Monaghan’s three-time All Star winning forward Conor McManus has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The Clontibret O’Neills clubman made his debut for Monaghan during the league against Roscommon in 2007 before making his first championship appearance against Down later that season.
The 37-year-old won two Ulster titles with Monaghan, coming in 2013 and 2015, seasons which also saw him selected as part of the All Star team of the year, before his third inclusion in 2018.
In a statement released by Monaghan GAA on Friday evening, McManus said: “It’s been my privilege of a lifetime to play for Monaghan the past 18 years. Days I will never forget, lifelong memories and friendships made with the boys.
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“My absolute thanks to (former Monaghan managers) Banty (McEnaney), Eamonn (McEneaney), Vinnie (Corey) and Malachy (O’Rourke) for everything, every team-mate I have played and trained with, along with every member of the back room team over the years, Francie our long standing kit-man, coaches, physios, (who saw plenty of me), doctors, sponsors, Monaghan Co Board, and all those who have helped along the way.
“Best of luck to Gabriel (Bannigan) and the boys for 2025 and beyond. Monaghan people and fans are the best in the country, sharing our best and worst days with absolute loyalty. I will miss the Clones roar and the buzz of it, but will be stuck in the middle of it from now on. Up Monaghan. Mansy.”
Monaghan senior football manager Gabriel Bannigan, who was appointed in September, commended McManus for his contribution to the county over the last 18 seasons.
“I was hoping and praying that Mansy could somehow have made his way back for one more championship campaign. All of us involved with Monaghan know that if Mansy felt there was anything left to give then he’d be back.
“But what a legacy Conor leaves with us, not just one of Monaghan’s greatest but widely recognised as one of the greatest ever to play the game. I cannot thank Mansy enough for all he has done for Monaghan GAA, the exemplary standards he set, the incredible memories and for inspiring so many of our young people to dedicate themselves to Gaelic football and follow their dreams,” Bannigan concluded.
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