AFTER two narrow recent defeats in Allianz NFL Division One, Monaghan players could be looking back and wondering 'what if' - but Conor McManus is not reflecting on the past but rather looking to the future.
It certainly wasn't his fault that Monaghan lost by a point to Dublin in Croke Park last month as he produced a star-studded display, giving the Dubs' defence headaches throughout and collecting a 12-points haul. It just wasn't enough, however, for victory.
But there was some consolation for the Clontibret man as his display earned him the Quinn Building Products Ulster GAA Writers' Association Merit award for February.
Another late, late defeat has since been inflicted on Monaghan by Mayo but those setbacks are in the past and there is a long road still to travel, he remarks.
"There is a long year ahead and plenty of football to be played. There is no point on dwelling on what might have been. We just have to work on improvement and learn from our past mistakes. Our next match is against Cork and that's the one that matters now. That's the one we have to win.
"The League can turn quickly so we must focus on the next game, forget the past and don't look too far ahead."
Those 12 points that McManus rifled over against Dublin came from nine frees, a great percentages of which he won, and three from play. Frees are very important in tight games and that is something that McManus appreciates. That's why he puts in a lot of extra practice.
"I do quite a bit of free-taking practice on my own apart from the normal panel training sessions. It helps to keep the eye in and that is very important," he reveals.
Not often a player from a losing side earns the monthly award but this is the second time that the Business & Development Manager with MCR has achieved that feat. He was also the winner for April last year, ironically after Monaghan had also lost to Dublin in a close League semi-final encounter.
"It is very nice, indeed, to get an award like this early in the year as it builds one's confidence for the rest of the season. Of course, it is team results that really matter but, still, it is very nice to be awarded individually and I greatly appreciate the honour," stressed the Monaghan sharp-shooter.
"We have a very strong panel at present and the younger lads are working very hard. We all have to look to holding on to our jerseys and that is a good position to be in.
"The two recent defeats are in the past and we must learn from them but not dwell on them. Cork is up next weekend and that's the game our focus is on. We have to win that one and get back on track," emphases the Merit Award winner.
McManus was pushed for the award by Antrim hurler Ryan McCambridge who was superb for Cushendall in their All-Ireland semi-final victory over Galway champions Sarsfield's.
Also under consideration for the award were Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone), Seanie Johnston (Cavan), and Ryan McHugh (Donegal and UUJ).
Conor was presented with his award by Quinn Building Products area manager Terry Fay, at a function in Quinn's Corner, Tyrone. The winner receives an engraved Belleek Living Vase, silver crafted cuff-links from Carlingford Design House, training gear from O'Neill's International Sports, a medical kit bag from 3FiveTwo on behalf of Kingsbridge Private Hospital, and two tickets plus overnight accommodation for the next UGAAWA Banquet.
