Odds for next Galway GAA manager as dark horse jumps from 25/1 to 5/1 overnight
There is two favourites locked in at 3/1 also
There are as many as eight frontrunners to take the Galway GAA gig after Padraic Joyce’s resignation on Thursday night, according to Boylesports bookmakers.
Two favourites are locked in at the top both sharing 3/1 odds while one dark horse has jumped from 25/1 to 5/1 since the announcement.
Exclusive new odds shared to Galway Live from Boylesports show Kevin O’Brien and Kevin Johnson tied at the top at 3/1 odds.
Next in line is All Ireland winner with Galway John Divilly at 7/2 followed by his former teammate and previous Galway manager Kevin Walsh who is 4/1 to return for a second stint.
But the main talking point from the latest update is Westmeath manager Mark McHugh whose odds have been slashed from 25/1 to 5/1 in less than 12 hours.
Former Mayo manager James Horan, who is currently in with Moycullen, is 5/1 followed by another ex Mayo boss and Corofin county titles winning manager Stephen Rochford at 6/1 with Alan Flynn matching those odds too.
The best of the rest are as follows: 10/1 Donal O Fatharta; 10/1 Derek Savage; 12/1 Gary Sice; 14/1 Gary Delaney; 14/1 Finian Hanley; 16/1 Tony McEntee; 16/1 Mickey Graham; 16/1 Jim Gavin; 16/1 Val Daly; 20/1 Cathal Clancy; 20/1 Cian O'Neill; 20/1 John Concannon; 20/1 Eamonn Fitzmaurice; 25/1 Kieran Donaghy; 25/1 Anthony Cunningham; 25/1 Aaron Kernan.
In his statement on Thursday night, Joyce said it was an honour and privilege to play for and manage the maroon and white for so many years.
Pádraic Joyce said: “I have decided to step down as Manager of the Galway Senior Football Team. 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.”
Paul Bellew, Chairperson of Galway GAA 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.
“On a personal level, I cannot speak highly enough of Padraic’s engagement, forthright style, and unwavering commitment to doing what was best for his players and for Galway football. He was exceptional to deal with throughout his tenure, and the respect in which he is held by players, supporters, opponents, and everyone connected with the game speaks volumes about the person and leader he is.
“Pádraic is a winner, and the standards, drive, and elite mentality he brought to the role have set a benchmark for Galway football into the future. 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,” concluded Bellew.