Galway’s Mannions return to help Caltra retain senior football status

The hurling brothers have played Gaelic football sporadically over the years, with Pádraic recalling their last outing in 2023 due to the toll it took

DUTY CALLS: Galway hurler Padraic Mannion couldn't say no when the local Caltra footballers camed calling in their bid to stave off relegation from the senior grade. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

RELIEF. A year after coming up from intermediate, the 2004 All-Ireland club football champions Caltra have secured Galway senior status with Cathal and Padraic Mannion helping them past Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir.

Caltra triumphed on a 3-12 to 1-15 scoreline with Cathal Mannion scoring the crucial third goal after coming on at half-time. Pádraic was introduced in the first half to man-mark Galway senior Oisín Mac Donnacha on the edge of the square.

“It is great for the lads, great for the club,” said Pádraic Mannion post-match. “There are a lot of lads there who put in an awful lot of work and an awful lot of young players coming as well.

“They have had a really tough year with injuries. I think there were five of the six backs that were injured from last year's team. So they had a tough season, but I'm glad they were able to do it out today.” 

The brothers, who were both nominated for 2026 PwC All-Stars this week, hurl for Ahascragh-Fohenagh but were knocked out of the intermediate championship last week in the preliminary quarter-final by Kilconieron. They have played Gaelic football sporadically over the years, with Pádraic recalling their last outing in 2023 due to the toll it took.

“We actually had a bit of a knock because we had the Senior B Hurling Final the week after. It has been a few years; the kicking wouldn't be hectic now.

“But the hurling finished last week. So they just asked if we could come back in and we said it is hard not to when you're asked. Look, in fairness to the lads, they're mighty.

“I'm just delighted for them to stay up. Caltra were really close in a few games. They could have easily had two wins out of two in their first two games (a two-point loss and a draw.) 

“But as I said, with the amount of injuries and the amount of young players they have, it is just great for them. If they managed to get a couple of wins next season, then you wouldn't know what could happen in the next few years.” 

The relegation result is part of a concerning run for west Galway clubs. In the past few years, Mícheál Breathnach, An Cheathrú Rua, An Spidéal and St Michael’s have all dropped down into intermediate. For Caltra, though, the only thing that mattered on Saturday was their own survival.

“Football's very enjoyable,” said Mannion. “It is nice to play a little part of it. It is awful different, though.

“Against the wind there, I knew they couldn't kick it in unless they got to the 45, whereas if it is hurling, they can do it from way further out than that.

“Even when I did play football before, it was usually around the middle. I haven't done too much back there.” His brother Cathal, who won an All-Star in 2025, blasted a goal into the top corner to make up for an earlier effort that was saved by the goalkeeper. Practice makes perfect? Not quite.

“I wish I could say he is. He makes the likes of me feel… when he can just not kick a ball for three years and then do that, just straight in top right there. I'll have to give him a bit of stick about the one he hits out of the goalie, though! But look, he just has it.”