Connor Gleeson salutes Galway fans after kicking the winning point in this year's Connacht SFC final against Mayo Galway goalkeeper and Pinergy brand ambassador Connor Gleeson at the University of Galway Connacht GAA air dome as part of Pinergy's sponsorship partnership with Connacht GAA. Insofar as it hadn’t been reported or even rumoured before it happened, Cian O’Neill’s switch to the Kerry senior management for 2025 came out of the blue. Hence it was reported as a ‘surprise move’.
According to Connor Gleeson, though, Galway were always under the impression this season, which culminated in their second All-Ireland final loss in three years, would be O’Neill’s last, whatever his subsequent movements would be. “No, I think this was going to be his final year,” said the Galway goalkeeper yesterday. “I’m not sure was it decided, but I think this was going to be his last year.
Travel commitments were a lot – I don’t know if that was part of the reason. But that was going to be it for Cian and us. “He was brilliant.
Once he came in, a very hands-on coach. I think all the players took to him straight away, so really enjoyed the three years under him – [we] wish him the best in the future.” That, it seems, has been the only news to seep from the Galway camp since July 28 when they were beaten, excruciatingly, by a point by Armagh.
Otherwise, not a peep. Whether by collective agreement or just a shared mindset, Galway have taken a vow of silence. .