Conor McManus believes the ‘harmony’ within Monaghan’s football setup has enabled them to exceed expectations under Malachy O’Rourke.
The Farney County has the fourth smallest population in the country and fell one point short of Tyrone in their All-Ireland semi-final.
O’Rourke has collected two Ulster crowns along with Division 3 and 2 League honours during his time with the county and has earned widespread praise for his achievements.
Speaking to OTB AM, McManus pointed to the county’s unity as a key factor behind their model being held as a template for smaller sized counties to follow.
“It’s a combination of a lot of things,” McManus said.
“Having Malachy at the helm for a prolonged period of time where he can work with guys that he brought into the panel two or three years ago that we’re only really seeing now.
“The likes of Conor McCarthy and Ryan McAnespie have two or three years under their belt and Niall Kearns is another example. They’ve played under Malachy; trained under Malachy – they know how the system is and how the team wants to play.
“We’re really starting to see the benefits of those players now and those guys are all 19, 20, 21, 22 – that age of player.
“Malachy and his backroom team of Ryan Porter and Leo McBride – the work they’ve done over the years has been massive with this team.
“But then there’s stuff going on in the background. You’ve a county board and the development squads. Everyone is pulling in the one direction. Once you have harmony it makes things a lot easier.
“There are quality players in Monaghan and there are quality footballers in Monaghan and you can’t do anything without that.
“And sometimes that can be overlooked and people talk about the size of Monaghan’s population. To be honest it’s not something we look into or read into at all.
“We have a panel of 36 players – the same as every other panel in the country – and we work as hard if not harder than a lot of them. And you’re trying to get the best of yourself every day.”
Conor McManus with Manager Malachy O'Rourke. Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Limerick triumphed against Galway last weekend in the All-Ireland Hurling final to end their 45-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
The Treaty men’s success has inspired talk of ending Dublin’s dominance in football and McManus shared his admiration for their approach to winning silverware.
“It’s like anything else. Teams that are there or thereabouts can take heart from that and take lessons from that,” McManus said.
“It’s about taking that final step. And I think if you listen to any of the Limerick lads they all talked about belief, how they felt they belonged there and having fun.
“The games have come so thick and fast this summer and when you’re together that much it lends to having fun as well.
“It’s enjoyable for anybody – particularly with how the games have gone – you’re playing week in, week out and there’s less training and more games.
“And that lends itself to having that atmosphere around the camp.”
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James Hopper
