Galway turn to former hero Joyce in bid to revive football fortunes

By John McIntyre

HOW could they have given it to anyone else? Padraic Joyce will be ratified as the new Galway senior football manager by the County Board on Friday night.

And his appointment for a three-year term is bound to have an electrfying effect on both players and supporters as Galway attempt to end 19-years in the All-Ireland wilderness in 2020.

Footballer of the Year in 2001, a double All-Ireland winner and multiple All-Star, Joyce quickly steps up from his fledgling season as U20 manager after winning the vote of confidence over Liam Kearns after the second round of interviews.

Joyce’s backroom team will comprise of former Galway playing colleague, John Divilly, Milltown’s John Concannon – two members of his outgoing U20 management – and Michéal Ó Domhnaill of An Cheathrú Rua.

Taking over from Kevin Walsh, Joyce’s elevation to senior manager also represents a proud moment for his club Killererin, with whom he captured four Galway senior football titles in 1999, 2004, 2007 and 2010.