John McEntee appointed Monaghan senior football manager

Former Armagh star John McEntee has been appointed as the new Monaghan senior football manager, taking charge following the departure of Gabriel Bannigan. The 49-year-old officially begins his first inter-county role after ratification by the county board on Monday night.

McEntee is best known for helping Armagh claim the Sam Maguire Cup in 2002. He has recently spent the last four seasons managing Monaghan club side Inniskeen, where he guided the team to county finals in both 2023 and 2025, suffering defeats to Scotstown on both occasions.

Upon his appointment, McEntee expressed his enthusiasm for the position. “I’m really excited and looking forward to it,” he told Northern Sound. “I’m privileged and honoured to be asked to take on this role and I’m going to give it my best shot.” He noted that while discussions about the vacancy had been ongoing for weeks, he had initially declined to have his name considered to remain focused on his club duties.

McEntee joins Monaghan during a transitional period. Bannigan, who managed the team for two years, left in August after the county was relegated from Division One of the National Football League. Under his leadership, Monaghan had reached consecutive All-Ireland quarter-finals, winning the Division Two title in 2025.

In the 2026 season, Monaghan showed resilience in the Ulster Senior Football Championship, beating Cavan and Derry before falling to Armagh in extra time in the final. In the All-Ireland series, they defeated Roscommon and Westmeath but were eliminated by Louth in the quarter-final at Croke Park following an injury to goalkeeper Rory Beggan.

Alongside McEntee’s appointment, it was confirmed that Tony Austin will take over as the senior hurling manager. McEntee also brings a coaching track record that includes Clontibret’s 2019 Monaghan SFC triumph and guiding Crossmaglen Rangers to the Ulster title in 2015 alongside former teammate Oisin McConville.