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The 42
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
'Just a special talent' - 20 years on from Galway's 'Terrible Twins' brilliance in All-Ireland final
THE TONE WAS set after just 18 seconds. Cathal Blake made the hard yards, Micheal Meehan provided the finishing touch to the net. On All-Ireland final day for Galway it was the perfect start. By the eighth minute they had hit the net twice, they struck a third goal by half-time, and doubled that tally during the second half to finish with six. They only raised five white flags but no one of a maroon persuasion minded that the goal total surpassed the point figure. Two decades on as Galway and Down prepare to cross paths in the senior championship arena in Newry, the memories of a madcap and wildly entertaining All-Ireland U21 final between the counties in Mullingar come flooding back for those involved. The end scoreline, 6-5 to 4-6, remains stunning to read, and in the Galway ranks there was too chief architects. Meehan, an irrepressible talent, struck 3-2. Seán Armstrong, fresh out of the minor ranks, pushed him hard in the scoring stakes and finished with 3-1. 'Sometimes I feel sorry for Cathal Blake, he was full-forward beside the two lads and he was a brilliant footballer, still playing with his club,' recalls Barry Cullinane, a towering midfielder in that Galway team. 'He took the Down full-back out of it, and they followed him because they knew if they didn't, he was going to cause problems and it just left to rake space inside for the lads. 'You'd don't need to ask them twice to pull the trigger. The exploits of famed Galway duo Sean Purcell and Frank Stockwell earned them the 'Terrible Twins' label, Meehan and Armstrong struck a partnership that year to rival them. Before the final, they hit 15 out of Galway's 17 points in the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork, Armstrong swinging over seven from play. Meehan's talent was already advertised in bright lights. In 2002 he won the Hogan Cup with St Jarlath's and an All-Ireland U21 medal with Galway. In 2003 he won the Sigerson Cup with NUIG. In 2004 he won the All-Ireland senior club title with Caltra. Advertisement By 2005, his last year as an underage footballer, his ability had been illuminated for all to see, but there was a confidence in the threat posed by his attacking colleague as well. 'I wouldn't have played with Army up to that, but he had a huge reputation, even from like U14 in Salthill, they had a really, really good team,' says Cullinane. 'He came out of minor but was basically built like a 25-year-old. 'He could handle himself. He came out of Leaving Cert, went into the military, and didn't take a huge amount of work on the physical aspect of it because genetically he was all there. 'We knew when we had him that that you definitely had a potent forward line. We'd been unlucky at minor level with that team, we lost in an All-Ireland quarter-final to Joe Sheridan's Meath team, and probably maybe lacked a little bit of support for Mikey and Army was the extra bit of impetus that we needed.' Delivering for Meehan fuelled the motivation of that Galway group. 'There was huge excitement around then because you saw that 2002 (U21) team and the performance they put in, they beat Kerry in a semi-final and Dublin in a final. That was off the back of the 2001 senior final and there was a huge positivity around Galway football at the time. Maybe it had dwindled a little bit. 'But for all of us, you know you're playing with a generational talent when you've Michael Meehan. We knew that, we'd all seen him since Under-12 coming up through the ranks and knew exactly how good he was. 'I think there was a bit of a responsibility that we had to perform as well to make sure that he got the recognition that that he deserved. He was just a special talent. 'Not only as a brilliant footballer, he was a brilliant leader as well and demanded high standards. It was the responsibiliry for us all to get to the level that he expected.' They delivered. Cullinane was one of a number who graduated to the senior ranks. 'We got a load of lads off that off that U21 team. Damien Dunleavy, Niall Coyne, Darren Mullahy, Alan Burke, Finian Hanley, Gary Sice, myself, Niall (Coleman), Mikey, Army, we got a load of lads went on to play senior. 'Only for injuries, I'd say a couple of them would have had a lot better (careers). Damien Dunleavy was an unbelievable talent. Like he had everything, he was athletic, brilliant footballer, but just ravaged by injuries. 'Darren Mulllahy was an exceptional wing-back and again kind of just got caught with injuries over the years. It was definitely a profitable team for the Galway seniors. We were lucky that Peter Ford at the time was over the seniors and he was over the U21s. 