May 31, 2023

Philly McMahon- Jim Gavin explained, Cluxton, being different, IRA. Driving success in life and football. A United Ireland

1 hour 18 minutes

Philly McMahon has lived, and living a remarkable life.

Under Pat Gilroy and Jim Gavin he thrived. We dig deep into both managers- what they brought and why they were different. Gavin is specifically interesting. Bringing the Dublin team to the Battle of the Somme in France and camping in an army barracks. The team to sleep outside and work life out for themselves. He was trying to pick his captain. Remarkable insight into Jim Gavin as a manager.

Born in Ballymun, his Father joined the IRA, was shot and escaped from a court appearance. He spent 30 years on the run. His travels to Belfast on the train, his father was his ‘Uncle Frank’

From that background- one of the most successful footballers burst into life. At underage and senior level Philly started life as a forward before reaching his true calling in the full-back line.

Eight All-Irelands with Dublin, 12 Leinster titles, Five Allianz League titles and double All-star. He was also nominated for Player-of-the-year but didn’t get it. Why? The Kieran Donaghy incident possibly. Does Philly regret it? We ask him. We’re not so sure about the answer.

There’s more in this feature length episode of the GAA Social. His best player, marking Colm Cooper, the Aidan O’Shea incident still irks. There’s more. What his father had in his wallet that was found a year after he died and who (apart from Dublin) Philly would like to see win the All-Ireland.

Will he be manager someday? Could it be Antrim?

There's also drugs, its problem in society and the impact of the death of his brother.

It’s Philly McMahon on the GAA Social with Thomas Niblock & Oisin McConville

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By BBC Radio Ulster

4.9

99 ratings