Gabriel Bannigan steps down as Monaghan manager

Michael Bolton

Gabriel Bannigan has stepped down as manager of the Monaghan senior footballers.

The Aughnamullen clubman was appointed in September 2024, succeeding Vinny Corey, having spent two seasons as a selector with the team.

Monaghan reached the quarter-finals of the championship this season, where they were defeated by Louth and lost to Armagh in the Ulster final.

They also won Division Two in 2025 during Bannaigan's time in charge, while also exiting in the quarter-finals in his first year, this time to Donegal.

In a statement, Monaghan GAA said: "Monaghan GAA wishes to confirm that Gabriel Bannigan has stepped down from his position as manager of the Monaghan Senior Football team.

“Gabriel has given four years of dedicated service to Monaghan GAA, two years with Vinny Corey before taking over as manager for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.”

Bannigan said he was “very disappointed” to announce his departure, describing his time with the squad as an “absolute privilege”.

“On taking the role, I promised to mould a Monaghan team that would reflect the value I grew up with in Monaghan GAA – honesty, humility, hard work and never-say-die spirit,” he said. “I think it is fair to say this Monaghan team has delivered on that promise and the culture created provides a very strong platform to build on in the months and years ahead.”

Explaining the reasoning behind his decision to step down, Bannigan admitted he “did not want to walk away from this project that I have put so much into”.

“Over the last number of weeks, I worked hard on my plans for 2027, to build on the excellent foundations now in place, including strengthening my backroom team, as I was mandated to do.

“During this period, I have come to realise that the goalposts have moved and the conditions are not right for me to continue, and therefore I believe a new management team and fresh voices are now requires to take Monaghan football forward.”