CONOR McMANUS has opened up on why he retired from inter-county football – admitting “my heart wanted to go on”.
The Monaghan talisman bid farewell on January 17 after a career that spanned 18 seasons following his 2007 debut against Roscommon.
His retirement came just eight days before the Farney beat Cavan in their opening game in Division 2 of the Allianz League on Sunday.
A hip injury plagued the latter years of the 37-year-old’s career, ultimately forcing him to “listen to my head and my body”.
Speaking to Declan Bogue of The42, he explained: “I wanted to play for Monaghan. You didn’t know where you were at.
“I suppose in the last two years, I probably showed myself what I could get out of it, even the hip being the way it is.
“That’s why the decision took as long as it did this year. I gave it every chance and I wanted to make the call before the league started.
“I didn’t want it to be… someone might even say it was too close to the start of the league.”
McManus won his first of two Ulster championships in his debut year while he also collected three All-Stars.
The 37-year-old also won two National League titles, four Railway Cups, and four International Rules series.
Between 2008 and 2024, he scored 9-291 and was named at number 15 on the GAA Football Championship Team of the Last 25 Years.
‘Mansy’ added: “I don’t look back with many regrets in that I have gone as hard as I could, for as long as I could.
“Would I have liked to have gone and done another year with Monaghan? Yes. 100%. It wasn’t an easy decision.
“In my heart I wanted to go again but my head and my body were telling me otherwise and eventually I had to listen to them, whereas I haven’t listened to them the last couple of years.
“I would have loved nothing more to go another season, but I didn’t want to just be there.
“I think too much of Monaghan just to be in there for the sake of keeping in there.”
WHAT A MANSY
Monaghan GAA paid tribute to him as a “magician on the ball” who was known for his “unparalleled skill”.
A statement read: “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.
“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.”
