Paul Galvin (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Paul Galvin is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
with his local club Finuge
, his divisional side Feale Rangers
and has been a member of the Kerry
senior inter-county team since 2003. Galvin had the honour of being named as the 1000th All-Star
.
Galvin writes a weekly fashion column for the Irish Independent
. newspaper.
and with his divisional side Feale Rangers
and has enjoyed much success. He also plays hurling
with his local club Lixnaw
.
In 2002 Galvin tasted victory for the first time as a footballer when Finuge qualified for the final of the county junior championship
. The opponents on that occasion were Castlegregory
. After two defeats at the same stage of the competition in 1998 and 2000, Galvin's side made no mistake at the third time of asking. A merited 0–12 to 1–6 victory gave Finuge the victory and gave Galvin a county junior winners' medal. Finuge subsequently represented Kerry in the provincial junior championship and even reached the final. Cork champions Kiskeam
provided the opposition, however, the dream season continued for the Kerry men. Galvin added a Munster
junior winners' medal to his collection following a 0–14 to 0–11 victory.
After surrendering their county title for a year, Finuge were back in the county junior final again in 2004. Lispole were the opponents this time around and a close game developed once again. Galvin's side nearly kicked the match away with an enormous wides tally, however, after a period of extra-time Finuge regained the title on a score line of 1–10 to 1–7. Another provincial decider beckoned for Galvin's side, with Cork champions Aghabullogue
providing the opposition. The game was an exciting but one-sided affair, and Galvin picked up a second Munster junior winners' medal after a 2–13 to 3–4 victory. On this occasion the Kerry side went all the way to the All-Ireland final where Stewartstown Harps
of Tyrone were waiting. Galvin gave an outstanding display in that game and the northerners were easily brushed aside on a score line of 1–14 to 0–6. This win gave Galvin a coveted All-Ireland
club winners' medal in the junior grade.
In 2007 Galvin lined out with divisional side Feale Rangers
in the final of the county senior championship. A divisonal side from the other half of the county, South Kerry
provided the opposition. Furthermore, South Kerry were going for a remarkable fourth county title in succession. The game was an extremely close affair, however, Galvin's side pulled through to win by 1–5 to 0–6. With that he added a county senior winners' medal to his collection. It was Rangers' first county triumh in twenty-seven years.
Galvin is also a hurler of note and has enjoyed much success with Lixnaw. In 1999 he was a key member of the team that lined out against Crotta O'Neill's
in the final of the countys enior championship. After a 2–8 apiece draw, Lixnaw made no mistake in the replay and secured a narrow 0–9 to 1–5 victory. It was his first senior winners' medal in hurling.
After back-to-back county final defeats in 2002 and 2003, Lixnaw were back in 2005 and faced Abbeydorney
. A third defeat in four years looked extremely likely, however, Galvin was the hero of the day. In the second minute of injuty-time he sent over the equalising point and secured a 1–11 to 2–8 draw and a second chance in the replay. Lixnaw made no mistake on the second occasion and blew the opposition off the pitch. An enormous 0–17 to 0–6 victory gave Galvin a second county winners' medal.
After surrendering the hurling title the following year, Lixnaw were back to reclaim it in 2007. Kilmoyley
provided the opposition in another final as Galvin's side went into the game as underdogs. The form book was torn up as Lixnaw powered to a 1–12 to 2–6 victory and a third county winners' medal for Galvin. A fourth hurling medal followed in 2010 for Galvin as Lixnaw beat Crote O'Neills 1–12 to 1–10 in the final.
On 21 January 2011 media reports suggested that Galvin was poised for a club transfer from Finuge to St Vincent's in Dublin, but his club team-mate and former member of the Kerry management team, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, rubbished those reports via Twitter.
minor football team in the late 1990s. He lined out in his only provincial decider in that grade in 1997 with Limerick
providing the opposition. The game was a huge triumph for 'the Kingdom' as Galvin's side won by 4–12 to 1–7. It was his first Munster
winners' medal at minor level. Kerry were later defeated in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final. The same year he won an All-Ireland Vocational Schools Championship with the Kerry Vocational Schools team following victory over Tyrone
in the final.
