THE MAC DADDY

Conor: I made the best move I could for my daughter

GLENTORAN new boy Conor Mcmenamin has revealed how his young daughter and a heart-to-heart with his parents paved the way for a last minute switch to The Oval.

The talented former Cliftonville winger, who agreed a three year, full-time deal with the Big Two giants late on Sunday night, looked destined for Larne earlier that day.

But Glentoran’s persistence, a lucrative financial package and the Belfast club’s relative proximity to his Downpatrick home, convinced him to head to The Oval.

Mcmenamin, who hopes to make his debut against

Crusaders this evening, said: “At 8pm on Sunday night, I still wasn’t sure where I was going.

“To be honest I thought I was going to sign for Larne and I probably had my mind made up.

“But when I spoke with (Glentoran boss) Mick Mcdermott and (his assistant) Paul Millar, they told me their plans for the club and it was exciting.

“On a practical level it’s also a lot closer to home and that was something I took into consideration. I wanted to do what’s best for my daughter and me.

“I spoke with close friends, sat down with my mum and dad and we weighed up the pros and cons. As the day wore on, I found myself edging towards Glentoran. It wasn’t an easy decision, but ultimately I believe I’ve done what’s best for me and my daughter. Thankfully it’s all done now and I can focus on Glentoran.”

Mcmenamin, who has been in red hot form for Cliftonville over the past two seasons, admits it was tough turning his back on Larne’s advances in the final hours of the transfer window.

“I felt bad because Larne put a lot of time and effort into trying to sign me,” he said. “Kenny (Bruce), Tiernan (Lynch) and Seamus (Lynch) are also all top people.

“But ultimately, I had to think of my wee girl and do what’s best for her. That’s why I decided to sign for Glentoran.”

The 25-year-old believes

Cliftonville “got a great deal as well” after receiving cash plus Northern Ireland U21 striker Paul O’neill in exchange.

“I think both parties are happy,” he said. “Paul is a great player and ultimately I think Cliftonville got a great deal as well.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Cliftonville. It’s a great club and I can’t thank the chairman Gerard Lawlor or Paddy Mclaughlin enough.

“Especially Paddy. I can’t give him enough credit.

“Before he came in as manager (in 2019) I was ready to leave, but he put his arm around me and got the best out of me.

“He believed in me and really changed my career.”