GALWAY FOOTBALL MANAGER Kevin Walsh stepped down from his position after five years in charge.
Galway GAA have confirmed the news to Galway Bay FM, saying that Walsh announced his decision to Football Committee Chairman Kevin Clancy earlier on Tuesday.
A statement has also been provided to the radio station.
“It was both an honour and a privilege to manage our county to two Connacht titles, promotion to Division 1 and maintaining that status,” the statement reads.
The two-time All-Ireland winner Walsh took over the Tribesmen from Alan Mulholland in September 2014 and guided the county to promotion and an appearance in the Division 1 final.
Along with the two provincial crowns, Walsh also guided Galway to an All-Ireland semi-final last year where they were defeated by Dublin.
Galway struggled during the 2019 season however as they were defeated by Roscommon in the Connacht final.
They subsequently bowed out to Mayo in round four of the All-Ireland qualifiers.
The full statement from Walsh reads:
“On behalf of the Galway Senior Management Team, I have informed the Galway County Board that after 5 years in charge of the Galway Senior Football Team we will not be seeking ratification for a 6th year.
It was both an honour and a privilege to manage our county to 2 Connacht titles, promotion to Division 1 and maintaining that status.
“When we took over in 2015, we sought to introduce structures to achieve the 2 core objectives of making Galway football more competitive and leaving Galway football in a better position.
“Over 25 players have made their senior championship debuts for Galway since then and the commitment of the players over the years has been one of the key factors in achieving those objectives. We would like to thank them for their dedication and friendship.
We wish to acknowledge the substantial contribution of the backroom team in putting in place the systems and processes that have been the foundation of what was built over the past few years.
In many ways, the forgotten heroes of the modern game are our families. Without their understanding, support and commitment none of this would be possible.
“We would like to thank our sponsors and, in particular, Pat and Una McDonagh of Supermac’s, whose contribution to Galway GAA in general is the envy of counties throughout the country.
“The media is playing an increasing role in the game and we would like to thank the local media in Galway who were supportive of our efforts with a special word of thanks to Galway Bay FM’s, Kevin O Dwyer.
“We would like to thank the Galway County Board for giving us the opportunity to manage our county.
“Finally, we would like to thank the genuine Galway football supporters. Your passion for the maroon and white never went unnoticed.
I emphatically believe that there are great things to come for Galway football.
“Having had the opportunity to work with professionals at the top of their field over the last number of years, I would like to see the recommendations in our reports to the County Board which included facilities and equipment, operations, alignment and development of underage teams through to senior level, finance, competition structures, player development and welfare, medical screening and deep level coaching continue to be implemented in the interests of Galway football going forward.
I am honoured to have been given my chance to leave Galway football in a better place and I wish the players and new management team every success in the future.
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I thought the same thing at the time. Here’s our greatest rugby athlete being let down by the medical staff at the very end of his career (pre one more year). Why there wasnt a bigger outcry and inquiry at the time baffled me. Glad it’s now being centre staged. The medics have questions to answer
I agree completely , unfortunately people are selfish and just want him to continue playing as the man is so important to us. Somebody should have sat the man down and protected him. He has hopefully 40 plus years to live his life and he needs to remember that rugby ain’t everything.
the old saying rings true, ‘nobody shoots a winning race horse’
I imagine the medical staff are under severe pressure to get him back in. Strange decision – the irfu have a fantastic medical team as witnessed by the use of Dr. Falvey with the lions.
Have to admit- on most other things related to rugby I think the use of slow motion constant replays have made things that are quite innocuous look very serious. On this matter this guy is spot on, any brain injury needs the most time to recover- I love the game and selfishly I want him to come back on the field but the best thing for a concussed player is rarely considered in urgent situations. The More debate and awareness of this issue the better, we need to protect guys like these bravery from themselves.
I’m with you, Richard!
Nowinski is a top bloke. He’s done a lot of work to help reducw head trauma and concussions in pro wrestling and other contact sports
Well fair play to him getting involved in rugby.
I agree this guy stepped up after concussion put an end to his pro wrestling career… He had done an epic amount of work in regards to head trauma in sports…. Something that has to be taken more serious here….. As usual Ireland will not act until it takes a life…
I worry about BOD. He is so committed on the field and I hope he doesn’t end up with some long term injury at this stage of his career.
I remember the incident and was equelly amazed that BOD was allowed back on the field,he was very groggy and and unsteady on his feet,and i remember thinking that he must have bypassed the physio and had the final say,but for anyone watching,they just knew that it defied logic to see him back on with his head bandaged, but thats our Brian.
Agree 100 percent ..the hits in the game these days are scary, all players need to be protected and Bod is a national treasure ;)
In light of what we now know regarding knocks to the head and the potential risk of concussion, i think it is incumbent on sports managers to be fully versed on the danger associated with such incidents. Questions have to be asked as to the role of the medical team (or doctor) regarding a player who has suffered a concussion,or a severe head injury being allowed back onto the field of play in such a state.
In such scenario as outlined above, it is much better to err on the side of caution in order to avoid the potential for brain damage to occur and the long term implications that such injuries entail
There has been far too much talk and no action on the concussion issue. Why are the IRFU refusing to comment. The recent Falvey interview was complacency at its worst. Surely there is enough evidence now to warrant some official reaction either by John Treacy becoming involved or The Department of Health arranging proper investigation.