O'Rourke: We need the old heads to stay as we blood next generation

MALACHY O'ROURKE insisted there'd be “no talk of retirements” from the Tyrone camp following Saturday's crushing defeat to Kerry in the All-Ireland SFC semifinal.

- BY PADDY TIERNEY

The Red Hands bowed out of the race for the Sam Maguire with a 1-20 to 0-17 defeat, although the margin of victory belies the second half dominance of the Kingdom as they hit 0-9 without reply.

After the game, as is the norm, several of the Tyrone players lingered on the pitch and sought comfort from their family. Mattie Donnelly, in particular, seemed lost in a world of his own before being embraced by his son Senan.

Tyrone have won three of the last four U20 All-Ireland titles as well as this year's minor crown.