Mickey Harte and Jason Sherlock among contenders for Monaghan job

IN CONTENTION: Mickey Harte and Jason Sherlock are among the contenders to take over from Vinny Corey as Monaghan senior football manager. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Mickey Harte and Jason Sherlock are among the contenders to take over from Vinny Corey as Monaghan senior football manager.

Former boss Seamus McEnaney and David McCague could also be in the shake-up after ex-defender Corey stepped away on Monday after two years in charge.

Having been his selector for two years, former defender Corey succeeded McEnaney in September 2022 and guided the county to an All-Ireland semi-final last year.

This past season, they were relegated from Division 1 before their championship ended with an All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final defeat to Galway.

Corey had another year remaining on his term but indications that he would not be continuing surfaced on Monday and a Monaghan GAA statement was released just after midnight.

It read: "Monaghan GAA would like to express its sincere appreciation to Vinny for his unwavering service to Monaghan GAA over the last 22 years, 18 as a player, two as a selector and two years at the helm as senior manager.

"We are very thankful for Vinny's outstanding support and commitment to Monaghan GAA over the years and appreciate his contributions made as player, selector & manager.

“Monaghan GAA fully respects Vinny's decision to step down and wishes him continued success in future endeavours."

Corey’s brother Martin had been part of his management team along with Dermot McArdle and Gabriel Bannigan.

Meanwhile, Meath GAA’s management committee will meet on Thursday evening to discuss Colm O’Rourke’s future.

O’Rourke’s term was for three years with a review after two seasons, which has been completed according to LMFM. Players and board officials have been consulted about O’Rourke’s time in charge.

The two-time All-Ireland winner is seeking an extension but there are doubts about that being granted. After winning the Tailteann Cup in 2023, Meath lost to Dublin in this year’s Leinster quarter-final and lost all three of their All-Ireland SFC Group 4 matches.

Elsewhere, new Antrim senior hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald believes they have to improve their away form if they are to make the top three in the Leinster SHC.

“I think that has to be a realistic goal. That’s what you’d like to do is get out and get to the knockout stages,” he told “The Irish Daily Mirror”.

“I’d like to envisage that we would be very, very competitive. Antrim’s away form has to be way more consistent. They’ve shipped big beatings away and if we can bring some of the home form they showed away then they’ll be a challenge for anyone.”