Galvin steps down due to ‘time and travel’
PAUL GALVIN has become the second inter-county senior football manager to step down since lockdown, leaving his post with Wexford due to ‘the new time and travel commitments involved’ after relocating from Dublin to the west of Ireland with his family. The former Footballer of the Year cited burgeoning work commitments for the surprise decision which comes after the impact of the pandemic saw Turlough O’Brien step away as Carlow manager.
Galvin’s selector Shane Roche takes over as interim manager with just over a month to go to Wexford’s first-round Leinster Championship match against Wicklow. On a day when the Government announced details of the new restrictions around crowds, it just shows once again how fragile the planned winter provincial and All-Ireland series remains. In a statement, Galvin explained his decision to walk away from a role he only took up last September. ‘Due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Dublin, my family has moved back to the west of Ireland. I am stepping away from my role with Wexford due to the new time and commitments involved. ‘My business has also undergone significant growth in the past few months and needs attention. I have enjoyed the past 16 months watching, coaching and promoting football in the county.’
The Wexford County Board expressed their ‘regret’ over his decision. Inter-county action resumes from October 17 with Wexford lying third in Division 4 and with games to come away to Limerick and home to Wicklow before that Championship game at the end of the month. ‘Wexford GAA would like to thank Paul for his commitment and dedication over the past 16 months as senior football manager. It is without doubt that Wexford football is in a much stronger position thanks to his efforts during this time, which is reflected in the senior team’s results to date,’ the county board said in a statement. ‘The role of an intercounty manager is a constantly evolving one with an ever-increasing level of commitment required, and particularly so this year. We appreciate and understand the changes in Paul’s circumstances.’