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.
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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 received messages of support from players in both squads the he “values so much.”
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