Galvin's performances at minor level made him an automatic choice for the Kerry under-21 team in 1999. The provincial decider that year pitted Kerry against archrivals Cork. A close game developed, however, after the sixty minutes Kerry were the champions by 1–10 to 0–7. It was Galvin's only Munster
under-21 winners' medal. An All-Ireland final appearance followed for Galvin, with Westmeath
providing the opposition. Kerry were the favourites going into the game, however, the Leinster minnows proved that they were no pushovers. A narrow 0–12 to 0–9 score line resulted in defeat for Galvin's side.
Galvin continued to play for the Kerry under-21 team for another two seasons, however, he enjoyed little further success.
he renewed his rivalry with Limerick when he came on as a substitute in the provincial decider. A 1–11 to 0–9 victory gave Galvin a first Munster
winners’ medal in the senior grade. After an exciting game with Roscommon
, Kerry advanced to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Tyrone
. After being shocked in the latter stages of the two previous championships, Kerry were out to atone and were favourites going into the match. The whole team struggled and Kerry looked like they were going to be left behind with the new "blanket defence" that was introduced by teams like Armagh and perfected by Tyrone. Many criticised this tactic as a means of stopping talented footballers like Ó Sé and Colm Cooper
from playing but few could deny its effectiveness. A humiliating 0–13 to 0–6 defeat saw Tyrone advance to the All-Ireland final while Kerry were unceremoniously dumped out of the championship.
2004
saw Galvin become an integral part of the Kerry team. The year began well with Kerry reaching the final of the National League. An exciting 3–11 to 1–6 victory saw Kerry claim the title and Galvin picked up a first National Football League
winners’ medal. Kerry later booked their almost annual spot in the provincial final and, for the second year in succession, Limerick were the opponents. Surprisingly, that game ended in a 1–10 apiece draw. The replay was also a close-run affair; however, Kerry never really looked in danger of losing. A 3–10 to 2–9 victory gave Galvin a second Munster winners’ medal. The All-Ireland series proved no difficulty for Kerry, and ‘the Kingdom’ booked their place in the All-Ireland final against Mayo
. An early goal from Alan Dillon
gave the Connacht men some hope, however, the game was effectively over after twenty-five minutes when Colm Cooper
scored Kerry’s only goal of the day. The points kept coming from Galvin's team and an injury-time Michael Conroy goal was nothing but a consolation for Mayo. A 1–20 to 2–9 victory gave Galvin a coveted All-Ireland
winners’ medal. Galvin was later presented with his first All-Star
, the 1000th award since the scheme began in 1971.
In 2005
Kerry were hot favourites to retain their All-Ireland title. All was going to plan as Galvin's side reached yet another provincial final. In a return to tradition, Cork were the opponents. A close game developed, however, in the end Kerry were the narrow winners by 1–11 to 0–11. It was Galvin's third consecutive Munster winners’ medal. Following this win Kerry cruised through the All-Ireland series to reach another championship decider with Tyrone providing the opposition. In one of the great finals of the decade, the result remained in doubt until the final whistle. Dara Ó Cinnéide
powered Kerry ahead with a goal after just six minutes. Tyrone responded in kind with a Peter Canavan
goal just before half-time. Tomás Ó Sé
launched the Kerry comeback in the 57th minute with Kerry’s second goal; however, it was too later. Tyrone hung on to win by 1–16 to 2–10. It was Galvin's first defeat in an All-Ireland final.
