Pádraic Joyce felt time was right to make Galway exit 

A lack of energy has been cited in the GAA legend's decision. 

INTO THE WEST: Departing Galway Senior Football manager Pádraic Joyce. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

A lack of energy convinced Pádraic Joyce to step down as Galway senior football manager after seven seasons in charge.

The two-time All-Ireland winning forward confirmed his departure via a county board statement on Thursday evening.

Joyce, who led Galway to four consecutive Connacht SFC titles and All-Ireland final appearances in 2022 and ’24, had the support of players to remain at the helm.

Suggestions that he had been asked to change his management team were rejected by sources close to the set-up.

The 49-year-old, who had been in a motor crash in early June but emerged unscathed, had two more seasons remaining in a term that was extended last year.

In June, following the All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Dublin he had indicated a willingness to stay on. “I've seven years done here now, I've two more to do,” he said. “Galway's getting there.” However, he now felt this was the best time to go and give the players a fresh opportunity to chase the county’s first Sam Maguire Cup since 1998.

Along with him, selectors John Concannon and Micheál Ó Domhnaill, who had been with him from the outset, depart. Former Cavan manager Mickey Graham was involved the past two seasons.

Joyce’s former team-mate and work colleague John Divilly had been part of the group up until this season, while Cian O’Neill and Paddy Tally previously served as coaches.

In his statement, Joyce spoke of his pride in guiding Galway since the end of 2019. "It has been a privilege and an honour to manage my county after wearing the maroon and white for so many years.

“I want to thank all the supporters who followed us over the past seven seasons. I appreciate the efforts and expense supporters went to following us all around the country.

"I want to thank all the management/backroom team members who soldiered with me on this journey especially the people who have been there the whole time.

"I want to thank each and every player, who trained and made sacrifices to wear the maroon and white jersey. It was a privilege to train you and watch you develop on and off the field.

"Behind every player and management/backroom team member are families who sacrifice more than most, so thank you to all of them and the people close to all of us who supported us along the way.

"Thank you to members of the Galway GAA County Board who helped prepare the team and assisted us over the years. I look forward to supporting the players from the stand in the coming seasons and I wish the new management team every success."

Praising Joyce, Galway chairman Paul Bellew said: “On a personal level, I cannot speak highly enough of Pádraic’s engagement, forthright style, and unwavering commitment to doing what was best for his players and for Galway football.

“He was exceptional to deal with throughout his tenure, and the respect in which he is held by players, supporters, opponents, and everyone connected with the game speaks volumes about the person and leader he is.

“Pádraic is a winner, and the standards, drive, and elite mentality he brought to the role have set a benchmark for Galway football into the future.” Early indications are Galway will look within the county for Joyce’s successor. U20 manager Kevin Johnson, who managed Corofin to back-to-back senior county titles, will likely be among the contenders.

Meanwhile, Cork are close to finalising their inter-county hurling management teams for 2027 following a series of final interviews this week.

Leading candidates for Minor and Under 20 were interviewed Wednesday while conversations with senior boss Ben O’Connor have also taken place, with the appointment of Cian O’Neill as head coach to be ratified next Tuesday.

The executive have been keen to promote the idea of a pathway through the under age grades and if that ambition is to be followed, 2025 minor manager Fergal McCormack would progress to the Under 20 role while St Catherine’s Kieran Morrison would move up from Under 16 to minor manager.

However there are a number of other interested candidates and management tickets under consideration for both under age hurling positions.

The outgoing Under 20 duo of Noel Furlong and Donal Óg Cusack are not necessarily out of the picture, but along with McCormack, Sars duo Johnny Crowley and Diarmuid O’Sullivan have also been mentioned as a possibility – whether together or individually.