Pádraic Joyce’s spell as Galway manager has come to an end after seven years in charge.
Speculation that he would step down arose in the immediate aftermath of the side’s All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Dublin in June, and now the county has confirmed his exit.
“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.
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”