In 2006
Kerry reached the final of the National League and played Galway
. Galvin's side could only manage three points in the opening half, however, the introduction of Eoin Brosnan
transformed the team. At the end of the seventy minutes a 2–12 to 0–10 score line gave Kerry their 18th National League title and a second for Galvin. The league win was a false dawn as Kerry went out tamely to Cork in a replay of the Munster final. The team, however, bounced back against Longford
to set up a meeting with Armagh
in the All-Ireland quarter-final. At half-time it looked as though the Ulser hoodoo would strike again but Kerry blitzed the men from the orchard county in the second half and won by a score of 3–15 to 1–13. The game was not without incident as Galvin was red-carded for an altercation with the Armagh water carrier. Kerry again beat Cork in the subsequent semi-final before lining out against Mayo in the All-Ireland final. An unbelievable opening first-half saw Kerry go 2–4 to no score ahead after just ten minutes, courtesy of goals by Declan O'Sullivan
and Kieran Donaghy
. Colm Cooper slotted a third Kerry goal, however, Mayo settled and reduced the deficit to 3–8 to 3–2 at half-time. The second thirty-five minutes saw Kerry run riot while the westerners could only muster three points. A final score of 4–15 to 3–5 gave Kerry another All-Ireland title and gave Galvin a second All-Ireland winners' medal. Galvin finished off the year with a second All-Star award.
2007
saw Kerry face Cork in the provincial decider once again. A close game developed, however, at the full-time whsitle Kerry were the champions by 1–15 to 1–13. It was Ó Galvin's fourth Munster winners' medal. Kerry then had the narrowest of victories in their All-Ireland quarter-final against Monaghan
, setting up a glamour All-Ireland semi-final tie with Dublin
. Kerry saw off a great Dublin comeback in the second-half to win by two points. The subsequent All-Ireland final was an historic occasion as Kerry faced Cork in the very first all-Munster championship decider. While the first-half was played on an even keel, 'the Kingdom' ran riot in the second-half and a rout ensued. Cork goalkeeper Alan Quirke
came in for much criticism after conceding some easy goals. At the full-time whistle Cork were trounced by 3–13 to 1–9. It was a third All-Ireland medal for Galvin and the first completion of back-to-back All-Ireland titles since Cork in 1989 and 1990.
In 2008
Galvin was appointed captain of the Kerry team. It was a great honour, . What should have been a dream season for the Finuge man, particularly since Kerry were attempting to capture a first three-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles since 1986, 'the Kingdom's' championship opener against Clare
was a dark moment for Galvin. The game was a largely low-key affair except for one controversial incident between referee Paddy Russell
and Galvin. Russell was attempting to book the team captain when he slapped the notebook out of Russell's hand. Galvin then remonstrated with the linesman who had recommended his second yellow card. The incident has been described as due to the "frustration" he felt at being booked "for highlighting to the linesman the blatant and protracted pulling and dragging he was subjected to off the ball by his Clare marker". Galvin received a six-month suspension, however, this was later reduced to twelve weeks. It looked at this stage that Galvin's dream season was in tatters. Kerry drove on without him and reached the All-Ireland final for a fifth successive year. Conveniently, Galvin's suspension ended on the day of the championship decider against Tyrone. While he did not start the game he came on as a substitute. An exciting game developed, one that was more competitive than the routs that had taken place at the same stage of the championship over the previous two years. The sides were level seven times before Colm Cooper nudged Kerry 0–8 to 0–7 ahead before the interval. Tyrone simply wore Kerry into the ground in the second-half as a priceless goal from Tommy McGuigan
and a string of late points inspired Tyrone to their third All-Ireland title of the decade.
2009
saw Galvin return to the half-forward line for Kerry's opening Munster semi-final meeting with Cork. That game ended in a draw, however, Kerry were well beaten in the replay. 'The Kingdom' were subsequently banished to the qualifiers where they had some unimpressive wins over Longford
, Sligo
and Antrim
. Galvin and his squad later lined out in the All-Ireland quarter-final and thrashed Dublin before overcoming Meath
in a disappointing semi-final. For the second year in-a-row Kerry faced Cork in the All-Ireland final
. Surprisingly, the men from 'the Kingdom' went into the game as slight underdogs. This tag appeared to be justified when Galvin's side trailed by 1–3 to 0–1 early in the opening half. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan while Cork recorded fourteen wides, and at the final whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0–16 to 1–9. It was Galvin's fourth All-Ireland medal. He subsequently won an All-Star and the Footballer of the Year award.
