Ethan Jordan wonders what could have been after Mayo’s surge to Sam

By Alan Rodgers

A SERIES of small margins, combined with the vital element of good fortune, could make all the difference for Tyrone in 2027 as they reflect on a season that saw them come agonisingly close to an All-Ireland semi-final appearance.

It was a frustrating end to the Sam Maguire race for the Red Hands when they lost out to Kerry at Croke Park in June. But Mayo’s subsequent success has given Malachy O’Rourke and his players fresh optimism and determination as they look ahead to next year.

The Connacht side’s victory, ending 75 long years of hurt, is arguably the story of the year. Now, though, Tyrone will be aiming to make the most of their opportunities, especially as they were one of only two teams – Roscommon being the other – to defeat Mayo in Championship action this year.

The past National League and Championship campaigns will also be remembered for the breakthrough performances of Ethan Jordan. The Eglish clubman made his mark and while injury could potentially rule him out of club championship action this autumn, he remains confident that Tyrone are on the right track at inter-county level.

“Mayo have definitely been an inspiration. But for ourselves, it was also hard to watch because we beat them in Omagh that day and probably didn’t even feel that we performed to our potential on that occasion,” he said.

“We still got over the line against them and, obviously, after that we went to Croke Park against Kerry. It’s well documented how decisions and whatever didn’t go our way. It would have been great to have got over the line against them.

“To see Mayo get over the line and win the All-Ireland, as good as they were, we were probably sitting there thinking, ‘What if things had gone differently for us?’, especially against Kerry in the quarter-final.

“But you just have to react to that at this stage in the right way when the preparations start for 2027 in the league and championship.”

Whether or not the 26-year-old Jordan lines out for his club in the O’Neill Cup this year remains to be seen. He has been one of the county’s most talented attackers, but will undergo a scan this week to determine the extent of a foot injury.

He initially thought it was simply a bruised heel. However, he should know more within days and is understandably hoping to be given the all-clear to line out for Eglish, who face Donaghmore in the Senior Championship first round in early September.

The form of newly promoted St Patrick’s in Division One has been one of the major talking points of the All-County Leagues, with the Eglish side spending much of the season jostling for top spot.

“It’s probably frustrating for me to get injured because you train all year and then don’t get to see the improvements that you’ve made at county level, because everyone is at an elite level,” Jordan added.

“I still don’t know the full extent of the injury. I thought it was a bruised heel, but I’m going to get a scan this week.”

Just as importantly, though, will be the focus on a second year with Tyrone and their prospects of perhaps emulating Mayo by claiming a fifth Sam Maguire triumph.

“I watched the All-Ireland Final and it was hard not to be happy for Mayo because they have had a lot of suffering over the years,” Ethan added. “But in this game you have to be selfish and wonder about what might have been. That’s all in hindsight at this stage.

“There’s a lot of things that can happen in the next few months and a lot of players will be aiming to make their mark in the Club Championships. That’s what it’s all about here in Tyrone, and I’m looking forward to that.”