Football

Michael McElhatton hails Holy Trinity's team spirit

Holy Trinity got past Tyrone neighbours St Patrick's, Dungannon in the semi-final and now face another Tyrone school, Omagh CBS, in the Danske Bank MacRory Cup final
Holy Trinity got past Tyrone neighbours St Patrick's, Dungannon in the semi-final and now face another Tyrone school, Omagh CBS, in the Danske Bank MacRory Cup final

MICHAEL McElhatton already has Ulster medals tucked away from playing with Tyrone minors last year and on Sunday he would love to add a MacRory medal to his collection in the eagerly awaited final with Omagh CBS.

Two goals from McElhatton saw Holy Trinity knock St Patrick’s, Maghera out of the competition at the quarter-final stage, with the second of those majors coming deep into injury-time to level matters before Ryan Quinn landed the winner.

That night in Owenbeg really typified the spirit within their camp and Michael acknowledges the part played by their management team.

“There is a never-say-die attitude running right through the team, that is something that Mr McKeever and Mr McGeary have drilled into us, keep at them and keep at them,” he said.

“I think the strong point in our squad is that there are no superstars. Everybody does their bit and gels well together and I think that is our secret. All the players work hard for each other and that is what has won us our games.

‘‘Last day out against the Academy was a really tough game. We knew after playing them in the group stages that they weren’t going to be easy to beat but we prepared well for that game and knew that it was going to come right down to the wire and thankfully we got there in the end up.

‘‘Group tackles have been a real strong point for us this year and our defence have been outstanding. Even when we nudged ahead against the Academy our boys defended as though their lives depended on it and it took an outstanding block from Shane Hughes to win it for us right at the end.

‘‘That’s what it takes to win tight games like that, you have to give it your all and put your body on the line.”

For the second game in a row Holy Trinity come up against Tyrone neighbours and while Cookstown have the experience of last year’ McElhatton dismisses the notion that it makes them favourites.

“I wouldn’t say that we are favourites,” he said.

“Omagh have a very good side and have shown that on their way to the final as well but having said that we are a good side as well and I’m not expecting anything other than a good, tight Tyrone derby.

‘‘It’s the second game in a row that we will be playing in a Tyrone derby and it means that everybody knows everybody else. Like ourselves they have had to battle to get through to the final and I would be surprised if it isn’t a similar type of game again.

‘‘The atmosphere in the school in the build-up to the final is unreal and it’s great to see all the support and colours up but we have to remain focussed on the football.”