Media Release: Galway Senior Football Update
CUMANN LÚTHCHLEAS GAEL
Coiste Chontae na Gaillimhe
Date: 03.09.2026
NUACHT RÁITEAS | MEDIA RELEASE :
Galway Senior Football Management
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 service over the past seven years to Galway Football as team manager. Under his leadership, Galway Football rebuilt consistency with the squad transformed into perennial championship contenders.
Pádraic re-established Galway as the standard bearers of the province, capturing four consecutive Connacht Senior Football titles (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025). He also steered the Tribesmen to All-Ireland Senior Football Final appearances in 2022, their first final in 21 years and again in 2024. Before managing, Pádraic was one of Galway’s most prolific forwards during a glittering 15-year inter-county career.
We extend heartfelt thanks and genuine appreciation to Pádraic and his management team for their leadership, dedication, commitment, and want to acknowledge the lasting impact they have made over the past seven years driving Galway Football forward to compete at the highest level.
Pádraic Joyce 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”
Paul Bellew, Chairperson of Galway GAA said,
‘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.
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. 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. 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.’
A process to appoint the next Galway Senior Football Manager will be put in place shortly and further communication will be issued then.
ENDS
