O'ROURKE SAYS ITS ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP IN FINAL GAMES

MALACHY O'ROURKE says he accepts some criticism of Tyrone's early-season form is merited, but he insists it isn't down to a lack of effort on the part of his players.

- By PADDY TIERNEY

The Red Hands began the League as hot favourites for promotion after being the first team in the modern era to be relegated from Division 1 on seven points last term.

Defeats to Derry and Louth followed a lacklustre home draw to Kildare in their opening game having played the final quarter with an extra player in Omagh.

While promotion isn't beyond the realms of possibility, Tyrone appear destined to spend another year in Division 2 as it would also take a bizarre series of results to send them into Division 3.

Probably for the first time since taking over as Tyrone manager ahead of the 2025, O'Rourke has found himself under pressure on the sideline and he stressed he has no issue with it.

"You expect criticism, there's no problem with that, and I'm well able to take that," he said.