OFFALY STAR CIARÁN McManus has retired from inter-county football after 15 years playing with the team.

His county endured a disappointing season this year, exiting in Round 2 of the All-Ireland Qualifiers.

But despite his side’s below-par performances in recent years, in an interview with Midlands 103, he said “always enjoyed” playing for Offaly.

On his retirement, he said:

“I felt it was probably the right time, with the new management in. They obviously have a two or three-year programme, and if you were to add three years to where I am now, I’d be nearly 40.”

In relation to Offaly’s future prospects, he added: “There’s a lot of lads looking for direction and maybe the new manager can give that. There’s plenty of talent there.”

McManus played in the International Rules series with Ireland for five consecutive years between 2001 and 2005.

He also won an Under-21 Football Championship in 1995.

You can listen to the full interview below:

YouTube credit: Midlands103Official

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