Monaghan legend Conor McManus has retired from intercounty football.
The 37-year-old three-time All Star has informed the Monaghan management of his decision to step away from top flight football.
McManus confirmed his retirement in a statement released by Monaghan GAA this evening, saying, "It's been my privilege of a lifetime to play for Monaghan the past 18 years.
"Days I will never forget, lifelong memories and friendships made with the boys."
The news brings to an end a distinguished career in the county colours. McManus made his debut for Monaghan in 2007 and has been operating at the top of his game for 18 years.
There was a possibility of a 19th year playing for the Farney County, but McManus has been managing a chronic long-term hip problem which will ultimately necessitate a replacement of the joint and has now decided to step aside.
Despite this injury he again starred for his club Clontibret as they reached last year's Monaghan SFC final, only to lose to Scotstown.
His decision means that his final appearance for Monaghan came when they exited last year’s All-Ireland football championship after losing out to Galway by 0-14 to 0-11 in the sides' preliminary quarter-final clash in Salthill.
McManus, twice an Ulster championship winner, won All Stars in 2013, 2015 and 2018. He was hugely instrumental as the county ended a 25-year wait for a provincial crown.
He played for his country in four International Rules tests against Australia. McManus also holds seven county senior football medals.
Blessed with impeccable technique, he starred at getting the ball from his hand to his foot very quickly, evading blocks, and getting shots away.
Many of his scores were outrageous, including a point from the ages against Cavan in 2015, and one from further out three years later against Tyrone. In 2016 he scored 0-12 against Dublin under lights in Croke Park and he was also a lethal penalty taker.
