THE JOYCE OF SIX

Two All-Ireland finals convince Tribe the boss is worth another rattle

- BY KARL O'KANE

ONE school of thought out there would be that Padraic Joyce has had six shots at it - and it's time to go.

Another school of thought would be that he's led Galway to two All-Ireland Finals, where they were agonisingly close to winning, and he has every right to another go.

In sheer practicality terms, even if Galway chiefs were of a mind that a new front man was required, they would have been acutely aware that there is no natural successor to Joyce knocking around.

The three year term he has received promotes the idea of stability, a long term outlook and that Joyce has the confidence of the county board, which he appears to have.

A one year extension is not a good look for anyone. It adds pressure, a win or bust mentality and yet in reality, in the GAA, its very much year by year.

Joyce is clearly determined to finish the job he started, but when does it become a loss, loss for both parties?

So what exactly is the charge against Joyce from the critics? Not getting over the line in an All-Ireland final?

It's an extremely high bar, and one that he set for himself when he first came into the job, declaring that anything less than an All-Ireland would be a failure. He has come agonisingly close.

Galway were level with Kerry after 69 minutes of the 2022 decider when a harsh enough free awarded against them - and converted by David Clifford - turned the tide in the Kingdom's favour.

In the 2024 All-Ireland Final against Armagh, there was a point in it at the final whistle.