Elijah Tillman making a huge difference to his new team UCC Demons

IT has been a great start for UCC Demons new American signing Elijah Tillman, who is fresh from helping his club end a nine year drought in winning their eight Pat Duffy Men’s National Cup title.

For the 28 year-old born in Garnerville, New York it has been a dream come true as he reflected on the early years of his professional career.

“When I graduated from college I went to Spain to play but that didn’t work out so it was back to the drawing board and I then played a season in Ireland with Kubs in Dublin ironically under my present coach Danny O’Mahony,” he said.

A spell in Australia was next on the agenda for Tillman but when Covid struck he was stranded out there as their season came to an abrupt end.

“I was lucky that I lived in countryside outside Melbourne and I got through the pandemic with too much problems,” he added.

Playing in the local leagues in New York Tillman met coach O’Mahony during the summer but after a few discussions nothing was finalised.

“To be honest, I was hoping for another job offer and I would always be honest with Danny so it didn’t materialise and I was shocked when they came back for me in December.” 

On this occasion Elijah decided to help Demons in their hour of need and he duly packed his bags and arrived in Ireland on St Stephen’s Day three days before their vital Super League clash against Moycullen.

“Danny wanted our partnership to work knowing I was capable of doing the business and I was determined to help him and the club in their hour of need.

“My biggest concern was all about Danny because I didn’t want to fail and people pointing the finger at him that he had chosen a bad professional and my respect for him is driving me on since I came to Ireland.” 

The next game for Elijah was a cup semi- final against Neptune and he knew that nothing but a win would satisfy Demons faithful.

“I knew all about the rivalry between the clubs and it was talked about for the entire week on the build- up to the game so the pressure was on to win.

“There is little doubt our fans were outstanding in that game as we started slow but once we got to grips with them in overtime the inspiration we got from the stands will always stay in my heart.” 

A cup final against Ballincollig loomed a fortnight after and Tillman knew nothing short of a top class performance would suffice.

“I knew after watching them against Tralee Warriors that both Seventh Woods and I would have to show up in the final as Ballincollig are a big side with lots of talent.

“Seventh and I have only played a few games together and I think we will get better for the remainder of this campaign.” 

The likeable American is very aware that Demons Super League form hasn’t been satisfactory this season but he is adamant results will improve.

“Look I am a complete different professional to what the Irish guys are used to playing with so it wasn’t going to happen overnight but the lads are skillful and hopefully the season will finish in a winning manner.” 

Having lost a 26 point lead to Tralee Warriors Demons new acquisition knew they need to tweak a few things before the cup final.

“The sign of any good team is to learn from defeats and credit to Danny and the lads they got it right in the cup final and hence we were crowned champions.” 

In a recent Super League clash against St Vincent’s Tillman scored 55 points and accumulated 20 rebounds and is well aware of what Super League status means to the club.

“When I was Dublin the Demons and Neptune rivalry was spoken in depth by Ken Black who coached in Cork during the eighties of the golden era and as a former coach of Neptune he does realise the importance of both clubs competing in the top tier.

“All I can promise the fans will be to give my all for the remainder of the season and let’s hope we are in a better league position than we are right now.”