(21 Oct 2008)
Padraig Joyce may have called time on his involvement with the International Rules set-up this year, but the Galway veteran, a former Ireland captain, still found time to impart his unparalleled knowledge of the hybrid game to his fellow county men, Michael Meehan and Finian Hanley.
Joyce, who led Ireland to a series win with two stunning displays in 2004, opted not to take up a role as selector under Sean Boylan, the Ireland manager, this year due to his commitment to the Galway footballers.
However, Joyce has retained some links to the controversial hybrid game, acting as a mentor to Meehan and Rules rookie Hanley, who sought his counsel on several occasions before flying out to Perth on Saturday evening.
“Padraig would be a massive addition. As a selector – personally I think he would still be able to go on as a player – he gives phenomenal advice in the dressing room and he is the only man, the first man I would pick,” said Hanley, who was speaking at an Ulster Bank reception in Dublin last Friday.
“I was a bit disappointed that he didn’t get involved but I was speaking to him about it and when myself and Michael Meehan were going, he was going through a few rules and stuff so he would be encouraging us all the way.”
“But I was a bit disappointed that he’s not going. I would have spoken to him. Galway were training on Tuesday night so I popped down and spoke to him and he wished me the best of luck. It’s a pity he couldn’t be going as obviously we would be very close.
“I’m good mates with Padraig and he would be great for advising people, not only the Galway lads but all the lads. They all respect Padraig for what he has done in the international dimension of the game.
Asked what the most important piece of advice Joyce had given him, Hanley said: “Stay out of trouble! Stay out of trouble on and off the pitch if you can.
“Just go down and when you are down there you are acting as a professional and you have to act professionally, but you have to enjoy yourself as well.
“That doesn’t mean any messing or anything but enjoying the way you train and training in these big stadiums down there and playing in front of massive crowds with everyone watching.”