MONAGHAN FORWARD CONOR McManus has announced his retirement from inter-county football, following a career which stretches back to 2006 when he first began training with the senior county team.
He made his Monaghan bow against Roscommon in the league the following year and played first Ulster championship match against Down later that season.
McManus is widely regarded as one of the most gifted forwards of his generation and departs the inter-county game with three All-Stars as well as two Ulster championship titles, two national league crowns in Division 2 and Division 3, and a Railway Cup medal.
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📣CONOR MC MANUS CALLS TIME ON INTER-COUNTY CAREERhttps://t.co/K6KlyGtKOL pic.twitter.com/NxELHKhz5v
There was speculation surrounding the 37-year-old’s inter-county future while he has also been dealing with hip injury during the latter stages of his career. He helped his club Clontibret reach the Monaghan SFC final in 2024 where they lost out to Scotstown.
He won his three All-Stars in 2013, 2015 and 2018 and featured in four International Rules campaigns.
“It’s been my privilege of a lifetime to play for Monaghan the past 18 years,” McManus said following his retirement.
“Days I will never forget, lifelong memories and friendships made with the boys. My absolute thanks to Banty, Eamonn, Vinnie and Malachy 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 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.”
One of the greats. Didn’t always get the best service but don’t recall seeing a player as capable of winning his own ball and creating scores from nothing. Brilliant ball striker and tough as nails. Deserves all the plaudits he gets.
Some man and what a player. Great days and memories over the years. Farney ABU
Another Giant of the game who will be missed. Scored some incredible scores over the years, would have got on ever team in the country. Thanks for the fabulous memories, enjoy your retirement.
Some man
Legend
Great player multiskilled and performed in freeflowing and massed defense systems… outstanding
I remember watching him at wing back against my own Carlow in division 4 about 15 years ago, thinking he was useless. I have no idea how he became one of the best corner forwards of his era.