Joyce hoping Galway footballers can use two week break to their advantage

THE GALWAY senior footballers are now just three games away from getting their hands on the ultimate prize. Beaten in the 2022 and 2024 All-Ireland finals, Galway will be hoping the 2026 season is the year they can get one step further and lift the Sam Maguire Cup.

Sunday’s win over Westmeath secured the Tribesmen’s place directly into the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final. Their round two win ensured a two-week break to prepare for their quarter-final clash. Galway senior football manager Padraic Joyce is hoping his side can use their week off wisely.

“As of now, all we can do is win the games in front of us, and we've done that. So, you’d be hoping we’d use the week off wisely and be ready for two weeks,” said Joyce.

Joyce feels it is one of the most open championships this season. Louth, Tyrone and Cork have also advanced directly into the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Kerry face Armagh, Mayo host Meath, Dublin take on Donegal and Monaghan meet Westmeath in the four games in round three of the All-Ireland SFC this weekend.

“Obviously, we watch the games. The players do, we all do. I think Louth got a win today as well. You just can't ignore your own game. Westmeath could have beat us there. Any team is capable of beating you. All we can do is worry about ourselves.

“But it is a fascinating championship. The draw next weekend is going to be hot and heavy whoever is in that. Obviously, it's going to be four great quarter-finals when they come up. It is a level playing field with the way teams are going, definitely.”

Damien Comer also spoke about the benefit of having a break before the All-Ireland quarter-final after Galway’s win over Westmeath

“It’s massive for us as a group, the last few years we’ve messed up in that department. We’ve ended up in the preliminary quarter-final where you have three weeks on the bounce at least now we have next weekend off to prepare for the quarter-final so it’s great,” said Comer.