Bannigan returns to take charge of Aughnamullen
Former Monaghan senior football manager Gabriel Bannigan is returning to become Aughnamullen's men's senior football manager for the year ahead.
As announced by the club following a committee meeting, “Gabriel Bannigan was unanimously endorsed as Aughnamullen's Men's Senior Football Manager for the 2027 season.”
The Aughnamullen native previously enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of his home club in 2020 after the club's relegation to junior football the previous year.
He immediately guided them to the Junior Championship title, before leading the club to the Intermediate final in 2021 and securing promotion to senior football in 2022, ending a 26-year absence from the top grade.
Bannigan's achievement in taking Aughnamullen from junior to senior football in three seasons established his reputation as one of Monaghan's leading club managers.
He now returns following two seasons at the helm of the Monaghan senior team, having previously served as a selector under Vinny Corey.
During his time in charge, Bannigan guided the Farney to the Division Two league title in 2025 and successive All-Ireland quarter-final appearances.
Monaghan also reached the Ulster final in 2026, where they were eventually beaten by Armagh after extra-time.
Bannigan stepped down from the county post in August, bringing his two-year tenure to an end.
He will be joined by Peter Nugent, Lee Conlon and Francie Ward as he begins his second spell in charge of Aughnamullen.
Bannigan returns to a club which showed encouraging signs of progress during the 2026 campaign.
Aughnamullen reached the Division Two league final, where they were beaten by Killanny, but their Intermediate Championship ambitions were disrupted by injuries to key players, including Micheál Bannigan and Bobby McCaul.
The club will now hope that the experience of their returning manager, who knows the surroundings and has already overseen a successful period in its history, can help them take another step forward in 2027.