In June 2010, Galvin was given an eight-week ban after the 2010 Munster Senior Football Championship
semi-final replay win over Cork.
The GAA
's Central Competitions Control Committee proposed the suspension after reviewing video evidence of Galvin putting his finger into Eoin Cadogan
's mouth.
with whom he won Cork Senior Football Championship and Munster Senior Club Football Championship
medals in 1999. He also played in the Sigerson Cup
.
in the International Rules Series
.
with the Kerry Vocational Schools team in 1997.
.
and Gaeilge
in Coláiste Chríost Rí, Cork
and St. Brendan's College, Killarney
. He coached the senior school team to the All-Ireland in 2009.
Galvin holds a great interest in fashion. He attends fashion shows all over the world and enjoys spending time in New York. He also owns over 70 pairs of shoes. While on The Late Late Show
, he mentioned how he plans to change careers by taking a fashion buying course in London
. He is also thinking about taking up a fashion course in Dublin Institute of Technology
.
and his producer James McDonald late at night in Kehoe's Pub, Central Dublin. Among witnesses to the alleged incident were a Government Minister, a TD
, a senator and several journalists. One witness alleged Galvin called Callan a "fucking cunt". Callan later described how Galvin approached him with "his eyes bulging" and looking "crazy". The incident was investigated by the Garda Síochána
. The media speculated on the reason behind the alleged incident, reporting that Callan had recently mimicked Galvin asking Taoiseach Enda Kenny to man-up by giving him a body-wax on Green Tea and that Galvin had texted Callan before an appearance on The Saturday Night Show
in relation to "gay jibes" the satirist had directed at him. It was eventually revealed that Galvin had complained (or not complained at all) to RTÉ after what he described as "the most excruciating night of my life" at home on his sofa between his parents in Kerry watching The Saturday Night Show when Callan referred to Galvin's "years spent in the closet".
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club Finuge
Finuge GAA
Finuge is a Gaelic Athletic Association club from Finuge, County Kerry, Ireland. They currently compete in the Kerry Intermediate Football Championship. They also form part of the Feale Rangers divisional team that play in the Kerry Senior Football Championship. Many of the players also play...
, his divisional side Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers is a North Kerry Divisional Gaelic football team in Kerry. The teams involved are Clounmacon, Duagh, Finuge, Gale Rangers, Listowel Emmets, Moyvane and St...
and has been a member of the Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
senior inter-county team since 2003. Galvin had the honour of being named as the 1000th All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
.
Galvin writes a weekly fashion column for the Irish Independent
Irish Independent
The Irish Independent is Ireland's largest-selling daily newspaper that is published in both compact and broadsheet formats. It is the flagship publication of Independent News & Media.-History:...
. newspaper.
Club
Galvin plays his club football with his local club FinugeFinuge GAA
Finuge is a Gaelic Athletic Association club from Finuge, County Kerry, Ireland. They currently compete in the Kerry Intermediate Football Championship. They also form part of the Feale Rangers divisional team that play in the Kerry Senior Football Championship. Many of the players also play...
and with his divisional side Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers is a North Kerry Divisional Gaelic football team in Kerry. The teams involved are Clounmacon, Duagh, Finuge, Gale Rangers, Listowel Emmets, Moyvane and St...
and has enjoyed much success. He also plays hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Lixnaw
Lixnaw GAA
Lixnaw are a Gaelic Athletic Association hurling club in north County Kerry, Ireland. They play in the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship. The club is primarily concerned with the game of hurling but many of their players play football with Finuge. They have won 7 Kerry Senior Hurling...
