McEnaney continues as Monaghan boss

Seamus McEnaney has ended intense speculation over his future by confirming that he will lead the Monaghan senior footballers into the 2009 season.

McEnaney will manage the county side for the fifth successive year after revealing his intentions at last night's meeting of the Monaghan Co Board.

It was rumoured that the man known commonly as 'Banty', who succeeded Colm Coyle in the role in October 2004, would end his reign after last month's agonising GAA SFC All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Kerry.

Committed to his young family and involved in a number of businesses in Monaghan, he will, however, be able to give a large chunk of his time to the county's footballers again next year.

He is a younger brother of former county midfielder Frank McEnaney and well-known current referee Pat McEnaney.

Since 2004, Monaghan have appeared in an Ulster final and they also made the last-eight of last year's All-Ireland championship.

Monaghan Co Board chairman John Connolly said last week that McEnaney, who hails from the Corduff club, has 'the full backing of the Board if he is willing to continue on. There is no question about that.'