Breaking: Conor McManus intends to play on for a 19th season with Monaghan

Conor McManus has confirmed his intent to play on for a 19th season with Monaghan - if his body allows him to.

McManus, who turns 37 this Saturday, has begun a block of strength and rehab work with a view to lining out for new manager Gabriel Bannigan in 2025.

Many felt that the Clontibret club man and three-time All Star would retire after his club colleague, Vinny Corey stepped down as Monaghan boss.

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But McManus, who helped his club to this year’s County final with Corey coming off the bench, has decided to play on, having made his Monaghan senior debut all the way back in 2007.

Stephen Cluxton is currently the longest serving inter-county footballer in the country followed by McManus’ Monaghan team mate, Darren Hughes.

Hughes made his Monaghan debut in 2006 and it is unclear if he will continue into 2025, and a 20th season with his county.

Returning Michael Murphy made his Donegal debut in 2007.

Speaking to the Football Pod, McManus said: “It seems that when you turn 30, them questions just appear.

“I still don’t really know. I sort of committed to doing a bit of rehab and strength work over the next five or six weeks - see how that goes.

“I suppose if it puts me in a position where I feel I can get through another year I will, and if it doesn’t I’ll probably leave it at that so. I suppose I’ll have to make that decision sooner rather than later.

"I don’t want to drag it on any longer than I need to, but I’ll give it a chance. I didn’t really do much since the club season was over. Obviously we lost the County Final. I’ll get into a block of that now for the next five or six weeks.”

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