Pádraic Joyce: The bigger picture for us has always been the big prize

In two weeks, Galway take on the 2025 Tailteann Cup champions Kildare in Pearse Stadium in a bid to get back on track.

Galway manager Pádraic Joyce applauds the parade before the game. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Down but not out. Despite falling short of a Connacht five-in-a-row, Pádraic Joyce has no doubt that his Galway side will bounce back for their meeting with Kildare.

Galway conceded 0-8 in the final few minutes to lose out to Roscommon in the decider. In two weeks, they take on the 2025 Tailteann Cup champions in Pearse Stadium in a bid to get back on track.

“I don't think it's a huge challenge,” said Joyce post-match.

“The lads are very disappointed. I’ve spoken to them, they know that it was in their own hands losing that game. But you know, hats off to Roscommon, you have to give them good praise in fairness.

“They stuck at it, they've had a big league in fairness in Division 1, they beat Mayo really well the last day. So we knew the talent, especially down here and obviously the breeze is a huge factor. And at the end, it told the tale there at the end with the two-pointers.

“But I don't have much to do to motivate our lads, we know the longer-term picture in Galway was to win the All-Ireland, so we're still in the hunt to do that.” 

Joyce was critical of the decision to hold the draw for the opening round of the All-Ireland SFC before the provincial finals.

“I know the draw was last week, which was ridiculous by the GAA, but it is done now. We'll stay focused on what's coming this week. We'll worry about Kildare now tomorrow morning once we wake up.” 

Damien Comer’s goal on the 61-minute mark had Galway six up yet they failed to score again. Diarmuid Murtagh kicked a two-point free after a 50-metre advancement against Comer as the Rossies reeled them in.

“I actually didn't see it,” said Joyce. “I was on the far side of the pitch, the dugouts the way they are.

“But I said before, look, Sean Hurson's a qualified referee and he is unafraid to make big calls after a minute. So I had to just look back at it and see.” 

He continued: “Just small little margins on the day. Like Sean Kelly, that point could have been under the crossbar by another few inches. Small little things.

“But, look, I'm not going to get out of here really, really down. We're disappointed, no doubt about it. But the bigger picture for us has always been the big prize.”