Monaghan ace Conor McManus has announced his retirement from inter-county football after 18 seasons.

The 37-year-old confirmed his decision in a statement released by the Monaghan county board yesterday (Friday) evening.

One of the best attacking players of his generation, the Clontibret clubman first lined-out for his county at senior level in the 2007 National League before making his championship bow the following year against Down.

He would go on to win two Ulster championships with the Farney men, including 2007's triumph which saw the county end it's 25-year wait for senior provincial glory, along with two National League crowns (Division 2 and 3) and three All-Star awards.

McManus represented Ireland in four International Rules tests against Australia, winning player of the series on two of those occasions, and, at club level, he has helped Clontibret to seven Monaghan SFC titles.

His last appearance for Monaghan was back in June when Vinny Corey’s side were knocked out of the All-Ireland SFC by Galway at the preliminary quarter-final stage in Salthill where it finished 0-14 to 0-11 in the Tribesmen’s favour.

McManus captained Monaghan to the Ulster SFC title in 2015 when they defeated Donegal in Clones ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

“It’s been my privilege of a lifetime to play for Monaghan the past 18 years,” McManus said in his statement.

“Days I will never forget, lifelong memories and friendships made with the boys. My absolute thanks to (former county 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 county board, and all those who have helped along the way.

“Best of luck to (current manager) 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.”

County board chairman Declan Flanagan and current senior team manager Gabriel Bannigan also paid tribute to the Farney great upon news of his inter-county retirement.

“I must say, it has been a privilege to witness such exceptional talent performing day in and day out for his club and county. He stands out as one of the finest players to have graced our fields and stadiums over the past quarter-century,” Flanagan stated.

“His skill places him among the very best and he has served as an inspiration to countless young athletes. His legacy will endure forever in Monaghan and throughout the national GAA community. In addition to his remarkable abilities on the pitch, he was equally impressive off it, always finding time for fans after games. It was common to see Conor surrounded by supporters from opposing teams after matches also. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and the grace you brought to the game.”

Bannigan also commented: “It is impossible to find words to do justice to what Conor McManus has contributed to Monaghan GAA 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.”

📣PRESS RELEASE
📣CONOR MC MANUS CALLS TIME ON INTER-COUNTY CAREERhttps://t.co/K6KlyGtKOL pic.twitter.com/NxELHKhz5v

— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) January 17, 2025

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