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Former Louth manager Eamonn McEneaney declares interest in Farney job
FORMER Louth boss Eamonn McEneaney has declared his interest in replacing his namesake Seamus McEnaney in the vacant Monaghan hotseat.
The Scoil Mhuire na mBuachaill Castleblayney principal, who lives in Blackrock just outside Dundalk, is a former Farney County star and is best remembered for his performance against Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final of 1985 when he kicked a spectacular equalising point from 48 metres out near the sideline in front of the Hogan Stand to send the game to a replay, which the Munster men went on to win.
His interest comes after Seamus McEnaney – who has held the position since succeeding Colm Coyle in 2004 – decided to walk away from the job last week.
Despite speculation over 'Banty's' future after Monaghan's Ulster final defeat to Tyrone and subsequent All-Ireland Qualifier exit at the hands of Kildare, the Corduff man had declared his interest in staying on as boss until 2013 and initially he had received the banking of the County Board executive committee.
However, at a subsequent meeting it became clear that a number of clubs weren't happy with his reappointment and a nominations process was sought. After days of agonising though, McEnaney decided that he wouldn't be putting his name forward last week saying it was "in the best interest of Monaghan football."
That has prompted Eamonn McEneaney – Louth boss for four seasons from 2006 to 2009 – to throw his hat in the ring.
The former Castleblayney Faughs clubman, now affiliated with the Geraldines in Louth, is currently managing Down club Mayobridge but said it was always his dream to manage his native county.
He pointed out, however, that he would not have run against 'Banty' had he decided to go forward for a seventh year in charge.
"I have far too much respect for Seamus, and appreciation for the tremendous job that he has done for Monaghan in the last six years to have considered going forward for the job of manager if he was still interested in continuing," said Eamonn.
"Monaghan is a very small county with a population of about 55,000, but Seamus has brought us to Division 1 and to two Ulster finals. However, now that Seamus has decided against putting himself forward, I would certainly be interested," he said.
During his tenure with Louth, McEneaney won a Division Two title, the Tommy Murphy Cup and brought the Wee County to the last 12 of the All-Ireland.
He is the first candidate to formally express an interest in the Farney County job with his namesake Seamus saying he would look back on his tenure in the role with fondness.
"My time as manager brought many demands with it but it also brought enormous enjoyment to our family life too," he said.
As well as McEneaney, a number of other possible candidates have been mentioned in relation to the job ahead of Friday's deadline for nominations. Former Clontibret boss Mick O'Dowd and former minor manager Bernie Murray are just two of many possible contenders.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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