By Alan Rodgers

TYRONE were left to reflect on what might have been after Saturday’s agonising All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Kerry, with the sense that a major opportunity had slipped away.

The disappointment of falling just short at Croke Park was matched by the belief that the Red Hands had done enough to win. Marginal decisions, missed chances and a handful of costly wides combined to leave Malachy O’Rourke’s side on the wrong side of a narrow defeat.

Yet, despite the immediate frustration, there is also optimism about what lies ahead. The blend of experienced leaders and a young group that has already tasted All-Ireland success at minor and U20 level offers genuine hope that Tyrone can challenge for a fifth Sam Maguire title in the seasons to come.

Among those to emerge with credit from the contest was Trillick’s Seanie O’Donnell. The 2022 All-Ireland U20 winner has become an established figure at senior level and, while still processing the disappointment, was able to identify lessons that Tyrone must take into the future.

“It was very disappointing and maybe a few wides in the first half is something that we can work on. But we put in a great shift there against a good Kerry side and there’s lots to take away from this,” he said.

“There are a lot of learnings to be taken from this and we knew that it was going to be a right step up. Every game at this stage is going to be a big step up and we were probably trying to take the learnings from last year as well when maybe the game fizzled out.

“But I suppose we were in the game right to the end. There were maybe a couple of mistakes and wides, but again it’s just disappointing.

“A few lads came off the bench and did well and there are good things to take from this defeat as well. I suppose we just want to look forward now.”

Looking ahead is easier with time, but the signs under O’Rourke remain encouraging. Tyrone pushed the reigning champions all the way and, despite the pain of defeat, there is a growing belief that the current squad has the potential to achieve something significant.

O’Donnell is among a new generation now firmly established in the senior set-up. Having helped Tyrone to U20 All-Ireland glory four years ago, he is one of several young players eager to turn that promise into senior success.

Keeping the county’s experienced players involved will also be key. Their influence, alongside the continued development of emerging talent, could prove crucial as Tyrone look to build on this year’s progress.

“There are a lot of young lads playing and getting the experience, especially against a good Kerry side. I suppose it’s up to us now to do something with that experience. It’s no good talking about it and we really have to take action now.

“The boys will go back to the clubs and we’re lucky that things are really competitive there. It’s a long way back, but it’s something to look forward to as well and we’re keen to push on next year.

“It’s great to have the freshness in the team, but it’s a big step up from U-20 and it doesn’t always generally mean that you can go on to senior and win.

“We have a lot to learn against an experienced Kerry side which maybe showed at times. We’ll lick our wounds and look at the video and see where we can improve.

“You look at Mattie kicking points and the shape that he is in. He has still so much to offer, Niall Morgan, Conn (Kilpatrick) and there are others as well.

“But looking to improve is an exciting thing about this as well. It’s going to be a long few months, and then we’ll get back at it.”