Search for the next Monaghan manager begins

By Maitiú Monaghan

Following Gabriel Bannigan’s statement confirming he has stepped down as Monaghan manager, the county board must now turn its attention to appointing his successor.

In recent weeks, Monaghan GAA had been in discussions with Bannigan about making changes to his backroom team.

Speaking to the Celt last week, a Monaghan GAA official outlined “due process” would be carried out in the search for the new Monaghan manager.

The official stressed there is “no automatic candidate” to replace the Aughnamullen man.

Monaghan GAA haven’t appointed an outside manager since September 2012, when Malachy O’Rourke was given the gig.

O’Rourke was in charge for seven years and won two Ulster Championships, before he stepped down in June 2019 following a loss to Armagh in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

The Co. Board then re-hired Séamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney for his second spell. He was in the role for three years, before he stepped down in June 2022 following Monaghan’s exit from the Championship.

Monaghan’s last two managerial appointments have been internal continuity choices.

After a lengthy process, in September 2022 Vinny Corey was ratified as the Monaghan manger, having worked as a selector in Séamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney’s backroom team.

Bannigan served as a member of Corey’s backroom team for two years, before he became the manager in September 2024.

In his parting statement, Bannigan had acknowledged the role that Corey played in his development as a coach:

“Vinny Corey invited me to join his management team, where I gained invaluable experience. Vinny remained a close friend and confidant throughout the last two years; he is a great Monaghan GAA man.”

Bannigan added “fresh voices” are now required to take Monaghan football forward.

“I wish my successor and everyone involved with Monaghan GAA the very best of luck in 2027 and beyond.”

Since 2012, Monaghan have been consistent in selecting home-grown managers, and managers from within their system.

Should that trend continue, there are some logical contenders. Dermot Malone managed Monaghan’s minor team to an All-Ireland Final in 2023 and has been invovled with Senior team in recent years.

Another contender could be Dermot McCague, Scotstown’s Ulster winning manager. McCague has also been involved with Monaghan teams in the past and has experienced unbridled success managing his club side.

However, should Scotstown go deep into the Ulster Championship, or beyond, fixtures may clash with the beginning of pre-season later this year.