Loughlin (Mayo); Sean Callaghan (Louth), James Maguire (Louth); Kevin Muldoon (Donegal), Eoin McElholm (Tyrone), Seanan Carr (Donegal); Ruairí McCullagh (Tyrone), Tomás Kennedy (Kerry), Darragh Beirne (Mayo)