Walsh certain 'innovator' Éamonn Fitz will have research done on Galway

Shane Walsh of Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Galway forward Shane Walsh is looking forward to hitting the ground running under new manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice.

The former All Star said that the experience Fitzmaurice will bring will be huge for Galway and that he will bring a lot of innovation.

Walsh said that Fitzmaurice’s media work, especially co-commentator on RTÉ and television, since he stepped down as Kerry manager eight years ago means he has an in-depth knowledge of Galway and other teams.

“He has huge experience. We saw that, I suppose, when he came in with Kerry back in 2014, when they won the All-Ireland. And, look, he's even said it himself how much he's grown since then.

“And, obviously, like being part of the FRC and a huge driver in the rules changes, his innovation is definitely not going to be in doubt. And, yeah, it's going to be exciting to get working with him.” 

New Galway manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice pictured at the Lough Rea Hotel and Spa after his first press conference. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

Walsh, speaking on Galway Bay FM where he was on co-commentary duty himself for the Galway SFC semi-finals on Sunday, said there is excitement in the squad to get back training and preparing for 2027.

“Obviously, it's only recently the appointment was made. So, while we have met him, some of us, we're looking forward to kind of officially getting started and get back. And I'm sure he'll enjoy these semi-finals, getting another look at lads.

“But, he's said it himself over the last couple of years, he's been on the co-comms himself, watching our games. So, he probably has a good idea of a lot of us, which is a great thing for us because sometimes outside managers, maybe haven't the research done. That's definitely not in doubt here. Certainly something you couldn't say about him,” added Walsh.

Fitzmaurice, who is assembling his backroom team at the moment, was in Pearse Stadium to watch Maigh Cuilinn hammer Annaghdown by 4-26 to 0-8 in the opening semi-final when former Galway player Dessie Conneely shot 2-16, while another marked his return for his first start for the club this year with Peter Cooke cracking home their fourth goal.

In the other semi-final, Galway’s only All Star nominees Rob Finnerty and John Maher led the way as Salthill-Knocknacarra edged out Corofin by 0-15 to 2-7.