Bannigan was not 'forced out'
By Maitiú Monaghan
As recently as yesterday (August 27) morning the county board anticipated Gabriel Bannigan would remain on as Monaghan manager for a third season.
The Aughnamullen man stepped down from his position last night, and in a statement detailed he “did not want to walk away from the project”.
Prior to the 2024 season, Bannigan was appointed on a three-year term, with a review after the second season.
Bannigan's dramatic statement on Wednesday evening followed a fortnight of online speculation over his future.
At that stage a source on Monaghan GAA’s management committee told The Anglo-Celt that a review was ongoing, with Bannigan mandated to present changes to his back-room team.
This week, those changes were presented to Monaghan GAA’s management committee and players committee.
In his parting statement, Bannigan confirmed he had been working on strengthening his backroom team, but claimed that “the goalposts were moved” during that period.
A senior Co. Board figure emphasised this morning that the Aughnamullen man’s decision to leave was his own.
The official said: “Gabriel made that decision himself. He was not forced out, it had gotten to a stage where time had run out on putting a backroom team together.
“Up until yesterday morning, I was more than hopeful that Gabriel would be able to refresh with a couple of strong coaches.
“The big thing was the lads wanted to take it to another level. At no time did anyone put a gun to Gabriel’s head – that did not happen,” the Co. Board rep added.
Monaghan GAA
The Celt understands there was discontent among some players about the nature of Monaghan’s All-Ireland quarter-final exit to Louth this summer.
Monaghan were missing a number of players in the quarter-final, including Rory Beggan, Karl Gallagher, and Bobby McCaul.
Bannigan’s side struggled around the middle in the quarter-final loss, despite Louth midfielder Seán Callaghan being red-carded in the eighth minute.
In his statement last night, Bannigan addressed the loss:
“I have never made excuses for results during my tenure, but I think it is fair to say that even with the slightest better fortune, this Monaghan team would have been in an All-Ireland semi-final, at the very least.
“When you consider the split season, I’ve only had 16 months in total to oversee this transition and evolve a new team. In this period, we have brought so many young players through, handing out 16 NFL debuts and 10 Championship debuts in 2026 alone.
“I have been very clear about the ambitions I had with this team. I believe the ceiling is high with all the young players we have brought through, and more talent coming on stream,” Bannigan added.
The Co. Board official also acknowledged Monaghan’s defeat to Louth this summer.
“Gabriel Bannigan is a decent person, and a decent man to work with. He had his goals, he knew what he wanted. He knew the boundaries which Monaghan can operate under. I hold him in the highest regard. This was not the way I wanted this to end.”
Going forward
Sources in Monaghan GAA have stressed there is “no automatic candidate” to replace Bannigan as manager.
The Celt understands that plans are in place to establish a committee, and an expression of interest will be sent out for individuals and clubs to nominate themselves, or others.
According to the Co. Board official, due process will be followed in appointing Bannigan’s successor.