BREAKING: Shock as Mickey Graham set to join Galway backroom team as Leitrim search for new manager

As Leitrim’s search for a new Senior team manager intensifies with up to six applications for the post, the Leitrim Observer understands that former Green & Gold manager Mickey Graham is set to join Padraic Joyce’s management team in Galway in a shock move that will reverberate through GAA circles.

Although no official announcement has been made by Galway GAA, the Leitrim Observer has learned that the appointment of Graham to Joyce’s management team will be confirmed in the coming days, a move that is sure to spark controversy among Leitrim supporters.

Graham stepped down for the position as Leitrim manager two weeks ago on October 8, with the statement citing “circumstances beyond his control” leading to his decision after he was appointed to succeed Andy Moran in early August.

However, on Monday evening, it was reported on X that Graham was in line to take on the role as Padraic Joyce’s number 2 in Galway with X user “GAA Juggernaut” tweeting “Hearing @Galway_GAA have ratified and will shortly announce Micky Graham as the new No2 to @Padraic14 after the unexpected departure of Cian O’Neill to Kerry. Big move that.”

Hearing @Galway_GAA have ratified and will shortly announce Micky Graham as the new No2 to @Padraic14 after the unexpected departure of Cian O’Neill to Kerry. Big move that.

— GAA juggernaut (@GAAjuggernaut) October 21, 2024

Graham was a member of Padraic Joyce’s Connacht management team for last weekend’s Allianz Inter Provincial series in Croke Park.

The Observer understands that up to six expressions of interest have been lodged with Leitrim GAA for the vacant position of manager and the Board hope to have a name to put to delegates for the November meeting of the County Board.

SHOCK AS MICKEY GRAHAM STEPS DOWN AS LEITRIM SENIOR TEAM MANAGER

Leitrim GAA Chairman Enda Stenson told the Observer "We're in the process of appointing that and we hope within two weeks that we will have another manager appointed. The closing date for expressions of interest was last Friday and that was the only way we were going to do it this time, to get people to express their interest. I can tell you within two weeks it is hoped that there will be a name before the November County Board meeting. We would hope to have a manager ratified then."

In a report in the Irish Sun today (Tuesday), Jason Byrne reported that former Donegal manager Declan Bonner, former Carlow and Sligo coach Niall Carew, former Roscommon and Carlow coach Steven Poacher are reportedly in the frame to succeed Graham as Leitrim manager while Eamonn O'Hara, who has led Mohill to back to back Leitrim Senior Championship titles, has also expressed an interest in the role.

The former Ulster championship winning Cavan manager had been appointed to the Leitrim role in early August, succeeding Andy Moran who stepped down from the role. Graham had been brought in by the former Mayo Footballer of the Year as a new selector following the departure of Mike Solan as Assistant Manager in 2023.

In the statement announcing Graham's resignation, Leitrim GAA's statement read: "Leitrim GAA Management Committee at its meeting this evening was informed of the decision by Mickey Graham not to continue in the role of Leitrim Senior Football Manager for 2025. Mickey was fully committed and looking forward to his role ahead but circumstances beyond his control have led to him making this decision and regrettably, for all concerned, he will not be continuing in his appointed position. Leitrim GAA will now recommence the process of appointing a new manager."