TYRONE have suffered another blow with defender Rory Brennan’s decision to step away from the squad.
The 28-year-old Trillick man has been a constant in the Red Hand panel since 2016, operating as a tight-marking wing back with attacking flair.
Tyrone’s depth of talent in this area of the field meant he has not been able to nail down a regular position in recent seasons, although he was selected to start the 2018 All-Ireland final against Dublin.
Brennan was called up to the senior squad by Mickey Harte immediately after starring at centre-back in the All-Ireland winning U21 team of 2015, which was managed by current senior boss Feargal Logan.
Along with several others from that team, he went on to win an All-Ireland senior medal last year, although he did not make an appearance in the final against Mayo.
Brennan will continue to play for his club, Trillick St Macartan’s, which he captained to the Tyrone Division One League title this season.
His departure from the Red Hand squad is the latest in a number of personnel losses suffered in the past year.
It follows Conor McKenna’s recent decision to return to the AFL and a contract with Brisbane Lions.
Earlier in 2022, a rash of withdrawals included Brennan’s younger brother Lee, as well as Mark Bradley, Ronan O’Neill, Paul Donaghy, Tiernan McCann, Hugh Pat McGeary and Michael Cassidy.
The exodus left Tyrone short on squad depth in the past season, which saw them surrender their Ulster and All-Ireland titles in defeats to neighbours Derry and Armagh in the provincial Championship and All-Ireland Qualifiers respectively.
Managers Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher moved to strengthen the player base by calling up a handful of members of the All-Ireland winning U20 team – Ruairi Canavan, Michael McGleenan, Niall Devlin and Steve Donaghy.
Midfielder McGleenan made his senior debut as a substitute in the All-Ireland Qualifier defeat to Armagh at the Athletic Grounds.
