Philly McMahon, a legendary Dublin football player hailing from Ballymun.
Philly McMahon first rose to prominence as a member of the Ballymun Kickhams Senior Football team. In 2013, he played a pivotal role in helping Ballymun reach the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship final. Although they were narrowly defeated by St. Brigid’s of County Roscommon, McMahon’s goal showcased his exceptional skills and determination.
McMahon’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself representing Dublin. In 2008, he clinched the O’Byrne Cup with Dublin, triumphing over Longford in the final. This victory marked the beginning of a successful journey for McMahon, who went on to make his Championship debut that same year.
Throughout his career, McMahon showcased his versatility and prowess on the field. He won two Dublin Under 21 Football Championships with Ballymun. In recognition of his outstanding performances, McMahon was named on the 2010 GPA Gaelic Team of the Year.
One of the defining moments of McMahon’s career came in the 2011 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final. As a substitute, he replaced James McCarthy and played a crucial role in Dublin’s 1-12 to 1-11 victory against Kerry. This triumph solidified McMahon’s status as a key contributor to the team’s success.
In 2013, McMahon earned his first start in the All-Ireland Final, where he played a pivotal role in Dublin’s triumph over Mayo, securing a scoreline of 2-12 to 1-14. This victory marked the beginning of a golden period for Dublin, and McMahon played an instrumental role in their subsequent triumphs.
In 2015, McMahon helped Dublin secure the All-Ireland final, showcasing his attacking prowess despite being named at left corner back. He played a crucial role in the final against Kerry, where Dublin emerged victorious with a scoreline of 0-12 to 0-09. McMahon’s stellar performance earned him his first All-Star award.
The following year, McMahon continued to shine as Dublin retained the Sam Maguire Cup by defeating Mayo in a thrilling replayed final. His outstanding contributions earned him his second All-Star award.
In 2017, McMahon played a vital role in Dublin’s historic 3-in-a-row All-Ireland titles, securing a narrow 1-17 to 1-16 victory against Mayo. Despite a challenging first half, McMahon and his teammates turned the game around to claim another memorable victory.
Outside of Football
In 2017, after achieving his fifth All-Ireland Senior Championship victory, McMahon decided to share his story with the world by releasing his autobiography, The Choice. Co-written with sports journalist Niall Kelly, the book quickly gained recognition and was honoured with the prestigious 2017 Eir Sports Book of the Year award. Additionally, it received the Sports Book of the Year award at the 2017 Irish Book Awards.
McMahon’s passion for making a difference in the lives of others led him to establish the charity Half Time Talk, which focuses on motivating young adults facing social challenges. He has also actively participated in charity fundraising events, including the notable “Shine A Light Night” organized by Focus Ireland to raise funds for homeless families.
McMahon’s dedication to both his sport and his philanthropic endeavours has made him a role model for many.
