Conor McManus says Malachy O'Rourke staying on was 'vital' for Monaghan
Monday 29 October 2018 16:39, UK
Conor McManus has underlined the importance of Malachy O'Rourke's decision to remain as Monaghan manager.
While 2018 was a year of huge progress for the Farney County, it nonetheless ended on a disappointing note as they lost to Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final by a single point. To lose by such a fine margin is always going to be a bitter pill to swallow, as they looked on at their Ulster neighbours prepare for the All-Ireland final against Dublin.
Conor McManus says it was a difficult loss to take but they need to bounce back in 2019.
"In any defeat you're always left wondering and the disappointment lingers on for a while," reflected the Sky Sports ambassador.
"It was a great opportunity for us to kick on and get ourselves into an All-Ireland final and pit ourselves against Dublin. It wasn't to be, we just have to dust ourselves down and try and go again next year."
The news that O'Rourke is staying on came as a boost to the Farney ahead of the new year, as they strive for the next step.
"Malachy has been brilliant for Monaghan these last six years," McManus added.
"We've made huge strides under Malachy, improving year on year and I think it was vital that he stayed on. Now wasn't the time for change."
All in all, the two-time All-Star is confident that they improved in 2018, in a year that they reached their first All-Ireland semi-final since 1988.
"We have a lot more options, we have a strong panel," he said. "We have a lot of guys there that are hungry and mad for action in 2019. It's a competitive panel, it's a competitive team to get into.
"The more fight and the more competition we can have, the better. That's what we have going into 2019, so we'll build on that and see where it takes us."
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