Padraic Joyce’s relative and Galway GAA legend sadly dies

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A stalwart for Galway GAA has sadly died with tributes pouring in from all over the GAA world for one of the greatest footballers the county has ever seen.

Eight time Connacht winner Billy Joyce's death was confirmed by Galway Footballer's Homepage on Tuesday night.

An uncle to current Galway manager Padraic, Billy was also part of Killererin's first Galway Senior Football Title in the 1970s.

It was also Billy who would hand his nephew Padraic his first Senior debut at the club when he was manager in 1992 while PJ was just 15.

He also managed the Galway team who won the 1987 Connacht title as well as leading the Junior team to All Ireland success in 1985.

The midfielder played for Galway from 1969 into the 1980s and despite a glowing Connacht Final record, Billy played on the losing side for four All Ireland Finals in 1971, '73, '74 and 1983.

At club level, Joyce was equally as prolific winning Connacht medals and two county championships with his local club.

Galway Footballer's Homepage previously paid a glowing tribute to the man who bled Maroon and White and was an integral part of the great 70s Galway football team.

They said: "Billy Joyce had a distinguished career in both the Maroon and White of Galway and the Red and White of Killererin.

"In the maroon and white, he had a 15 year playing career and he was one of a large number of great Galway footballers who were unlucky in All-Ireland finals in the early 1970's.

"Joyce was played in 3 All-Ireland SFC finals in 4 years (1971, '73 & '74), unfortunately, losing all 3 finals.

"Billy won eight Connacht SFC medals, one Connacht Junior medal and those two cherished Connacht Club medals with Killererin.

"That's a total of eleven Connacht medals in championship football, which is a tribute to the man himself & to his commitment & determination."

They continued: "He played in the middle for Galway with a number of other big names but he is especially remembered for his long-time partnership with Brian Talty.

"They were in brilliant form against their old rivals, Roscommon, when Galway won the 1981 NFL Division 1 title in Croke Park."

They finished: "Joyce was Killererin's spiritual leader during the successful 1970's, winning the Frank Fox Cup in 1976 and 1978, along with one county senior league title. In '76 & '78, they were also crowned Connacht Club champions."

"After his playing career ended, Billy was manager of the Galway team who won the 1987 Connacht SFC title and he also manager of the Galway team who won the 1985 All-Ireland Junior Championship.

"Joyce also enjoyed success in club management. He managed Killererin to the 2004 Galway SFC title & they reached the Connacht Club SFC final, losing out to Ballina Stephenites."

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