'A privilege' - Joyce steps down as Galway manager

Padraic Joyce has left his role as Galway manager after seven years in charge.

A two-time All-Ireland winner as a player, Joyce took over from former team-mate Kevin Walsh in 2019.

He led the Tribsemen to four Connacht Senior Football Championships and two All-Ireland finals, but both ended in defeat.

Galway lost to Kerry in 2022, which was their first All-Ireland final in 21 years, and Armagh came out on top in the decider two years later.

But their bid to lift the Sam Maguire in 2026 ended in the quarter-finals in a loss to Dublin.

In a statement on Thursday, Joyce said it had been a "privilege" to be in charge of his county.

He thanked Galway supporters, his backroom team, Galway's county board, his players and their families for their support.

"It has been a privilege and an honour to manage my county after wearing the maroon and white for so many years," he said.

"I look forward to supporting the players from the stand in the coming seasons and I wish the new management team every success."

Paul Bellew, chairman of Galway GAA, said Joyce had given "outstanding service" throughout the seven years.

"Padraic 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," Bellew said.

"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."