Jerome Johnston has stepped away from his managerial role with Ballybay rather than go up against his three sons in Sunday’s Ulster quarter-final encounter with Kilcoo at Clones.
Johnston has removed himself from the Ballybay Whatsapp group this week, leaving his fellow manager, Mark Doran to steer the Monaghan champions.
Ryan, Jerome and Shealan Johnston - all sons of Jerome senior - are expected to line out for the reigning All-Ireland champions at the weekend.
Read more: Cargin overdue a win in the Ulster Club Championship admits captain James Laverty
Johnston also has six nephews on the Kilcoo squad - the five Branagans and Ceilum Doherty.
The manager says he made it clear when he took over Ballybay two years ago that he could not manage against his own club.
And he informed the Ballybay players of his decision following the Ulster preliminary round win over Crossmaglen at the weekend.
Johnston, who won’t attend Sunday’s match, told the BBC: “It was emotional and I am torn, but I just couldn't manage against my own children.
"That was accepted when I took the job with Mark Doran and we got to work.”
Johnston says he has got messages of support from players in both squads which he “values so much.”
READ NEXT:
St Paul’s Ulster Minor Football Tournament returns after two-year hiatus
Ballybay shock Crossmaglen in Ulster Club opener to set up clash with champions
Kerry All Star feels Ulster sides will challenge for Sam Maguire in 2023
- Armagh Ladies on the verge of All-Ireland breakthrough says new boss Shane McCormack
- From Gormley to 'Geezer' - Ulster’s best All Star footballers of the last 20 years
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.