.
In 2002 Galvin tasted victory for the first time as a footballer when Finuge qualified for the final of the county junior championship
Kerry Junior Football Championship
The Kerry junior championship is an annual Gaelic football competition played in County Kerry, Ireland by Gaelic Athletic Association clubs affiliated to Kerry GAA. It is a grade below Kerry Intermediate Football Championship and the winners move up to that grade the year after winning it...
. The opponents on that occasion were Castlegregory
Castlegregory GAA
Castlegregory are a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the parish of Castlegregory in Kerry, Ireland. This is a Gaelic football only club, with no hurling played. The club is a member of the West Kerry division of Kerry GAA...
. After two defeats at the same stage of the competition in 1998 and 2000, Galvin's side made no mistake at the third time of asking. A merited 0–12 to 1–6 victory gave Finuge the victory and gave Galvin a county junior winners' medal. Finuge subsequently represented Kerry in the provincial junior championship and even reached the final. Cork champions Kiskeam
Kiskeam GAA
Kiskeam GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the village of Kiskeam in the North West of County Cork, Ireland which is in the parish of Boherbue...
provided the opposition, however, the dream season continued for the Kerry men. Galvin added a Munster
Munster Junior Club Football Championship
Munster Junior Club Football Championship was first played officially in 2003 when Annascaul from Kerry and Carbery Rangers from Cork played each other. An unofficial championship had taken place in the previous year...
junior winners' medal to his collection following a 0–14 to 0–11 victory.
After surrendering their county title for a year, Finuge were back in the county junior final again in 2004. Lispole were the opponents this time around and a close game developed once again. Galvin's side nearly kicked the match away with an enormous wides tally, however, after a period of extra-time Finuge regained the title on a score line of 1–10 to 1–7. Another provincial decider beckoned for Galvin's side, with Cork champions Aghabullogue
Aghabullogue GAA
Aghabullogue GAA are a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Cork, Ireland. They are affiliated to the Cork County Board and play in the Mid Cork division of Cork GAA. Aghabullogue cater for both Gaelic football and hurling.-History:...
providing the opposition. The game was an exciting but one-sided affair, and Galvin picked up a second Munster junior winners' medal after a 2–13 to 3–4 victory. On this occasion the Kerry side went all the way to the All-Ireland final where Stewartstown Harps
Stewartstown Harps
Stewartstown Harps is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the village of Stewartstown in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.-History:Harps Gaelic Football Club was founded in 1912 and played in the East Tyrone league until 1918...
of Tyrone were waiting. Galvin gave an outstanding display in that game and the northerners were easily brushed aside on a score line of 1–14 to 0–6. This win gave Galvin a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Junior Club Football Championship
The All-Ireland Junior Club Football Championship is a Gaelic football competition started up in 2004 to be played by the winners of the Junior Club Championship from each County. Prior to that a number of unofficial competitions were held...
club winners' medal in the junior grade.
In 2007 Galvin lined out with divisional side Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers is a North Kerry Divisional Gaelic football team in Kerry. The teams involved are Clounmacon, Duagh, Finuge, Gale Rangers, Listowel Emmets, Moyvane and St...
in the final of the county senior championship. A divisonal side from the other half of the county, South Kerry
South Kerry GAA
South Kerry are a Gaelic football and Hurling Divisional Team in County Kerry.The South Kerry Football Team draws its players from eight Club teams in the Division.These are:* St. Mary's Cahirciveen* Renard* St...
provided the opposition. Furthermore, South Kerry were going for a remarkable fourth county title in succession. The game was an extremely close affair, however, Galvin's side pulled through to win by 1–5 to 0–6. With that he added a county senior winners' medal to his collection. It was Rangers' first county triumh in twenty-seven years.
