Walsh backs Fitzmaurice's experience to benefit Galway

Galway's Shane Walsh is challenged by Ben Crealy of Armagh ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Galway ace Shane Walsh believes new manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s experience and innovative approach will be valuable assets as the Tribesmen prepare for the 2027 season.

Fitzmaurice, who guided Kerry to the All-Ireland title in 2014, was appointed as Padraic Joyce's successor on a three-year term two weeks ago.

Walsh is looking forward to officially beginning work with the new management team and told Galway Bay FM that he believes Fitzmaurice’s familiarity with Galway will be a major advantage.

“He has huge experience. We saw that, I suppose, when he came in with Kerry back in 2014, when they won the All-Ireland. And, look, he's even said it himself how much he's grown since then," said Walsh.

“Obviously, like being part of the FRC and a huge driver in the rules changes, his innovation is definitely not going to be in doubt. And, yeah, it's going to be exciting to get working with him.

“Obviously, it's only recently the appointment was made. So, while we have met him, some of us, we're looking forward to kind of officially getting started and get back. I'm sure he'll enjoy these semi-finals, getting another look at lads.

“He's said it himself over the last couple of years, he's been on the co-comms himself, watching our games. So he probably has a good idea of a lot of us, which is a great thing for us because sometimes outside managers, maybe haven't the research done.

“That's definitely not in doubt here. Certainly something you couldn't say about him.”