Lee Brennan got three minutes for Tyrone in the national league.
Back at the very start of the campaign in the first week of February, the Trillick attacker was sprung from the bench in the 67th minute for Darren McCurry during Tyrone’s six-point cruise over Roscommon.
He hasn’t featured since.
- 3 minutes v Roscommon (W)
- 0 minutes v Dublin (D)
- 0 minutes v Cavan (W)
- 0 minutes v Monaghan (W)
- 0 minutes v Donegal (L)
- 0 minutes v Mayo (L)
- 0 minutes v Kerry (L)
In that time, Mickey Harte has trialled a number of options in the county’s full forward line.
Mark Bradley has been pushed in and out. Sean Cavanagh, Darren McCurry, Ronan O’Neill – some of the usual names – have taken up station leading the Tyrone attack.
Even Mattie Donnelly – Brennan’s club mate – has been tried a few times at the edge of the square but the actual scoring threat of that club has barely gotten a sniff at county level.
Well, with the return to club action at the weekend, Lee Brennan gave Red Hands supporters a taste of what they’re missing when he ran bloody riot against poor Strabane Sigersons.
The Trillick star hit an unprecedented individual tally of 3-14, 3-8 of which were from play, in Division One of the Tyrone football league – doubling the opposition’s tally himself and adding three extra points to it.
FT @TrillickGAC 4-19 @SigersonsGAA 0-10- Lee Brennan an incredible 3-14 with 3-8 from play #TyroneACL
— Barry O'Donnell (@bod_uherald) April 15, 2017
And it’s not like this is a bolt from nowhere either.
We’re talking about a guy here who, only two seasons ago, hit 1-4 of his club’s 1-9 in the senior championship final as Trillick conquered Tyrone with just one point to spare back in 2015.
Lee Brennan’s talents are no damn secret.
Unfortunately, chances have been limited for Brennan on Mickey Harte’s team and, with Tyrone’s short running game placing most of the emphasis on their mean defensive structure and counter-attacking backs, some Ulster gaels aren’t sure if there’s going to be a place even for a man who can rack up 23 points in 60 bloody minutes.
https://twitter.com/RonanMcSherryUH/status/853325643110547457
Hi @JoeBrolly1993 Where will them Tyrone ones play Lee Brennan v Doire after his incredible 3-14 today, with 3-8 from play #blanket
— John McGurn (@johnharps) April 15, 2017
Rather than focus on the negatives though, most were just keen to drink in what was a ridiculous performance that’d win almost every game on its own.
Lee Brennan scored 3-14 for Trillick today. Phenomenal stuff. #gaa
— Kevin McKenna (@caoimhin85) April 15, 2017
Lee Brennan hit 3-14 today for Trillick. Most teams don't even score that. #unrealkicking
— Marty Downey 🇮🇪 (@MartyDowney) April 15, 2017
Derry ones will be hoping Mickey Harte doesn’t pay much attention to club league games because this is the last thing they need ahead of Tyrone’s visit to Celtic Park for the championship opener.
