skip to main content

Kieran Donaghy plays down McMahon incident

Kerry's Kieran Donaghy has said he will not be pushing for any sanction to be handed down to Dublin's Philly McMahon following an incident between the pair in yesterday's All-Ireland final.

The Dublin defender had been widely accused of underhand tactics in his attempts to mark the imposing frame of the Kerry full-forward in the game that Dublin won by 0-12 to 0-09.

Donaghy appeared to tell referee David Coldrick that contact had been made with his eyes after an incident late on in the final.

However, Donaghy appeared to feel no ill-will towards his Dublin counterpart, almost echoing McMahon's explanation of events.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport today, Donaghy said: "What happens on the field stays on the field and that's the way I've always played it."

The Kerry full forward added: "An All-Ireland final is a one-off game and whatever happens I'd leave it at that. I wouldn't be carrying anything into next year."

Earlier, McMahon denied there was any intent in the incident.

Donaghy also said that Kerry were somewhat unlucky to come out on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

"It's between the 30 guys that go to battle and we were a small bit unlucky. Fellas will have to come back stronger and that's what Kerry football is about, coming back stronger.

"You learn from the tough days as well as the good days."

Read Next