Rising GAA starlet says he couldn't turn down AFL opportunity

Rising Tyrone star Eoin McElholm says the opportunity to make it as a professional athlete in the AFL is something he couldn’t turn down - as he heads back to Australia for a second round of trials. The talented Loughmacrory teenager jetted out yesterday morning (Friday) for a two week trial with Freemantle Dockers.

McElholm (19) was put through his paces in an initial trial last October. While in Australia he was brought along to watch fellow Tyrone man Conor McKenna in Brisbane Lions’ Grand Final defeat by Collingwood. McElholm returned home to help Tyrone win their second All Ireland under-20 title in three seasons.

The flying forward, who hit a magnificent seven points from play in the under-20 final victory over Kerry two months ago, is one of the brightest emerging talents in the country and would be a big loss to Tyrone.

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“I was at trials up in Dublin a few times last year and was invited out for two weeks to see how I got on,” said McElholm. “It was different then as it was a trial in front of a number of teams but it has given me a taste of what to expect.

“To be honest winning an All Ireland title with Tyrone was always top of my list, especially after missing out on the minor title three years ago and thankfully we managed to achieve that.”

On his latest trial, McElholm said: “I will train with them and see how I get on. I found out about a month ago that they were looking me out. But I have kept it to myself and my family until the last few days.

“The last time I was over I was taken to the Grand Final and got to see Conor McKenna play. He is somebody that I really admire and he has made a name for himself out there.

“To have the chance of perhaps becoming a professional player is something that I can’t turn down and I aim to go out and give it my best shot and see how it goes and take it from there.

“It will be tough leaving my family, Loughmacrory and Tyrone but I think the time is right to try and pursue it.”

McElholm - a Hogan Cup winner with Omagh CBS and skipper of their 2023 side - still has another year left at under-20 level.

His scoring exploits in this year’s under-20 championship, including 1-2 in the win over Roscommon, saw him pick up back to back man of the match awards in the All-Ireland semi-final and final.

The attacking ace was immediately called into the Tyrone senior panel.

He came on against Roscommon in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final as Brian Dooher and Fearghal Logan’s men exited the Championship.

“My target was to make the panel of 24 and after being injured for the Cork game I managed to do that against Roscommon,” he said.

“It was unreal to come on at halftime. It was tough going but it was a day that I will never forget.

“I was buzzing when I came on but settled down when I got on the ball a couple of times although it was disappointing that things didn’t go according to plan that day.”

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