Ciaran McManus hangs up the Faithful jersey

[AZOffaly]

News coming out from home that our talisman for the last 10 years and more, Ciaran McManus, is retiring from Offaly football duty. I'm surprised at this because I was chatting him recently and he said he had no intentions of retiring, so I'm wondering if the latest appointment farce has just tired him out.

Maccer was a brilliant servant to Offaly football, and deserved more than 1 Leinster and 1 NFL title for his efforts, but I suppose that's a common refrain throughout the country in the smaller counties. His dedication to Offaly, his efforts in travelling from various parts abroad for matches, his engine and his sheer will to win will not be forgotten by Offaly people. Sometimes he took too much on himself, as can happen good players on teams that are not going well, but he always put Offaly first.

I hope he reconsiders, but if he doesn't then he's earned a rest.

[Dinny Breen]

Couldn't face another defeat to Kildare 

Great player for the Biffo's, his committment is an example to all aspiring footballers. Enjoy your retirement big man.

[Donnellys Hollow]

Seriously committed footballer. I remember him smashing a Sunday Game MOTM award against a wall after a Offaly/Kildare match down in Kilkenny such was his frustration at the result.

Is Karol Slattery giving it another year AZ?

[Fear ón Srath Bán]

A Faithful Colossus, in every respect. Best to him.

[front of the mountain]

unreal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMj9nMvv-TQ

[Declan]

Took some slagging for being the oldest student in Belfield alright but a great servant. Best of luck to him

[Billys Boots]

Ruined many a Sunday for me, which I suppose was his job! 

[orangeman]

Honest as the day is long.


Some servant to Offaly.

[Club Rossa]

Fine footballer,will be a huge loss to Offaly.

[AZOffaly]

unreal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMj9nMvv-TQ

He got a better one than that against Laois in O'Moore Park in 2003. Mick Lawlor saved Laois that day with a throw pass to Kevin Fitzpatrick for a late Laois goal. Laois won the replay in Tullamore and the rest is history for Laois and Micko.

[heffo]

Great player & great servant to Offaly.

[magpie seanie]

Well put AZ. Massive servant to the Faithful.

I'll always remember his live interview on the news after losing a qualifier where he expressed in no uncertain terms his disapproval of the referee. One of those moments where you envision panic stations in RTE with guys reaching for red buttons!

[ziggysego]

Great footballer. I know his sister.

[Hardy]

A great warrior and an exponent of all that's good in football. Not a dishonest bone in his body.

[heffo]

unreal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMj9nMvv-TQ

I remember that game, Offaly didn't score until the 55th minute or something and then nearly won!