There’s been a seismic shock in the world of GAA as Padraic Joyce has stepped down as Galway manager.

Joyce leaves the Tribesmen after 7 years in charge, during which he won four Connacht titles as well as reaching two All-Ireland Finals, losing on both occasions.

He leaves the side after a disappointing exit in the All-Ireland quarter-final this year at the hands of Dublin, as well as failing to win the Connacht Championship against Roscommon.

‘It has been a privilege and an honour to manage my county after wearing the maroon and white for so many years’, Joyce said in a statement. ‘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.’

He signed off by saying: ‘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’

There’s plenty of names being bandied about online for the role, from Stephen Rochford to Jim Gavin, so it will be interesting to see what direction the Galway County board go in.

But whatever happens next, there’s no doubt that Padraic Joyce has been a stalwart of Galway football and should be commended for his work as a player and as a manager.