Joyce calls time on Galway reign
Galway manager Padraic Joyce ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Padraic Joyce has stepped down as Galway senior football manager after seven seasons in charge.
The news doesn't come as a surprise after a disappointing season for the Tribesmen culminated in an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final defeat to Dublin.
Appointed manager in October 2019, the two-time All-Ireland SFC winning forward led Galway to a four-in-a-row of Connacht SFC titles (2022-2025) and to two All-Ireland final appearances in 2022 and '24. However, they came up short in both against Kerry and Armagh.
In a statement, the Killererin clubman said: "I have decided to step down as Manager of the Galway Senior Football Team.
"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."
In thanking Joyce and his management team for their “outstanding service to the Galway Senior Football team over the past seven years", Galway GAA chairman Paul Bellew added: “Padraic brought Galway back to the biggest stage of all on a consistent basis and gave our supporters many wonderful days.
“On a personal level, I cannot speak highly enough of Padraic’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.
“Padraic 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. 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.”
🔉Galway Senior Football Management Update
— Galway GAA Official (@Galway_GAA) September 3, 2026
Galway GAA can confirm that Pádraic Joyce is stepping down as the Galway Senior Football Manager after seven years in charge.
Appointed to the role in October 2019 ahead of the 2020 season, the Killererin clubman has given stellar… pic.twitter.com/8oXpdalu7t
