O’Mahony says Joyce is manager material

Galway legend Pádraic Joyce intends going into management and the man who gave him his first big break 15 years ago believes the former All Star will make an outstanding coach.

Joyce, 35, has no immediate plans to move into management but hopes to do it in a few years after bringing the curtain down on a glittering playing career this week.

And former Galway manager John O’Mahony, who gave Joyce his championship debut in 1998 in a campaign which ended in All-Ireland glory, believes the Killererin clubman can become a manager.

“He is one of the most astute footballers I have ever met,” O’Mahony said.

“He can see things on the field a fraction ahead of everyone else, he was always cool under pressure and the bigger day the bigger his performance.

“I hope he goes into coaching as he has a wealth of knowledge to pass on and he could enjoy a management career every bit as good as that he produced as a player.’’

While it was difficult to chronicle the wonderful performances he produced for Galway, it was notable two of his biggest games came on All-Ireland final day.

“He was new to the scene in ’98 but played like a veteran that year, none more so than the All-Ireland when he had the coolness to carve out the only goal of the game. That turned it for us, we were not going to lose after that.

“It was the same again in 2001. He had the disappointment of losing the replayed final to Kerry the previous year when he was captain, but he played like a man inspired in the second-half against Meath.

“He had a quiet first-half by his own standards but I will never forget his display in the second-half when he kicked points with both feet and just controlled the game.

“Pádraic is one of the gentlemen of the game and he still has a huge amount to contribute to Killererin and Galway and I hope he finds the time to go into management because he will be superb at that as well,” said O’Mahony.

Joyce, who runs a busy recruitment company with his wife Tracey, has no immediate plans for management but is determined to give it a go.

His brother Tommie, who played alongside him for Galway and Killererin, has successfully made the switch into management having taken charge of a few clubs and the Tribesmen minors for the past two years, and Pádraic would like to give it a go.

“It’s not an option right now because of work and family but it is something I would like to try in a few years,’’ said Joyce, who is unlikely to continue playing with his club Killererin, although he has not made a final decision.