Hi °C | Lo °C Martin McElkennon regarded as one of the best county team trainers in the country, is finding his services in demand.
The Ballygawley fitness guru has been Seamus McEnaney’s right hand man in Monaghan for the past three years having previously helped out at Cavan when Eamon Coleman was manager. Following the latter’s death, McElkennon continued for another season in charge.
As McEnaney continues to ponder his future as Monaghan boss, McElkennon is currently being coveted by Derry.
Oak Leaf manager Damian Cassidy and McElkennon have been close friends for some time but the latter has been finding himself in limbo of late because of McEnaney’s delay in revealing his intentions in relation to the Monaghan post.
McEnaney’s term in office effectively ended when Monaghan were beaten in the All-Ireland Qualifiers by Cassidy’s Derry side — the Farney men had earlier lost to the Oak Leafs in a fractious Ulster Championship first round contest at Celtic Park — and he has not yet made his intentions clear about seeking re-appointment.
However, Monaghan officials expect McEnaney, who has been in charge for five years, to show his hand over the course of the next 48 hours and, should he decide to stay for another year, McElkennon is also likely to remain.
McElkennon took time out from his teaching post to immerse himself in sports-related activities but it is understood he has now resumed his teaching career.
He initially came to prominence at club level in Tyrone before moving into the county sector and Monaghan’s progress under McEnaney has had its roots in the levels of fitness and stamina inculcated in the squad by McElkennon.