Galvin is also a hurler of note and has enjoyed much success with Lixnaw. In 1999 he was a key member of the team that lined out against Crotta O'Neill's
Crotta O'Neill's
Crotta O'Neill's are a hurling club in the Kilflynn area of Kerry, Ireland. They play in the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship. The club is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-History:...
in the final of the countys enior championship. After a 2–8 apiece draw, Lixnaw made no mistake in the replay and secured a narrow 0–9 to 1–5 victory. It was his first senior winners' medal in hurling.
After back-to-back county final defeats in 2002 and 2003, Lixnaw were back in 2005 and faced Abbeydorney
Abbeydorney GAA
Abbeydorney GAA Club is a Gaelic Athletic Association is a hurling club from North County Kerry near Tralee-History:Abbeydorney are one of the oldest clubs in Kerry. The club was founded in 1885. They have won Senior County Championships in 1893, 1895, 1913, 1974...
. A third defeat in four years looked extremely likely, however, Galvin was the hero of the day. In the second minute of injuty-time he sent over the equalising point and secured a 1–11 to 2–8 draw and a second chance in the replay. Lixnaw made no mistake on the second occasion and blew the opposition off the pitch. An enormous 0–17 to 0–6 victory gave Galvin a second county winners' medal.
After surrendering the hurling title the following year, Lixnaw were back to reclaim it in 2007. Kilmoyley
Kilmoyley GAA
Kilmoyley are a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Kerry, Ireland. There are located in North Kerry, the main Hurling area of Kerry. They are one of the most successful hurling clubs in Kerry and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling...
provided the opposition in another final as Galvin's side went into the game as underdogs. The form book was torn up as Lixnaw powered to a 1–12 to 2–6 victory and a third county winners' medal for Galvin. A fourth hurling medal followed in 2010 for Galvin as Lixnaw beat Crote O'Neills 1–12 to 1–10 in the final.
On 21 January 2011 media reports suggested that Galvin was poised for a club transfer from Finuge to St Vincent's in Dublin, but his club team-mate and former member of the Kerry management team, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, rubbished those reports via Twitter.
Minor & under-21
Galvin first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the KerryKerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
minor football team in the late 1990s. He lined out in his only provincial decider in that grade in 1997 with Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
providing the opposition. The game was a huge triumph for 'the Kingdom' as Galvin's side won by 4–12 to 1–7. It was his first Munster
Munster Minor Football Championship
The Munster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council. The current Munster Minor football champions are Tipperary. Clare won the inaugural...
winners' medal at minor level. Kerry were later defeated in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final. The same year he won an All-Ireland Vocational Schools Championship with the Kerry Vocational Schools team following victory over Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
in the final.
Galvin's performances at minor level made him an automatic choice for the Kerry under-21 team in 1999. The provincial decider that year pitted Kerry against archrivals Cork. A close game developed, however, after the sixty minutes Kerry were the champions by 1–10 to 0–7. It was Galvin's only Munster
Munster Under-21 Football Championship
The Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
under-21 winners' medal. An All-Ireland final appearance followed for Galvin, with Westmeath
Westmeath GAA
The Westmeath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Westmeath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Westmeath...
providing the opposition. Kerry were the favourites going into the game, however, the Leinster minnows proved that they were no pushovers. A narrow 0–12 to 0–9 score line resulted in defeat for Galvin's side.
Galvin continued to play for the Kerry under-21 team for another two seasons, however, he enjoyed little further success.
Senior
Galvin joined the Kerry senior football team in the early 2000s, however, he had to wait for a number of years before establishing himself on the starting fifteen. In 2003All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2003
The 2003 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship was won by Tyrone in a landmark final that was the first All-Ireland final that was contested by two teams from the same province, Tyrone, and Armagh - both from Ulster....
he renewed his rivalry with Limerick when he came on as a substitute in the provincial decider. A 1–11 to 0–9 victory gave Galvin a first Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
winners’ medal in the senior grade. After an exciting game with Roscommon
Roscommon GAA
For more details of Roscommon GAA see Roscommon Senior Club Football Championship or Roscommon Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Roscommon County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Roscommon GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games...
