TRIBUTES have been paid to Phil McMahon, the Belfast-born father of Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon.
Mr McMahon, who was in his 60s, died on Sunday surrounded by his family following a year long battle with cancer.
He had been diagnosed with the terminal illness during his son's championship run last summer.
Speaking after Dublin's All-Ireland final win over Mayo the footballer said his father's attendance at the game inspired him.
"I couldn't face losing this All-Ireland final with my da in the crowd," he said.
"To be able to go to my da and say, 'Here, that's for you. I'll never forget that."
Originally from west Belfast Phil McMahon moved to in Ballymun in Dublin's northside in 1975 where his son Philly later joined the Ballymun Kickhams.
It is the second tragedy to hit the family. The player has previously spoken movingly about the death of his brother John to heroin addiction at the age of 31.
Following the tragedy the five times All Ireland winner set up his charity 'Half Time Talk', designed to support those going through addiction and to help young people from socially deprived communities gain access to opportunity through sport.
Members of the Dublin GAA fanclub said: "We would like to extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Philly McMahon on the passing of his father Phil. Thoughts and prayers are with Philly and his family at this difficult time."
The Home of the Dubs groups said: "All of us here at Home of the Dubs would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest sympathies to Philly McMahon and his family as they mourn the loss of his father, Phil."
