The new Monksland Utd FC senior team manager Philly Reilly.

Monksland Utd announces new manager

Published: Tue 21 Jul 2026, 2:34 PM

Last updated: Tue 21 Jul 2026, 2:38 PM

Monksland United FC has announced that former League of Ireland player Philly Reilly will be the club's new senior team manager for the 2026/27 season.

Ben Manning, left, accepts the Monksland Utd men's 'B' team Player of the Year trophy from David O'Brien.

Reilly, from Loughrea, had a spell at Manchester City's academy in his youth and had a stint at Stockport County before returning home to play in the League of Ireland, representing Galway Utd and Athlone Town.

Samson Akinbami, the Monksland 'B' team top goalscorer from last season accepts his award from David O'Brien.

Following his playing career, Reilly moved into coaching and player development, where he has worked extensively with young footballers in Ireland.

Aaron Meares, the club senior Player of the Year, accepts the Damien Kelly Memorial Trophy from Tommy Naughton.

In welcoming Reilly to the club, Monksland Utd FC said: 'He has built a reputation as a coach focused on technical ability, player confidence, and developing pathways for talented young players, particularly at grassroots and academy level.

Callum O'Brien was Mnksland Utd's men's top scorer last season. He is pictured alongside Tommy Naughton.

'The club is delighted to welcome Philly into the Monksland family and are extremely excited to be working with him in the upcoming season'.

Monksland men's Players' Player of the Year Abdul Idris and Tommy Naughton.

Monksland Utd finished in sixth place in last season's Combined Counties Football League Senior Division, which was won by Willow Park after a title challenge from St Peter's.

Monksland Utd U17 top goalscorer Adam Rafferty is pictured at the club awards night with Brian Lennon.

Last season, Reilly led fellow local club Ballinahown FC to the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup after leading them to domestic league success in the Roscommon & District Football League.

Some of the members of the Monksland Utd U17 squad, who finished as runners-up in the CCFL Shield final, are pictured at the club ceremony.

Ballinahown FC recently wished the best of luck to Reilly after he stepped down as its senior team manager.

Mark Nicholson, of Monksland Utd's U17 team, accepst the Players' Player of the Year award from club member Brian Lennon.

'Philly came in at the start of last season and brought the lads a first trophy in 11 years along with a cup semi-final, Connacht Cup quarter-finals and FAI Junior Cup last 32.

Tristan Gutierrez receives the Monksland Utd Most Improved Player award from Tommy Naughton.

'Thanks again to Philly and best wishes from everyone at the club', said Ballinahown FC.

Dominik Kaminski, right, was Monksland Utd 'B' team Player of the Year. He is pictured with his trophy alongside David O'Brien.

Monksland Utd FC also recently celebrated its awards night for last season at The Vault in The Castle Inn, Athlone (photos from the awards night included in this article).