I want to place on record my thanks to everyone who has been involved with the Monaghan Senior Football Team in the last 7 years.

I want to thank all the County Board Officers and particularly, the 3 Chairmen who it has been my pleasure to deal with during my tenure – Paul Curran, Padraig Sherry and Michael McMahon. Thanks for your support and friendship.

Sincere thanks to Club Monaghan and Monaghan New York who do so much to assist the smooth running of the County Team and all the sponsors including the current Tier 2 sponsors Celtic Pure and the main sponsors Investec. CEO Michael Cullen has shown unconditional and unstinting support over the 7 years and it has been greatly appreciated.

I also want to thank my fellow management team – Ryan Porter, Leo McBride, Owen Lennon, Colin McAree and previously Finbarr Fitzpatrick. Your commitment, expertise and loyalty was outstanding.

This year’s extended backroom team of Francie McGinnity, Paul McCabe, James Greenan, Steve Williams, Sam Baida, Yianni Louizos, Andrew Ryan, Aoife McGeough, Dr Kieran Burke, Sharon Courtney, Mark Kellet, Richie Forde, Conor McElvaney, and Garrett Coyle , and all the others who were involved in previous years – again, your hard work and dedication was thorough and unrelenting.

I also want to thank the brilliant supporters who enjoyed such a connection with the team and made the journey such a memorable one.

Finally and most importantly, I want to say what a privilege it has been to work with such a special group of players over the past 7 years. Your commitment, ambition, ability and loyalty made every minute of the journey extremely enjoyable and created memories that will last a lifetime. To you and all our families who gave us the opportunity to chase our dreams I will be forever indebted.

Beirigí uile bua agus beannacht. Muineachán Abú!

Malachy O’Rourke