Latest news with #McElholm
The 42
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
'It wouldn't be a straightforward decision' - AFL door still open for Tyrone star
EOIN MCELHOLM has acknowledged that he would have a big decision to make if an AFL contract offer comes in. The Tyrone senior is the Dalata Hotel Group U20 Player of the Year for 2025, having secured back-to-back titles with the Red Hands. Loughmacrory talent McElholm struck 2-4 in last month's All-Ireland final defeat of Louth, 12 months on from registering 0-7 in their 2024 final win over Kerry. Throw in his terrific minor and college record — he played in the 2021 All-Ireland minor decider and captained Omagh CBS to Hogan Cup success in 2023 — and you can understand why AFL scouts are interested. McElholm impressed at the AFL Draft Combine in 2023 and spent two weeks on trial with Fremantle after last year's Championship. He has come on in Tyrone's first three Championship games this season and is pushing hard for a first Championship start ahead of Sunday's crucial Group 1 game against Cavan. Asked about his AFL situation, McElholm, who turns 20 next month, said it's something he hasn't ruled out but has placed on the back burner for now. Advertisement 'Just keeping in touch, but nothing crucial,' he said. 'But if the opportunity came, I'd definitely look into it because I was out twice and really enjoyed it out there. I really enjoyed the whole experience. But just for the meantime, the focus is on Tyrone and what happens there.' McElholm said he has developed an interest in the oval ball game and watches Fremantle play whenever he can. But he acknowledged that it would be difficult to walk away from Tyrone GAA just as his senior career is lifting off. 'It definitely would,' said McElholm, who made his senior debut as a sub in last year's Championship defeat to Roscommon. 'It wouldn't be a straightforward decision. I'd obviously have to think about it and stuff. I just really enjoyed the opportunity, and if things weren't going well, you're always only a flight away from home.' Meath's Cian McBride, who had a four-year stint at Essendon, spoke recently about the club being won over specifically by his speed. 'I did the combine over there, when I went out two years ago,' said McElholm of how he impressed scouts. 'So 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, yeah, 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 will hope to impress again for Tyrone on Sunday in Enniskillen. A win over Cavan could secure them top spot in the group and an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final place, although a loss could potentially spell the end of their campaign. It bodes well for Tyrone that they beat Cavan earlier this season in Ulster and haven't lost a Championship game to the Breffni since 1983. 'It's a knock-out game, that's the way you have to look at it,' said McElholm, a Sigerson Cup semi-finalist earlier this year with Ulster University. '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.' After losing to Mayo in Round 2, Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke may fancy making changes in attack, potentially paving the way for a McElholm start. But with the Canavan brothers, Darren McCurry, Mattie Donnelly, Mark Bradley and Peter Harte among those vying for spots, it's ultra competitive. 'The two Canavans and Petey and Darren, they're boys who you watched growing up,' said McElholm. 'Now playing with them and learning different tips and skills, it's a complete pleasure.' Dalata Hotel Group GAA U20 Football Team of the Year 1. Conan McGarvey (Tyrone) 2. Pádraic Tinnelly (Louth) 3. Joey Clarke (Tyrone) 4. Caolan Donnelly (Tyrone) 5. Tadhg McDonnell (Louth) 6. Callum Daly (Tyrone) 7. Hugh O'Loughlin (Mayo) 8. Seán Callaghan (Louth) 9. James Maguire (Louth) 10. Kevin Muldoon (Donegal) 11. Eoin McElholm (Tyrone) 12. Seanán Carr (Donegal) 13. Ruairí McCullagh (Tyrone) 14. Tomás Kennedy (Kerry) 15. Darragh Beirne (Mayo)
Belfast Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Tyrone All-Ireland winner focused on county and not AFL after being named U20 Player of the Year
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)
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tyrone ace Eoin McElholm doesn't rule out potential AFL switch after U20 All-Ireland success