, Kerry advanced to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
. After being shocked in the latter stages of the two previous championships, Kerry were out to atone and were favourites going into the match. The whole team struggled and Kerry looked like they were going to be left behind with the new "blanket defence" that was introduced by teams like Armagh and perfected by Tyrone. Many criticised this tactic as a means of stopping talented footballers like Ó Sé and Colm Cooper
Colm Cooper
Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Dr. Croke’s and has been a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team since 2002. Cooper is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation.-Club:Cooper helped Dr. Crokes win the 2000 Kerry...
from playing but few could deny its effectiveness. A humiliating 0–13 to 0–6 defeat saw Tyrone advance to the All-Ireland final while Kerry were unceremoniously dumped out of the championship.
2004
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2004
-Leinster Senior Football Championship:---------------------------------------------Ulster Senior Football Championship:-------------------------------------Connacht Senior Football Championship:----------------...
saw Galvin become an integral part of the Kerry team. The year began well with Kerry reaching the final of the National League. An exciting 3–11 to 1–6 victory saw Kerry claim the title and Galvin picked up a first National Football League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
winners’ medal. Kerry later booked their almost annual spot in the provincial final and, for the second year in succession, Limerick were the opponents. Surprisingly, that game ended in a 1–10 apiece draw. The replay was also a close-run affair; however, Kerry never really looked in danger of losing. A 3–10 to 2–9 victory gave Galvin a second Munster winners’ medal. The All-Ireland series proved no difficulty for Kerry, and ‘the Kingdom’ booked their place in the All-Ireland final against Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
. An early goal from Alan Dillon
Alan Dillon
Alan Dillon is a current Irish Gaelic Footballer. He plies his trade locally with Ballintubber GAA Club and is a member of the Mayo Senior Football Team since 2003. Club...
gave the Connacht men some hope, however, the game was effectively over after twenty-five minutes when Colm Cooper
Colm Cooper
Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Dr. Croke’s and has been a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team since 2002. Cooper is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation.-Club:Cooper helped Dr. Crokes win the 2000 Kerry...
scored Kerry’s only goal of the day. The points kept coming from Galvin's team and an injury-time Michael Conroy goal was nothing but a consolation for Mayo. A 1–20 to 2–9 victory gave Galvin a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
winners’ medal. Galvin was later presented with his first All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
, the 1000th award since the scheme began in 1971.
In 2005
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2005
-Leinster Senior Football Championship:-----------------------------------------Ulster Senior Football Championship:-------------------------------------------------Connacht Senior Football Championship:--------...
Kerry were hot favourites to retain their All-Ireland title. All was going to plan as Galvin's side reached yet another provincial final. In a return to tradition, Cork were the opponents. A close game developed, however, in the end Kerry were the narrow winners by 1–11 to 0–11. It was Galvin's third consecutive Munster winners’ medal. Following this win Kerry cruised through the All-Ireland series to reach another championship decider with Tyrone providing the opposition. In one of the great finals of the decade, the result remained in doubt until the final whistle. Dara Ó Cinnéide
Dara Ó Cinnéide
Dara Ó Cinnéide is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club An Ghaeltacht and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1995 until 2005. Ó Cinnéide captained Kerry to the All-Ireland title in 2004.-Biography:Dara Ó Cinnéide was born near Dingle,...
powered Kerry ahead with a goal after just six minutes. Tyrone responded in kind with a Peter Canavan
Peter Canavan
Peter Canavan is manager of Fermanagh and an Irish former Gaelic football player for Tyrone, and is one of the most decorated players in the game's history, winning two All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals, six GAA All Stars Awards , four provincial titles, and two National Leagues and...
goal just before half-time. Tomás Ó Sé
Tomás Ó Sé
Tomás Ó Sé is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club An Ghaeltacht and has been a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1998.-Club:...
launched the Kerry comeback in the 57th minute with Kerry’s second goal; however, it was too later. Tyrone hung on to win by 1–16 to 2–10. It was Galvin's first defeat in an All-Ireland final.