'That was the way it was done. John O'Mahony, God rest him, took the seniors and U21s, and then when he stepped aside and Peter Ford came in, he took that as well. So it was good for us in terms of like that transition to senior was was more seamless.' Related Reads A New York All-Ireland final and Croke Park championship meetings - Kerry and Cavan's history 'You are used to being on the road' - Shane O'Donnell makes light of Donegal controversy 'You couldn't be happy with Saturday' - Paul Geaney gets ready for charge at Sam Maguire Members of the opposition that day have progressed as well. Conor Laverty was a livewire, jinking forward that Galway needed to watch. Now he is the Down boss trying to mastermind the downfall of the Galway seniors. 'He was one of three lads we had pinpointed,' recalls Cullinane of Laverty. 'Joe Ireland, I think injury kind of caught him as well, he didn't start the final and got a goal off the bench. Ambrose Rodgers in the middle of the pitch and Laverty, they were the three hot hot properties. 'At the time, like the whole analysis side of it wasn't as as detailed as it is now. You were just getting snippets here and there, but we knew what he had done up to that. 'To see what he's gone on to do for Kilcoo and Down, you have to have huge admiration for him. He was a hard runner and I think he kind of has brought that into Kilcoo and brought it into Down. He's obviously a good thinker of the game and he was a really, really good footballer.' The 1959 was the first Galway-Down clash in championship, Galway winning that All-Ireland semi-final. They would meet four times in the space of 13 seasons, Galway edging the semi-final record 3-1, but Sunday afternoon will represent a first championship meeting in 54 years. Since last Monday's draw, memories of the 2005 U21 showdown have been stirred up again. 'Good days like that, you'll always gravitate towards those memories and they were really nice,' says Cullinane. 'There was a great bunch of lads and the draw just makes you think about about them. 'It's1971 since Galway played Down in the championship. I played them in the league a few times. 'But definitely there's a connection between Galway and Down football. For myself, I'm from Claregalway. Patsy O'Hagan, who's the former Down star of the '60s, he moved to Claregalway and Danny Cummins, ex-Galway footballer, is actually his grandson. 'So in Claregalway there's a big Down connection and that adds to it this week.' *****
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)
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 Examiner
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Callum Daly revels in putting defence first as Tyrone look to retain U20 All-Ireland crown against Louth
Callum Daly's intuitive understanding and immaculate implementation of the sweeper role is one of many obstacles that Louth will have to contend with if they're to dethrone All-Ireland U20 champions Tyrone in Wednesday's decider. The Omagh man's reading of the game has been a key factor in the Red Hands' progression to another decider and a shot at taking a third title in four years. It was a defensive shut-out that sealed the semi-final victory over Kerry, the collective effort held together by the coolest, calmest man on the pitch. 'I've been playing this role for a few years now, and I suppose I've had a wee bit of success there, which is good. It's just really about protecting the house,' said Daly. 'We always say if we don't concede goals, then we'll win the match, so that's just the main aim. 'You're obviously playing against top players all across the country, and that really improves me as a player.' A defensive unit worked in perfect tandem at Portlaoise, where the holders closed down the Kingdom attack to carve out a 2-14 to 0-14 win. 'We did work on that, we've seen that from the start, from the analysis. And we had it sussed out, and to be fair to Ben Hughes, he did a real good job on Tomas Kennedey, who's obviously a very dangerous player. 'They play a very nice brand of football, but we just knew if we could match their workrate, then our quality would come through, because our forwards and our defenders have just been unbelievable all year. 'And we just knew if we could get that right, then we'd win the match.' Daly has displayed maturity beyond his years in perfecting the role he first took on a couple of years ago as captain of the Omagh CBS MacRory and Hogan Cup winning team. His instinctive approach to the game may be a natural gift, but outside influences have played a part in his development, and it's no coincidence that this rising star's traits bear striking similarities to those of senior defender Rory Brennan. 'Rory would probably be one that I would look up to. I think his reading of the game is exceptional. 'So I just try and mimic stuff that he does, you know, and learn off him.' U20 manager Paul Devlin and his coaching team have mentored many young Tyrone footballers over the past seven years, shaping their future in the game and providing a pathway to a senior career, a route that Daly and a clutch of his team-mats look set to follow. 'It's just testament to the coaching that I have had and the players that I play with, all unbelievable. We work hard at it, and it's just nice that it pays off.' Daly already owns one All-Ireland U20 medal, and he wants to go back-to-back with victory over Louth at the Box-It Athletic Grounds on Wednesday. 'You don't want to come all this way and come second place, you know. So we've got a big few days ahead to prepare for this final.'
