Philly McMaohn was linked with the Derry county job before taking over Naas senior footballers
BBC GAA pundit and eight-time All-Ireland winning Dublin legend Philly McMahon has departed as manager of Naas foootballers in Kildare after just five months in charge.
McMahon was a contender to take the Derry reins 12 months ago but when that failed to materialise, the Ballymun man took on the Naas job in June when Joe Murphy left to take the reins at county level with Carlow. Murphy had led Naas to four successive county titles in Kildare.
The county kingpins were then surprisingly beaten by underdogs Athy in the county final last month. McMahon has now confirmed on social media that he will not be staying in Naas.
“Big thanks to Naas GAA football team, management and everyone involved for their commitment. Personally, I wanted to experience management and I’m grateful to have done so with such a dedicated and talented group,” he explained.
“The season didn’t end as we hoped, it’s been a hugely rewarding experience,” added the two-time All-Star.
The Kildare club have not posted anything about McMahon on their social media channels since the news emerged. They now face a search for a fifth manager in five seasons.
After Paul Kelly stood down in the middle of the 2021 club Championship, Eoin Doyle and Eamonn Callaghan took charge to lead the club to a first senior county title in 31 years.
Murphy took over in 2022 and helped complete a four-in-a-row before his surprise departure earlier this year paved the way for McMahon to come in.
During that process, Rory Gallagher’s name had been touted but the former Derry, Donegal and Fermanagh manager’s name was withdrawn by the Naas club executive, after pressure from GAA President Jarlath Burns, who contacted the club to express his concern at the proposed appointment.
Mr Gallagher said Mr Burns’ actions were “unprecedented” and “misguided” and initiated legal action.
Mr Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in 2023 just weeks before the Ulster final. It followed allegations of domestic abuse made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher, which he denied.
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