SEVEN years with Malachy O’Rourke delivered two Ulster titles, an All-Ireland semi-final and saw Monaghan establish themselves as a force in Division One.
But O’Rourke’s exit at the end of last season and the second coming of former Monaghan manager Seamus McEnaney means that all the players – even those as decorated as Rory Beggan – have to start from scratch and prove themselves once again.
“It was a brilliant seven years under Malachy and we want to start a new chapter under this new management and hopefully have a similar or even more success,” said Scotstown goalkeeper Beggan.
“It’s a fresh start. Every player has to prove themselves because what we’ve done in the last number of years isn’t going to be good enough any more. There is a new management team in there and we have to prove our worth.
“We need to show we are determined to get the best for Monaghan football and be the best we can be so we’re going to have to train hard.”
Rory Beggan was first drafted into the Monaghan panel by Eamon McEneaney in 2011 and has since established himself one of the country’s top free-taking goalkeepers. He was an Allstar winner in 2018.
“It (working under new management) is going to be a huge change,” he admitted.
“There are completely new personnel in but some of the players have worked with ‘Banty’ before and I’ve worked with David (McCague, assistant-manager) with the club.
“It’s a new experience for me but he’s a good man, he does his bit for the players and it has been good so far. I’m looking forward to the weeks and months ahead.”
