Pádraic Joyce has stepped down as Galway manager after seven years in charge.
Joyce's exit was confirmed, along with his backroom team, with the Tribesmen exiting the All Ireland Senior Football Championship at the hands of Dublin at the quarter final stage.
Having been appointed as manager in 2019, Joyce guided Galway to two All Ireland finals during his reign in charge, losing to Kerry in 2021, and to Armagh in 2024. He also led the county to seven consecutive Connacht football finals, four wins on the bounce between 2022 and 2025.
Joyce had previously enjoyed a hugely successful career as a player with Galway, winning two All Ireland senior football titles with the county, in 1998 and 2001.
He also played a key role in both victories, scoring a crucial goal against Kildare in that win in 1998, while he also kicked an impressive 0-10 against Meath in the 2001 decider, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Galway also reached the 2000 All Ireland final, where they lost to Kerry after a replay.
Pádraic Joyce has confirmed his departure as Galway manager with this statement.
"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", he added. "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".
The official Instagram account for Galway GAA also shared this message in the wake of Joyce's departure.
View this post on Instagram
Elsewhere, Galway GAA chairman, Paul Bellew 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".
"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".
News of this comes a few months after Pádraic Joyce's former Galway team mate from his playing days, Paul Clancy, who also played a key role in those All Ireland success in 1998 and 2001 passed away aged 49.
