McEntee appointed new Monaghan boss

By Shaun Casey

JOHN McEntee has been appointed as the new Monaghan Senior Football manager, with his backroom team to be confirmed at a later date.

The Armagh and Crossmaglen legend was announced last night, along with the new Senior Hurling manager, Tony Austin.

McEntee spent the last few years overseeing the fortunes of Inniskeen, leading the club to two county finals in 2023 (their first appearance in the final since 1990) and 2025, where they came up short against Scotstown on each occasion.

He also managed Clontibret to a county title back in 2019, so his experience and knowledge of club football in the Farney County makes him a perfect candidate for the role.

McEntee, who’s twin brother Tony was involved with Down last season, won All-Ireland titles at both club and county level.

He was a member of the Crossmaglen team that won their first ever All-Ireland club title in 1996 and went on to dominant the Orchard County and provincial scene, while he also helped Armagh get their hands on the Sam Maguire cup for the first time ever in 2002.

In a statement released last night, Monaghan GAA said: “Details of John’s full backroom team will be announced in the coming week.

“In the interest of respecting current football commitments and ensuring there is no distraction to ongoing club activities, those appointments will be confirmed at a later date.”

On Austin, their new hurling boss, the statement continued, “Tony Austin from Rossa GAC in Antrim also brings a wealth of experienced to the role of Senior Hurling Manager having coached Castleblayney to four SHC titles and the 2023 Ulster JHC.

“At county level, he has served as a coach with the Down hurlers during their Christy Ring and Joe McDonagh Cup campaigns.

“We with John and Tony every success in their new roles and look forward to supporting them and their management teams as they begin planning for the 2027 campaign.”