Monaghan continue search for ‘Banty’ successor

IT remains to be seen who will be appointed as the successor to Seamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney, who stepped down as Monaghan senior intercounty manager last month.

It was reported in various media outlets that Jason Sherlock was expected to be announce as manager a fortnight ago, but Gaelic Life understands that it’s by no means certain that the former Dublin player and coach will come in as manager.

The county is currently undergoing interviews for the position with the new manager expected to be appointed within the next fortnight.

A strong contender for the role is Monaghan native Mark Counihan, whose potential backroom team includes current Dromore manager Paul McIver, Colm Nally and Colin Malone.

Counihan, a clubman of Truagh Gaels, led the Monaghan minors to the 2019 Ulster Minor Championship title with victory over Tyrone and his Farney youngsters reached the Ulster decider again in 2020.

Jason Sherlock has also been linked with the position alongside Kevin Nolan, who was man of the match for Dublin in the 2011 All-Ireland final. Nolan has lived in Monaghan for a number of years so knows the county well, but it would be a stretch to say that they’re dead certs to get the job.

Elsewhere, Donegal are still on the hunt for a new manager. The deadline for clubs to nominate a replacement for Declan Bonner is Monday, but as things stand no nominations have been made. Some of the favourites within the county for the job, particularly Jim McGuinness and Rory Kavanagh, reportedly have no interest in the position. McGuinness led the county to their second-ever All-Ireland title in 2012 but is currently focused on coaching Derry City’s U-19 team while Kavanagh led St Eunan’s to the Donegal Senior Championship last year and is still in that role.