AN AFL move could still tempt Eoin McElholm. The rising 2 Eoin McElholm of Tyrone has admitted he would consider moving to the AFL is more offers came his way 2 Tyrone captain Joey Clarke lifts the U20 All-Ireland titel alongside team-mate Eoin McElholm McElholm starred at home instead of away, and helped The starlet also made his SFC debut for the county this year under Malachy O'Rourke, and should feature in Sunday's final group stage clash against Cavan in Enniskillen. McElholm was crowned Dalata Hotel Group under-20 footballer of the year yesterday. Leaving home would be far from easy. But he is open to any more offers if they come his way. read more on gaa He told SunSport: 'It definitely wouldn't be easy to leave. "But if the opportunity arises again I'd have to definitely debate it, because it's a huge opportunity. 'It's something I'd be interested in doing because I really enjoyed it when I was over there but it's not just a straightforward decision. 'It'd be hard to leave what I have here behind, but I definitely enjoyed the experience out there. Most read in GAA Football 'I went out for a two week trial with Fremantle andI just gained so much experience about the game and about the professional athlete's life and I really enjoyed it.' But McElholm is loving life in Tyrone for now. He fired 2-4 for Paul Devlin's men in their 5-16 to 0-17 romp over Louth last month and is one of the hottest young talents in the game. GAA fans 'loved seeing and hearing' the late Micheal O Muircheartaigh as he features in RTE documentary Hell for Leather The Red Hands lifted But watching Padraig Hampsey climb the steps of the Hogan stand inspired him to reach those heights at underage level, and he hopes retaining the Clarke Cup can spark more glory on the biggest stage. He said: 'It was class. I was just a huge Tyrone fan and it was just unbelievable. 'It was an unbelievable experience being up there seeing him lift that and just watching Padraig lift it I just thought, 'that's what I want to do.' 'Now that I'm in with the seniors, everybody's driving in the same direction to win another one. 'It's a great environment to be a part of but I remember watching that game and just thinking 'this is special' and I want to get there someday. 'Everybody in Tyrone getting behind the players and the team, the noise…it was just special times. You never know, down the line hopefully. If we keep going in the right direction we might not be too far away.' SENIOR IMPACT McElholm was thrown into the fray in two massive senior games this summer and made a big impact. He injected huge pace into their attack in their epic Ulster semi-final loss to Armagh, and repeated the dose in their gripping round-robin win over Donegal in Ballybofey. Just days after their under-20 triumph, he looked on as they fell flat in their shock Juggling life in two panels is far from simple, but the senior camp has his full focus now. And their rising star hopes they can bounce back in Sunday's showdown against Cavan and surge into the quarter-finals. He added: 'Sport can be challenging when things aren't going well mentally, but I'm really enjoying it so far. 'Maybe next year if things aren't going as well for me, I might not enjoy it as much but at the minute I can't complain, to be truthful and I'm really enjoying the seniors under Malachy. 'The Mayo game was definitely a setback, it was just a game we didn't perform in. We were a bit sluggish compared to Mayo. 'They came at us with very big intensity and we just didn't really adapt. We just need to bounce back this weekend and get a good performance. 'We just need to give everything we have and hopefully get over the line.' Dalata Hotel Group GAA U20 Football Team of the Year: McGarvey (Tyrone) 2. Pádraic Tinnelly (Louth) 3. Joey Clarke (Tyrone) 4. Caolan Donnelly (Tyrone) 5. Tadhg McDonnell (Louth) 6. Callum Daly (Tyrone) 7. Hugh O'Loughlin (Mayo) 8. Seán Callaghan (Louth) 9. James Maguire (Louth) 10. Kevin Muldoon (Donegal) 11. Eoin McElholm (Tyrone) 12. Seanán Carr (Donegal) 13. Ruairí McCullagh (Tyrone) 14. Tomás Kennedy (Kerry) 15. Darragh Beirne (Mayo) The Dalata Hotel Group is delighted to announce Eoin McElholm of Tyrone as the 2025 Dalata Hotel Group GAA U20 Footballer of the Year. This award recognises McElholm's outstanding performances and transformative impact throughout the championship.
