Galway manager Padraic Joyce following Sunday's Allianz Football League Division One win over Monaghan at Pearse Stadium.
By Cian O'Connell
Padraic Joyce was completely aware that Sunday's Allianz Football League win over Monaghan mattered for several reasons.
With demanding away assignments against Kerry and Donegal looming, Joyce was eager to commence the campaign with a victory over Monaghan.
So the Killererin clubman was delighted that Galway demonstrated sufficient grit and guile in the closing stages to secure two vital points.
"It was very important to get the win with a couple of tough away matches coming up," Joyce admitted.
"I said it this morning when we met at 11 o’clock that the whole thing of the day, no matter whether we played well or not, was to get the two points."
Joyce confirmed that he will be in touch with the Corofin players, who secured a third AIB All Ireland Club title on the spin, early this week.
"I haven’t made any contact with them," Joyce stated. "I left them away to enjoy the week. I wasn’t going spoiling their celebrations, they have made history winning three in a row.
"I’ll make contact with them on Monday and see who is interested in coming on Tuesday night."
Robert Finnerty scored 1-1 for Galway against Monaghan at Pearse Stadium.
Next on the agenda is a trip to Tralee with Joyce delighted that testing matches are arriving thick and fast.
"It’s brilliant," Joyce replied. "Kerry requested some weeks ago that we switch that match to Saturday night and it’s great for our lads to get a game under lights in Tralee.
"It’s tough, they are probably the top two teams in the country, themselves and Dublin, so we will learn a lot going down there.
"Our lads will get their bodies right during the week and we will hit that hard on Saturday night."
Ultimately Joyce is content with how the Galway panel is currently faring following the recent Connacht FBD League success also.
"Yes, great resilience and that’s one thing I will say about this group," Joyce remarked.
"Even go back to Castlebar a few weeks ago and they were six points down and the last day in the first-half against Roscommon.
"We are not short of character or fight and battle and they are only about 60% fit at this stage, but they showed great heart and passion for the cause and I’m really pleased with that."
