Pádraic Joyce’s spell as Galway manager has come to an end after seven years in charge.
Speculation that he would step down arose in the immediate aftermath of the side’s All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Dublin in June, and now the county has confirmed his exit, along with his backroom team.
The Killererin clubman won two All-Ireland senior football titles as a player with the Tribesmen in 1998 and 2001 during a 15 year playing career, prior to taking on the managerial role in 2019, succeeding his former teammate Kevin Walsh.
“I have decided to step down as Manager of the Galway Senior Football Team,” Joyce said in a statement.
“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 7 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.”
“Gaillimh Abú”
Joyce led Galway to four straight Connacht titles
Joyce’s legacy as a player and coach is one of great success, although tinged with regret in later years. The former inside forward led the county to seven straight Connacht football finals in his tenure, winning a remarkable four-in-a-row between 2022 and 2025.
Galway also made a long awaited return to the All-Ireland final stage during Joyce’s reign, but were beaten narrowly on both occasions by Kerry in 2022 and Armagh in 2024.
Chairman of Galway GAA Paul Bellew added: “On behalf of Galway GAA, I wish to place on record our sincere thanks and appreciation to Pádraic and his management team for their outstanding service to the Galway Senior Football team over the past seven years.
“Pádraic brought Galway back to the biggest stage of all on a consistent basis and gave our supporters many wonderful days, from memorable Connacht campaigns to two All-Ireland final appearances. His leadership helped connect people across the county with this team and created an environment in which players developed, performed, and represented Galway at the highest level.
“Since 2020, Padraic has been supported by a dedicated coaching and backroom team, and Galway GAA extends its sincere thanks to every person who contributed to that collective effort. We particularly acknowledge the commitment and service of John Concannon, John Divilly, Micheál Ó Domhnaill and Sean Rhattigan, whose contribution over many years has been immense and is deeply valued.
“We wish Pádraic, his management team, and their families every success in the years ahead, and we hope to see them continue to contribute to Galway football in the future.”