Tyrone’s new generation blossoming

It started just five days after Dublin’s All-Ireland triumph with the news that Brian Dooher was pulling the shutters down on his 16-year career and only ended last week with Kevin Hughes’ decision to follow suit.

Four others – Brian McGuigan, Philip Jordan, Enda McGinley and Ciaran Gourley – had bid similar farewells in the days in between. That’s 16 All-Ireland medals, and a lot more besides, removed from the Tyrone dressing-room.

It didn’t bode well.