McElholm relishing semi showdown with Cork

QUICK-FIRE matches on the provincial stage have all been successfully negotiated by a Tyrone Minor team now setting its sights on reaching new heights in the All-Ireland.

Victory over Donegal last weekend earned the county a first Ulster title for nine years. Now it’s the next level up which is demanding their attention and a mouth-watering clash against Munster champions, Cork in Tullamore on Saturday afternoon.

That game will see the two renew acquaintances in the race for the Thomas Markham Cup for the first time since the 2013 decider at Croke Park. Add in important matches between them in even earlier decades and the ingredients are certainly there for a rip-roaring contest.

Among those who will be aiming to make their mark for Tyrone once again is corner forward, Eoin McElholm. A member of the Loughmacrory club, he is one of three players from the St Teresa’s. They all gathered with people from the area for a special commemorative photograph following the Ulster title success. Suffice to say, though, that both he and everyone in the area are looking ahead now with excitement to the possibility of more glory to follow.

“It means everything to this squad to have won the Ulster title. That was our expectation and aim right from the start of the year, to train and work hard and try and win the title,” he said.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S ULSTER HERALD