A week out from the start of the 2025 intercounty season, Monaghan's Conor McManus has called time on one of the most memorable careers of recent memory.
The Clontibret man issued a statement via the Monaghan County Board on Friday evening that brings an end to a career that spanned 18 years.
There were so many memorable scores in a career that spanned six taoisigh and five Monaghan managers. His winner against Tyrone in the 2018 Championship will never be forgotten.
Conor McManus 71st minute score v Tyrone in 2018.
One of the best to ever do it.pic.twitter.com/bwt6It9nw5— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 22, 2024
McManus praised the Monaghan supporters and gave his physios a special mention in his retirement statement:
“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. 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.”
There were so many tributes on social media. This one from Armagh captain Rory Grugan summed it up best.
This man broke our hearts on a couple of occasions. No better player in the clutch, and one of the best forwards ever 👏 https://t.co/uPjo0WZqsT
— Rory Grugan (@Grugs_91) January 17, 2025
Conor McManus hangs up his boots
Many had feared Mansy's emotional reaction to Monaghan's exit from the 2024 Championship in June all but confirmed that he had made his mind up to hang up his boots.
However, the new rules of the game offered a lifeline, and as recently as November, McManus had made it clear that he was trying to get his body ready for another campaign.
He told the Off The Ball's Football Pod then:
“I still don't really know, I sort of committed to doing a bit of rehab and a bit of strength work over the next five to six weeks and see how that goes.
“If it puts me in a position where I feel I can get through another year, I will and if it doesn't, I’ll probably leave it at that so I suppose I’ll have to make that decision sooner rather than later.
Sadly - just eight days before Monaghan make the short trip to Breffni Park to play old rivals Cavan to start their Division 2 campaign in the Allianz National League - Mansy has stepped away.
The sport is poorer for it.