EMBATTLED LEAGUE OF Ireland outfit Monaghan United has opted to withdraw from top-flight football rather than shoulder the financial burden attendant upon completing the current season.

In a statement released this morning, club chairman Jim McGlone suggested the decision, possible only after “much deliberation and soul-searching”, was motivated by “mainly” but not exclusively by ongoing financial difficulties:

“The reason we have taken this decision is mainly but not only financial. To keep  a team playing at the highest level in this country is expensive and with the clubs inability to tie down a anchor sponsor, coupled with the rising costs of membership of senior football and the  lack of support from the national league  it was felt that no other option was available.”

He remained optimistic, however, that the club could transition successfully to a new role,  “pour[ing] all [its] energy, experience and facilities into the development of football in the county of Monaghan”.

After extending his heartfelt thanks to both players and coaching staff, McGlone concluded by extending a reassurance to creditors the club’s existing commitments would continue to be honoured.

Founded in 1979, Monaghan United had competed in the League of Ireland since 1985.

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