"What a player and what a career" - Tributes flow after McManus confirms retirement

Monaghan fan Laura Finlay celebrates with Conor McManus after the team's win over Dublin in the 2022 Allianz Football League ©INPHO/James Crombie

The tributes have been pouring in in praise of Conor McManus after the Monaghan star broke the news of his inter-county retirement on Friday evening.

In his statement, McManus described his 18 seasons playing with the Farney men as “my privilege of a lifetime”, and there’s been no shortage of plaudits on ‘X’ since for one of the greatest forwards of his generation. 

That Conor McManus point v Tyrone in 2018

pic.twitter.com/fjGVU3CEDa

— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole13) January 17, 2025

Conor McManus what a player and what a career 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/58QQxgPXaG

— Marc Ó Sé (@osemarc2) January 18, 2025

What a super talent and a classy footballer!

Conor McManus retires from intercounty duty with Monaghan 👏 pic.twitter.com/SWk47V2BpY

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) January 17, 2025

Sorry to hear that Conor McManus has retired - selfishly, would loved to have seen him under the new rules, but what an innings he’s put down, one of the very best forwards of the past 15 years.

Magician on the ball and a leader on the field, who thrived in the clutch moments https://t.co/s0MZVVtB4Y

— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) January 17, 2025

We were all hoping he'd give it one more year but unfortunately that won't be the case. Thank you Conor McManus for the memories! Enjoy your retirement. Thanks for being a superstar, a gentleman and an amazing person on and off the pitch. Thank you for everything! 🤍 pic.twitter.com/V2ibMIHiPK

— Monaghan GAA Supporters (@MonaghanGAAFans) January 17, 2025

Conor McManus has called time on a remarkable intercounty career. Spoke to him back in June after his last appearance in the Monaghan jersey. https://t.co/ZlYykLifTB

— Jonathan Higgins (@Jhiggins3) January 17, 2025

The best player to never win an All-Ireland 🏆

Conor McManus has announced his retirement from inter-county football after an illustrious 17 year career.

The Monaghan man won 2 Ulster Championship’s and 3 All-Stars. He also scored an outstanding 9-291 in championship football.… pic.twitter.com/E6bGTjlJ94

— Score Beo (@Score_Beo) January 17, 2025

Best wishes to our very own Mansy as he hangs up his inter county boots. Huge thanks for so many great days https://t.co/Bisyld78Bt

— Clontibret O'Neills (@clontibretclg) January 17, 2025

GRMA Conor McManus

On behalf of the entire Rockcorry GAA community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Conor McManus on his exceptional career and retirement from inter-county football. Conor is a generational player whose contributions to the county will be remembered…

— Rockcorry GAA (@RockcorryGAA) January 18, 2025

Scotstown GAA would like to wish Conor McManus all the best after retiring from an illustrious 18 year service to intercounty football for Monaghan.
👇https://t.co/udUcPPVKQE

— Scotstown GAA (@ScotstownGAA) January 18, 2025

Conor through the seasons!
What a career! What a legend! Thanks for the memories!

Huge thanks to @TiernanFintan who had the honour of capturing all those precious memories of Conor over the years! pic.twitter.com/voozCq7OcD

— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) January 17, 2025