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Eoin McElholm's focus firmly on Tyrone amid AFL possibilities
Rising Tyrone star Eoin McElholm says he's still open to a potential AFL switch but has placed it on the backburner whilst he concentrates on the All-Ireland SFC. The Loughmacrory teenager highlighted his talent yet again last month with 2-4 in Tyrone's Dalata Hotel Group All-Ireland U-20 final defeat of Louth. His two goals midway through the second-half helped propel Tyrone to back-to-back titles having also fired 0-7 in last year's final win over Kerry. McElholm previously featured in the 2021 All-Ireland minor final and hit 2-5 for Omagh CBS in the 2023 Hogan Cup final, lifting that cup as captain. Later that year, he impressed AFL scouts at the Draft Combine in Melbourne, excelling in the sprint section, and spent two weeks on trial at Fremantle last July. After coming on in Tyrone's first three senior Championship games this year, he could yet make his first Championship start this Sunday in the crucial Group 1 clash with Cavan. Picking up his Dalata Hotel Group All-Ireland U-20 Footballer of the Year award, McElholm says he is 'keeping in touch' with Fremantle. "If the opportunity came, I'd definitely look into it," he said. "Because I was out twice and really enjoyed it out there. I really enjoyed the whole experience. But just for the meantime, the focus is on Tyrone and what happens there." McElholm said he has developed an interest in the oval ball game and watches Fremantle play whenever he can. But he acknowledged that it would be difficult to walk away from Tyrone just as his senior career is starting. "It definitely would," said McElholm, who made his senior debut as a sub in last year's Championship defeat to Roscommon. "It wouldn't be a straightforward decision. 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." Meath's Cian McBride, who had a four-year stint at Essendon, spoke recently about the club being won over specifically by his speed. "I did the combine over there, when I went out two years ago," said McElholm of how he impressed scouts. "So 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, yeah, 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 will hope to impress again for Tyrone on Sunday in Enniskillen. A win over Cavan could secure them top spot in the group, and an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final place, although a loss could potentially spell the end of their campaign. It bodes well that they beat Cavan earlier this season in Ulster and haven't lost a Championship game to the Breffni since 1983. "It's a knock-out game, that's the way you have to look at it," said McElholm, a Sigerson Cup semi-finalist earlier this year with Ulster University. "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." After losing to Mayo in Round 2, Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke may fancy making changes in attack, potentially paving the way for a McElholm start. But with the Canavan brothers, Darren McCurry, Mattie Donnelly, Mark Bradley and Peter Harte among those vying for spots, it's ultra competitive. "The two Canavans and Petey and Darren, they're boys who you watched growing up," said McElholm. "Now playing with them and learning different tips and skills, it's a complete pleasure."
Irish Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Emerging Tyrone star leaving AFL door ajar amid interest from down under
Tyrone starlet Eoin McElholm has said that he remains open to trying his hand at Australian rules amid interest from down under. McElholm starred as Tyrone retained the Dalata Hotel Group All-Ireland under-20 title last month and was named Footballer of the Year for the competition today, while he has also been featuring regularly for the senior side this season, largely off the bench. The 19-year-old was on trial with AFL club Fremantle Dockers last year and while contact has cooled somewhat in the meantime, he's not closing any doors. He said: 'If the opportunity came, I'd definitely look into it, because I was out twice and really enjoyed it out there. Really enjoyed the whole experience. 'But just for the meantime, the focus is on Tyrone and what happens there.' He added: 'They give me a few balls actually saying, 'Just do as much skills work as you can with them'. But that was probably more closer to when I went out last year. I was practising a lot with it. 'If I'd seen it at the house, I'd probably bate it about for a while. But no, that's nothing I'm focused on.' His fellow countyman Conor McKenna, an All-Ireland winner in 2021, joined an elite group of Irish players to have won an AFL Premiership last year as Essendon went all the way and there has been contact between the two. 'Just when I was out last year, he was texting me, saying enjoy the whole experience and gave me a few tips. Maybe if the opportunity does arise to let him know, he'll give me a few tips and stuff. But no, he was just basically keeping me right.' With Tyrone having won three of the last four All-Ireland under-20 titles, a bright future beckons for them at senior level, something that would be difficult for the youngster to leave behind. 'Yeah, it definitely would. It wouldn't be a straightforward decision. I'd obviously have to think about it and stuff. 'But no, I just really enjoyed the opportunity and obviously if things weren't going well you're always a flight away from home.' In the meantime, Tyrone have a crunch All-Ireland series Group 1 tie with Cavan on Sunday at Brewster Park, where they need a result to progress to the knockout stages, while a win could potentially see them straight through to a quarter-final. Tyrone haven't lost to Cavan in the Championship since 1983 and have already inflicted a seven-point defeat on them in this year's Ulster Championship. McElholm added: 'They're going to be so up for it. It's just that they're not going to want the same result as what happened that day in Healy Park. 'They're just going to do everything in their power to make it as close as possible. They're going to do whatever they can to get over the line. 'So it is psychologically difficult. You have to prepare for the game the way you prepared for them in the championship. I think we're all looking forward to it. There's a good buzz around.'
