Gaelic Football

‘It’s heartbreaking for him to be gone so young,’ Galway manager Pádraic Joyce remembers teammate Paul Clancy, who died last week

The former Galway forward was given a send-off to remember, both at home and in Croke Park

Galway paid tribute to former forward Paul Clancy, who died on Monday, before their quarter-final against Dublin at Croke Park.
Galway paid tribute to former forward Paul Clancy (inset), who died on Monday, before their quarter-final against Dublin at Croke Park. PICTURE: Sportsfile
By Shaun Casey

Sunday was the end of an incredibly difficult and emotional week for the entire Galway community.

They lost one of their most famous sons Paul Clancy, a two-time All-Ireland winner, at the age of just 49.

Clancy was a second-half substitute when Galway defeated Mick O’Dwyer’s Kildare in the 1998 All-Ireland final but was in from the start three years later as they overturned Meath to capture another Celtic Cross.

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Clancy set up one of the most iconic goals ever scored in an All-Ireland final, playing a beautiful no-look pass over his shoulder towards Declan Meehan in the 2000 decider as they lost out to Kerry after a replay.

He also picked up five Connacht medals with the Tribesmen along the way (1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005) and helped his club side Maigh Cuilinn win the 2008 All-Ireland Intermediate title.

As a mark of respect, Galway left the number 10 jersey vacant during Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-final with Dublin. Clancy’s jersey.

Instead, wing forward Céin Darcy lined out with the number 22 on his back. The Galway players also formed a number 10 as the Maigh Cuilinn clubman was remembered pre-match.

“It’s heart-breaking for him to be gone so young,” said Galway manager Pádraic Joyce after Sunday’s defeat to the Dubs, a teammate of Clancy’s when the men in maroon collected Sam Maguire twice in four years.

“A teammate, a great friend of mine over the years. I played underage with him, a lot of us did. He was a great guy. A brilliant footballer first and foremost but a great guy and a great teammate who always has your back.

Galway Manager Padraig Joyce during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final game Dublin v Galway at Croke Park, Dublin
Galway Manager Padraig Joyce shared his thoughts on the passing of former Galway forward Paul Clancy after their loss to Dublin at Croke Park pn Sunday. Picture: Oliver McVeigh (OLIVER MC VEIGH)

“He really believed in his own ability and what he contributed to Galway football was unbelievable in minor, U-21 and senior ranks along the way and what he did for his club, he loved his club Maigh Cuilinn.”

Joyce continued, “He always battled away with them and he got them an Intermediate (All-Ireland) title back in ’08 and then when he finished playing he went back in as chairman which not many players do.

“He galvanised the club and helped them to win three (senior) county finals in a couple of years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joanna and the kids and the Fahy family and the Clancy family.

“I know his mother Mary was watching today and hoping for the best but it’s devastating, it really is. There is more to life than football, he’s gone and his kids have to grow up now without their dad in their lives so it’s really tough.

“All our players, the (2001) Galway team is back here in four weeks’ time for the (25 year) jubilee so that’s going to be really tough for that team to try and do that without him.

“It’s heart-breaking and had a huge effect on Galway people all week. In fairness, at the funeral on Friday, Paul got a huge send off from everyone. From his former teammates, from his club, from his workmates, everyone gave him a good send off.”