He will be forever remembered for bringing Fermanagh senior footballers to a rare Ulster final back in 1982.

And he also has a pretty unique record in club terms with his native Tempo.

He managed a Tempo team to two county finals in 1972 and 1973, as well as in 2012 after a gap of 39 years.

That 2012 win was very special as his sons, Ciaran and Niall McElroy, were key figures in that emotional victory.

These days, McElroy, a hardy 82, is a familiar figure in and around the press box for county games in Brewster Park and an ever-present also at games in his native Tempo.

But he has also been casting a cool eye over both Erne Gaels and Derrygonnelly in this year’s county championship.

Asked for his considered thoughts, he said: “I have a very slight inkling for Derrygonnelly and in saying that I know that Erne Gaels are more than capable of taking their third title on the trot.

“The Fermanagh championship has been pretty even this year and you were never too sure who was going to come out on top with Derrygonnelly, Erne Gaels Ederney, Ennsikillen and Belnaleck all in contention.

“I think Derrygonnelly can do it because it is not easy getting three-in-a-row which is what Erne Gaels are looking for.

“Not only that, but they have been in five finals in a row and that is bound to take its toll.

“Derrygonnelly have a fair few young players looking for their first ever county title and they will have a huge hunger.

“These younger players are playing a huge role in Derrygonnelly this year with Ronan McGovern, Rian McGovern, Gary Smyth, Gareth McGovern and they also have the likes of Rory Joe Duffy and Conall Rasdale coming off the bench.

“They are pacey and can run at a defence and it will be a totally different game to the last time they met in Kinawley when Erne Gaels won easily.”

McElroy believes that the Harps were not “too much worried” about that encounter.

“Shane and Stephen McGulliona are still big leaders for the Harps.

“And to win three in a row is a huge task no matter what county you are in.

“Derrygonnelly will be hungrier and keener.

“Derrygonnelly find it hard to get the few scores to put teams away and that is not a problem with Belleek.

“Gary McKenna is their top scorer and this is a new team bedding in.”

But McElroy has been very impressed by Erne Gaels.

“You take Oisin Kelm, Ultan Kelm and Aogan Kelm and they are huge players and there is no better wing back in the county than Oisin Kelm and he can score as well.”

McElroy added that while the Gaels conceded two goals in a minute, there was unlikely to be any recurrence.

“But it could be an area of concern for them and they could struggle against the pace of the Harps younger players.

“However the Gaels has a great forward line and Brian Mullin was the man who turned Erne Gaels around when he came back from London a few years ago.

“He is a great athlete but I am not swaying back to Erne Gaels.

“I still think it will be Derrygonnelly”