Former Antrim boss links up with Monaghan as Cargin star joins the Saffrons management

Andy McEntee has been added to Gabriel Bannigan’s backroom team with Monaghan following the departure of Andy Moran, who is the new Mayo boss

Former Antrim and Meath boss Andy McEntee has been added to the Monaghan management team for 2026.

McEntee stepped down as manager of the Saffrons in June following a disappointing 2025 campaign which saw Antrim relegated to Division Four before losing out to Wexford in the preliminary quarter-final of the Tailteann Cup.

Prior to managing Antrim for three seasons, he led Ballyboden St Enda’s to All-Ireland Club success in 2016 before being appointed as manager of his native Meath.

He links up with Gabriel Bannigan’s team following the departure of Andy Moran, who has been appointed as Mayo boss.

“Monaghan GAA is delighted to announce that Andy McEntee shall be joining Senior football manager Gabriel and his management team,” the Farney county said in a statement.

“Andy brings a wealth of experience to the role having previously guided Meath Minors to an All-Ireland Final plus Ballyboden to an All-Ireland Club title.

“Monaghan GAA extends a warm welcome to Andy as we look forward to an exciting 2026 season.”

Monaghan were beaten by Donegal in the Ulster quarter-final before also losing out to Jim McGuinness’s side in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals in Croke Park.

They’ll also be without the services of veteran Darren Hughes who announced his retirement from county football last week.

Meanwhile, new Antrim senior football manager Mark Doran has added former Antrim star Michael McCann to his management team.

Doran was confirmed as McEntee’s replacement last month, but no details have yet emerged as to who would be included in his coaching team.

The Down native is still managing Slaughtneil, while McCann remains a key player for county champions Cargin. Although there’s plenty of hurdles for both clubs to clear before then, but the champions of Derry and Antrim are due to meet in the first round of the Ulster Club series later in the autumn.

Elsewhere, another former Antrim star has called time on his managerial reign as CJ McGourty has left Fermanagh Ladies after two years in charge.

The St Gall’s clubman led the Erne County to All-Ireland Junior success last season with Fermanagh retaining their status in the Intermediate grade in 2025.