Seamus McEnaney steps down as Monaghan boss
- Published
McEnaney began his second stint in charge in 2019
Seamus McEnaney has stepped down as manager of Monaghan's senior footballers with immediate effect.
Having previously been in charge between 2004 and 2010, McEnaney began his second spell in 2019 and took the county to last year's Ulster final.
His decision to step away comes after Monaghan's All-Ireland qualifier defeat by Mayo earlier this month.
In a statement, McEnaney said he wanted to thank the county board for their "unwavering support".
"The Monaghan players are a very special bunch of men who have been fantastic ambassadors for the people of Monaghan in the past and during my term as manager," said McEnaney.
"I have no doubt that they will continue to represent this great county with pride and distinction into the future."
Having guided the Monaghan Minors to an Ulster title in 2018, McEnaney returned to the senior helm a year later to replace Malachy O'Rourke, who masterminded the county's provincial triumphs in 2013 and 2015.
McEnaney led Monaghan to the 2021 Ulster Final, which they lost by a point to Tyrone at Croke Park, and also helped secure their Division One status for next year with a stunning win over Dublin at Clones in March.
Monaghan's Ulster Championship campaign was ended with a semi-final loss to Derry before their All-Ireland first-round qualifier defeat by Mayo.
McEnaney's Monaghan gave fans a day to savour when they beat Dublin to secure their Division One status after a Clones thriller
In his statement, McEnaney reflected on an emotional second stint as boss with the county rocked by the death of Ulster Minor Championship-winning captain Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh in a car accident shortly after Monaghan's Ulster U20 match against Donegal.
"Over the past three years we have experienced a huge range of emotions, some fantastic days and performances to moments of immense sadness," added McEnaney.
"I reflect on the sudden passing of my great friend and main sponsor Phil Traynor and the devastating loss of our 2018 Ulster Minor Championship winning captain Breandán 'Ógie' Duffy followed by the huge emotion of the victory over Armagh to reach our first Ulster final in six years only to lose the final agonisingly.
"This contrasted with this year's final day beating the Dubs to maintain Division One status to ensure that Monaghan supporters can enjoy Division One football for a ninth consecutive year, a record we are rightly proud of.
"I want to conclude by thanking the fantastic gaels of Monaghan who always supported the Monaghan team and who lifted our team performances with their passion and fervour from the stands."
Monaghan GAA chairperson Declan Flanagan said: "Seamus's loyalty devotion, and professionalism to Monaghan GAA is certainly without question.
"His passion and enthusiasm for the progression and development of football in Monaghan has been steadfast from 2010.
"It is with sadness but deep appreciation I wish Seamus all the very best for his future endeavours."