Padraic Joyce paid an emotional tribute to the late John O'Mahony after Galway's victory over Donegal in the All-Ireland semi-final.
O'Mahony passed away last week having managed Joyce and his Galway team-mates to All-Ireland titles in 1998 and 2001 and Joyce said he was like a 'father figure' in his life.
Joyce lost his own father Paddy in recent years and Joyce says O'Mahony was very good to him during that difficult period.
He added that he wouldn't have his two All-Ireland medals if it wasn't for O'Mahony who 'galvanised' Galway football in the late 90s and said that he and his team-mates were 'heartbroken' to hear the news.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
"It was a very tough week for us," he told the GAA website.
"When you heard the news last Sunday morning, you'd be heartbroken for him but you'd only be heartbroken if you loved someone and we loved him in Galway," Joyce added emotionally.
“Like a Father figure to me”
Pádraic Joyce pays tribute to the late John O’Mahony following Galway’s triumph over Donegal. #GAA pic.twitter.com/bPqvbKD7i9
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 14, 2024
Galway lined up in the shape of a V before the game to pay tribute to the vanguard that O'Mahony was and Joyce felt the Mayo native was shining down on the team on Sunday.
"John had a fantastic influence in my career," he told Morning Ireland.
"Started off a manager, became like a friend to me, then became like a father figure, I lost my own father a couple of years ago, he was really good to me.
"He's been a mentor to me since I got this job.
"I was heartbroken last Sunday when I heard the news, as were all the lads in our '98 WhatsApp group and the '01 lads as well. Without him, we wouldn't have our All-Ireland medals."
23 September 2001; Padraig Joyce of Galway celebrates with manager John O'Mahony following the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Galway and Meath at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
"He shone down on us, we got a bit of luck," added Joyce.
Galway defeated Donegal by 1-14 to 0-15 and now advance to the All-Ireland final where they'll take on Armagh in a fortnight's time.
