One of Tyrone’s brightest prospects is waiting on news from Down Under which could halt his GAA career in its tracks and herald an exciting new life as a professional footballer.
Eoin McElholm has caught the attention of a number of AFL clubs, and impressed during a recent two-week trial with Fremantle Dockers.
The teenager, who made his Tyrone senior debut in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final defeat to Roscommon, has confirmed that if an offer is made, he will sign with the Aussie Rules club.
“I’m waiting now to hear any word, and we’ll just see how things go,” he said.
“I was over for trials there for two weeks and I enjoyed my time there.”
McElholm was one of the stand-out stars of the Red Hands’ All-Ireland U20 triumph this year, scoring seven points from play in the final against Kerry.
He’s eligible to compete at U20 level again next season, but the county could be about to lose arguably the finest attacking talent to burst onto the scene since Darragh Canavan emerged a few years ago.
“It would be hard to leave, but there’s no guarantees yet,” McElholm cautioned.
The future remains unclear until a decision is made by Fremantle bosses, and should they decide against recruiting the GAA starlet, he’ll commit all his efforts into representing club and county back home.
“Hopefully then I’ll still be playing for Tyrone and playing for Loughmacrory.”
McElholm was in sparkling form at the weekend, hitting 1-5 as Loughmacrory reached the Tyrone SFC quarter-finals with a 2-15 to 2-7 win over Galbally.
The club has lived in the shadow of near neighbours Carrickmore throughout its existence, but in recent seasons has been building steadily as an emerging force.
“It has been building for a few years, and maybe a few more years to get to where we want to be.
“But we’re slowly coming, and slowly starting to perform on the big day.
“There were three of us called up to the Tyrone seniors this year, and that’s just an indication of how this team is developing.
“And there’ll be more on the Tyrone team in years to come hopefully.”
An early goal by defender Pearse Grimes provided the platform for a solid performance which saw the St Teresa’s lead all the way, comfortably setting up a last-eight clash with Dungannon.
“The start definitely helped us get into the swing of things,” said McElholm, who added a second goal with a delightful lobbed effort.
“On any other day, they could get the goal, but luckily we were able to create that wee bit of space, to get it, and we took our chance well, and it set us up for the rest of the game.”
An ethos built around honesty, application and graft served Loughmacrory well throughout a Healy Park tie which saw energy levels maintained from start to finish.
“It’s one thing putting the ball over the bar, but it’s all about each player on the team working hard, and I think we showed very good character and work rate.
“When a man needed a bit of help, we were always there to provide it.”
Now they’re preparing for a massive test against 2020 champions Dungannon.
“They won it a few years ago, they’re very experienced, so we’re just going to have to work hard and hopefully get over the line.”
