Galway’s search for a new senior football manager has taken a fresh turn, with Jim Gavin no longer understood to be in contention. As the county looks beyond Pádraic Joyce’s reign, three men with strong Galway connections are among the names attracting attention.
Kevin O’Brien, Kevin Johnson and John Divilly each bring a different route to the role, from All-Ireland club success to experience inside the existing county setup. No formal shortlist has been confirmed, but the appointment is expected to be made by the second weekend of October.
Galway football manager search enters a key phase
Galway officials received confidential expressions of interest from candidates inside and outside the county after clubs did not submit nominations before the deadline. James Horan has ruled himself out, while Mark McHugh is set to continue with Westmeath.
That leaves the county board weighing experience, continuity and the ability to build a team capable of competing at the top level of Gaelic football. The decision will shape the next chapter of Galway GAA following Joyce’s departure.
Kevin O’Brien’s Corofin record stands out
O’Brien’s principal qualification is his remarkable spell with Corofin. He guided the Galway club to three successive All-Ireland senior club football titles in 2018, 2019 and 2020, including an extra-time victory over Kilcoo in the final of the latter championship.
That Corofin side became renowned for its attacking style, intelligent movement and ability to create scoring chances. Their performances offered a clear tactical identity and established the club as one of the leading forces in county football.
O’Brien has also continued to develop his coaching experience outside Galway. He joined David McCague’s backroom team at Scotstown, who won the Ulster club championship in 2025. His challenge would be transferring an impressive club record into the demands of senior inter-county management.
Kevin Johnson offers proven experience across counties
Johnson has built a particularly broad management résumé. The Sligo native led Ballintubber to consecutive Mayo senior titles in 2018 and 2019 before winning the Sligo championship with Tourlestrane in 2021.
He later managed Corofin, overseeing Galway championship successes in 2023 and 2024. His previous work with Salthill-Knocknacarra and Mountbellew-Moylough further strengthens his knowledge of Galway football.
Few candidates could match his record of winning senior county titles with clubs in three different counties. Johnson is also familiar with the county pathway, having taken charge of Galway’s under-20 footballers ahead of the 2026 season. Kieran Fitzgerald, a former Galway and Corofin defender, has also been linked with his backroom team for the 2027 campaign.
John Divilly would bring continuity and Galway identity
Divilly is already well known to Galway supporters, having played a major role in the county’s 1998 All-Ireland success. His coaching credentials, however, extend well beyond his playing career.
He joined Joyce’s senior management team in 2019 as a selector and backs coach, spending six seasons involved with the setup before stepping away after 2025. That experience could make him an attractive option if Galway wants a degree of continuity during the transition.
Divilly has also enjoyed success with UCD, guiding the university to Sigerson Cup victories in 2016 and 2018. The first triumph ended a 20-year wait, while the second came after a narrow final win over NUI Galway.
What will Galway prioritise?
The central question for the county board is whether to favour a fresh approach or retain links with the previous regime. O’Brien and Johnson offer strong club-management records, while Divilly brings knowledge of the current Galway environment and the demands of elite inter-county football.
For supporters following the latest GAA news, the appointment will be one of the most significant decisions in Galway sport this autumn. The new manager will inherit expectations built around a talented playing group and a county eager to make progress in the All-Ireland Championship.
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What happens next?
Galway is expected to settle on its new senior football manager by the second weekend of October. Until then, O’Brien, Johnson and Divilly remain prominent names in a process that could define the county’s direction for the seasons ahead.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
