Philly McMahon has offered a typically cheeky response after Athy GFC announced its search for a new senior men’s manager, reopening memories of one of the most talked-about rivalries in recent Kildare GAA news.
Athy are looking for a manager for the 2027 season after their defence of the Kildare Senior Football Championship ended in a surprise extra-time quarter-final defeat to Maynooth earlier this month.
McMahon raises a hand as Athy seek new boss
In a social media announcement, Athy invited expressions of interest for the senior men’s managerial position. Applicants have until Friday, October 30, to make contact, with a review panel due to interview shortlisted candidates.
McMahon responded to the post with a raised-hand emoji and a face-with-tears-of-laughter emoji. The comment quickly attracted significant attention, collecting more than twice the likes of the original announcement at the time.
While the response was almost certainly made in jest, it carried obvious context. McMahon’s previous spell in Kildare football ended amid a stormy relationship with Athy during his time in charge of Naas.
The history behind the latest Kildare GAA exchange
The Dublin football figure took over as Naas manager in the summer of 2025. Despite finishing below Sarsfields in their group, Naas reached the Kildare final and were chasing a fifth consecutive county title.
Athy ended that ambition in dramatic fashion, securing a 1-17 to 0-18 victory in a closely fought decider. The result was a major moment in the county championship, but the controversy continued after the final whistle.
Video footage showed Athy players and supporters singing a derogatory chant aimed at McMahon while celebrating the victory. The incident received widespread criticism across the GAA community, with many viewing it as an unnecessary blemish on an otherwise gripping county final.
The chant appeared to reference McMahon’s Ballymun background. The former Dublin star has spoken and written openly about his pride in growing up in the area.
McMahon’s next management move remains unclear
McMahon left the Naas role in November 2025 after only five months in charge. His name has since remained relevant whenever county and club management vacancies arise, particularly because of his profile and experience at the highest level of Gaelic football.
He has previously been linked with senior opportunities beyond Kildare, including the Derry football job, although he declined that position. Whether he returns to management soon, and where that might happen, will be one of the more interesting stories to follow in Irish sports coverage.
For Athy, the immediate priority is finding a coach capable of rebuilding after an unexpectedly early championship exit. The club’s next appointment will be expected to maintain its competitive standards while helping the team respond to the disappointment of losing its county title.
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What happens next for Athy?
The closing date for applications is Friday, October 30, after which the club’s review panel will interview selected candidates. The appointment will shape Athy’s preparations for the 2027 Kildare championship and could determine whether the club can quickly recover from its defeat to Maynooth.
McMahon’s social media reaction may have been light-hearted, but it has added another chapter to a rivalry that already carries plenty of history. The next major development will be Athy’s managerial decision—and whether McMahon himself reappears on a county or club sideline.
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Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
