The news is a significant blow for Malachy O’Rourke and comes weeks after star forward Darragh Canavan left for a month-long trip to Australia while former Footballer of the Year Kieran McGeary recently returned to the squad
Tyrone have suffered a huge setback after defender Rory Brennan has stepped away from the squad for the rest of the season.
The Trillick man is understood to have informed Malachy O’Rourke of his decision earlier this week and he will focus on his club commitments for the rest of 2026.
Brennan won an All-Ireland with Tyrone in 2021 before stepping away from the squad at the end of the 2022 campaign.
On the back of a series of excellent displays for Trillick which included captaining them to the 2023 O’Neill Cup, he returned to the county fold last season and was a regular starter during O’Rourke’s first season as they reached the last four of the Championship, losing to eventual winners Kerry in Croke Park.
His departures comes just weeks after star forward Darragh Canavan left for a month-long trip to Australia while former Footballer of the Year Kieran McGeary is back in training after missing the first two months of the season after going travelling.
The Red Hands are in action in Croke Park this weekend as they face Meath in their penultimate League game. Tyrone eased their relegation concerns with a nine-point win over Offaly in round five in Dungannon earlier this month.
They cannot be overtaken by the Faithful and would only be relegated if they lose to Meath and Cork and Cavan win both their final games and Kildare pick up one more win.
In that scenario, Tyrone could be relegated on scoring difference as they drew with the Lilywhites.
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