Myself and herself were watching the GAA's Points of the Decade on Facebook yesterday and I became indignant.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Of all the Conor McManus points, they decided to include that one? That was even the point he'd scored against Tyrone that summer, never mind the best point he'd scored this decade!"
And so I started trawling the internet for evidence to back up my argument. Admittedly - and this is why we're calling this an 'incomplete' ranking - I could not find footage of all his great scores over the past ten years but trust me, as an unfortunate Cavanman, I know all too well that they're out there.
For most of this decade, Cavan's experience of Monaghan was one that many counties suffered - you leave no stone in your preparation, you're tactically astute, you give every ounce to the cause and then McManus scores a bloody point from the sideline.
Anyhow, even with plenty of his best scores reduced to hearsay, there is still more than enough readily available on social media to put together a ranking...
9. McManus vs Galway - 2019 Allianz League
This is more of a good team score than individual brilliance from McManus. Hence it's bottom of our list.
Conor McManus with a great point for @monaghangaa pic.twitter.com/IN3jw4XX5t
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 10, 2019
8. McManus vs Donegal - 2015 Ulster Championship
Two scores for the price of one here. You choose your favourite but for me it has to be the second point. The finish may have been straight forward but the way he made the space to shoot has to be admired.
7. McManus vs Kerry - 2018 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Series
This deserves its place in the ranking for a number of reasons. It was the day the Super 8s finally sprung into life. The atmosphere in Clones was electric and McManus' first half performance in particular was outstanding. It was also a lovely team move and a great finish.
What a score from Conor McManus after a great @monaghangaa team effort! Will you be there as they take on @Galway_GAA this Saturday in Pearse Stadium? #BeThereAllTheWay Tickets are available on https://t.co/dbCE1i29kh and all usual outlets @SupervaluIRL and @CentraIRL. pic.twitter.com/Mhz2GE7kqd
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 2, 2018
6. McManus v Australia - 2017 International Rules Series
He did in Ulster, he did it around Ireland and he even did it in Australia. McManus was Ireland's player of the tournament in the 2017 International Rules series, with this effort one of a number of great overs he scored that day.
5. McManus vs Down - 2017 Ulster Championship
The flick up, the pace, the strength, the finish with the left foot. What's not to like?
Great play here by @MonaghanGAA's Conor McManus at the weekend - watch GAANOW to see this point from the @UlsterGAA Football S-Final vs Down pic.twitter.com/eTwDoka5iP
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 26, 2017
4. McManus vs Tyrone - 2018 Allianz League
The fact that this is the worst of the three 2018 points against Tyrone that feature on this list is really saying something. 45 metres out, McManus arrives on the scene and strokes it over with ease.
3. McManus vs Tyrone - 2018 All-Ireland semi final
Here we have the point that I mentioned in the intro. His effort in the 2018 All-Ireland semi-final. It's obviously top class but narrowly misses out on second place in our rankings for reasons we'll discuss in a second.
What a beauty from Conor McManus! Sheer Class! pic.twitter.com/WWZybUd5wv
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 12, 2018
2. McManus vs Crossmaglen - 2019 Ulster Club Championship
Clontibret's Ulster quarter-final against Crossmaglen was played in awful conditions. The weather was cat and scoring chances were going to be at a premium so for McManus to slot this over from near the sideline was a touch of magic. It's similar to his All-Ireland semi-final score against Tyrone but he's under more pressure from defenders and he's on his left foot.
Those factors have to push it up to no.2 on our list.
Latest🏐@crossrangers 0-00 @clontibretclg 0-04 (14 mins)
What a score from Conor McManus 🔥@UlsterGAA Club SFC QF
WATCH LIVE here 👉 https://t.co/QZa2HLu3Oe #BBCGAA pic.twitter.com/ZURiXxj6Pz— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) November 2, 2019
1. McManus vs Tyrone - 2018 Ulster Championship
Was there ever any doubt that this would be no.1? Oisin McConville described it as the best point in the history of Gaelic football. It was a statement that we were predisposed to balk at but after thinking about it, I'm struggling to name a better point.
Maurice Fitzgerald against Dublin? Bryan Sheehan's point against Dr Crokes in 2009? They were great but neither were from play. Let us know what you think in our social media comments.
