Monaghan appoint John McEntee as senior football manager in boardroom overhaul
John McEntee has been confirmed as Monaghan’s new senior football manager following a county board meeting tonight, with the appointment ratified at 9.31pm on 12 October 2026. The decision sees him replace Gabriel Bannigan, who stepped down in August, and coincides with the appointment of Tony Austin as senior hurling manager for the 2027 season.
Board ratification and official statement
The board’s statement read: “Monaghan GAA is pleased to announce the ratification of John McEntee as senior football manager and Tony Austin as senior hurling manager for the 2027 season.” It added that McEntee brings “a wealth of experience, leadership and commitment” and that details of his backroom team will be released in the coming week.
McEntee’s club pedigree
McEntee most recently managed Monaghan senior club Inniskeen Grattans, who were beaten in the county semi‑final by three‑in‑a‑row champions Scotstown. Earlier he guided another Farney side, Clontibret, to two championship finals, including their first appearance since 1990 in his maiden season.
He also co‑managed his native Crossmaglen Rangers to the 2015 Ulster championship and two Armagh senior titles alongside Oisín McConville.
Family ties and inter‑county pedigree
John follows his brother Tony into inter‑county management; Tony pursued the Monaghan job in 2020 but was unsuccessful and now serves on the Down backroom team after spells with Sligo and Mayo.
John joins a distinguished list of Armagh’s 2002 All‑Ireland winning team members now in inter‑county management, including Tony McConville, Kieran McGeeney, Justin McNulty and Aidan O’Rourke.
Broader GAA context
The announcement appeared on the GAA portal alongside sections titled Soccer, LOI, Rugby, Golf, Racing, Upgrade, League, Horse, Boxing, Motorsport, Athletics, NFL, NBA, Live, Video, Review, Podcasts, Sport, Extra, Football, Family, See, More, Stories, Keane, JOHN, MCENTEE, Log and Bryan, reflecting the site’s wide‑ranging coverage.
Monaghan’s supporters will now look ahead to the 2027 season, hoping McEntee’s experience can translate into on‑field success while the backroom appointments are finalised without disrupting club commitments.