There aren't many things all GAA fans will agree with, but the greatness of Conor McManus cannot be disputed. Throughout an intercounty career that began in 2007, McManus has proven himself to be one of the most skilful and clutch forwards to ever play the game.
His five point tally in yesterday's compelling All-Ireland semifinal featured all of the magnificence we have come to expect from the Clontibret man over the years. Remarkably, he seems like a shoe-in for a fourth All-Star following another round of heroics at GAA HQ.
Monaghan had a great plan to contain Dublin. But the presence of McManus in their forward line meant they could scare the Dubs. Defying all predictions, Monaghan were level with Dublin with ten minutes left, on the back of two fine points from McManus.
Conor McManus closes the gap to one with a divine point for Monaghan. pic.twitter.com/GLsHVOA6c4
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 15, 2023
In the end, Dublin found another gear and won handily.
After the fulltime whistle, there were some emotional scenes on the pitch. McManus was photographed embracing the Monaghan county board chair Declan Flanagan, and stopped for photos with his parents Frank and Mary and his sister Cathy.
Perhaps these were the normal scenes to accompany the end of a long season. But many on social media believe this was goodbye for the 35-year-old, who'd just finished his final game for Monaghan.
15 July 2023; Conor McManus of Monaghan with his family, sister Cathy, father Frank, and mother Mary, after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Dublin and Monaghan at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
McManus on his own future with Monaghan
Speaking to the BBC after the game, McManus was non-committal on retirement talk, and said no decisions would be made for a while.
"I don't know if today's the day for thinking about that.
"I've absolutely loved wearing the Monaghan jersey for the last 17 seasons, I think it is, and it is not something you take lightly.
"If I thought I could I would, but we will not make any decisions today."
These sentiments are similar to ones he expressed before Christmas to Belfast Live where he spoke of why he stayed on for the 2023 Championship.
“When you get to this stage in your career, it gets into your head a bit - you know that day is coming."
“You are trying to find reasons to keep going rather than finding reasons to quit."
Based on the evidence of this season, McManus still has so much to offer the game, and excelled both as a sub and a starter for Monaghan this season.
Clubmate Vinny Corry would surely find a role for him, but McManus has been on the road with Monaghan for 16 years. Time waits for no man, as the cliché goes.
McManus also called yesterday's result 'disappointing'.
"Dublin just showed their quality in the final 10 minutes and put a really tight squeeze on us, and we struggled to deal with it. Our target was to get to the last 10 and be in touching distance then push for home but we just couldn't manage to do that."