In 2006
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2006
The 2006 Bank of Ireland All-Ireland Senior Football Championship began on Sunday, May 7, 2006. The 2006 championship used the same "Qualifier" system that was used in 2005....
Kerry reached the final of the National League and played Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
. Galvin's side could only manage three points in the opening half, however, the introduction of Eoin Brosnan
Eoin Brosnan
Eoin Brosnan is an Irish Gaelic football player who plays at centre forward. He is a former member of the for Kerry senior county team and plays his club football for Dr. Crokes. He is particularly renowned for his goal-scoring ability...
transformed the team. At the end of the seventy minutes a 2–12 to 0–10 score line gave Kerry their 18th National League title and a second for Galvin. The league win was a false dawn as Kerry went out tamely to Cork in a replay of the Munster final. The team, however, bounced back against Longford
Longford GAA
The Longford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Longford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Longford...
to set up a meeting with Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
in the All-Ireland quarter-final. At half-time it looked as though the Ulser hoodoo would strike again but Kerry blitzed the men from the orchard county in the second half and won by a score of 3–15 to 1–13. The game was not without incident as Galvin was red-carded for an altercation with the Armagh water carrier. Kerry again beat Cork in the subsequent semi-final before lining out against Mayo in the All-Ireland final. An unbelievable opening first-half saw Kerry go 2–4 to no score ahead after just ten minutes, courtesy of goals by Declan O'Sullivan
Declan O'Sullivan
Declan O'Sullivan Declan O'Sullivan Declan O'Sullivan (born 1983 in Cahersiveen, County Kerry is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Dromid Pearses, his divisional side South Kerry and has been a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team since 2003...
and Kieran Donaghy
Kieran Donaghy
Kieran Donaghy is an Irish Gaelic footballer who plays for Kerry. Donaghy has won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals, two Munster Championships and a National League title with the county. He has also been awarded two All Stars.He plays his club football for Austin Stacks in...
. Colm Cooper slotted a third Kerry goal, however, Mayo settled and reduced the deficit to 3–8 to 3–2 at half-time. The second thirty-five minutes saw Kerry run riot while the westerners could only muster three points. A final score of 4–15 to 3–5 gave Kerry another All-Ireland title and gave Galvin a second All-Ireland winners' medal. Galvin finished off the year with a second All-Star award.
2007
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2007
The 2007 Bank of Ireland All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, was a Gaelic football competition in Ireland, and was the most significant and prestigious competition in the sport held that year. It began on 13 May 2007, with the final game took place for Sunday, 16 September. Kerry were the...
saw Kerry face Cork in the provincial decider once again. A close game developed, however, at the full-time whsitle Kerry were the champions by 1–15 to 1–13. It was Ó Galvin's fourth Munster winners' medal. Kerry then had the narrowest of victories in their All-Ireland quarter-final against Monaghan
Monaghan GAA
The Monaghan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Monaghan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Monaghan and the Monaghan inter-county football and hurling teams. Separate county boards are responsible for the...
, setting up a glamour All-Ireland semi-final tie with Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
. Kerry saw off a great Dublin comeback in the second-half to win by two points. The subsequent All-Ireland final was an historic occasion as Kerry faced Cork in the very first all-Munster championship decider. While the first-half was played on an even keel, 'the Kingdom' ran riot in the second-half and a rout ensued. Cork goalkeeper Alan Quirke
Alan Quirke
Alan Quirke is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Valley Rovers and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 1999.-Club:...
came in for much criticism after conceding some easy goals. At the full-time whistle Cork were trounced by 3–13 to 1–9. It was a third All-Ireland medal for Galvin and the first completion of back-to-back All-Ireland titles since Cork in 1989 and 1990.
In 2008
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2008
The 2008 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship was that year's Gaelic football championship, having kicked off on May 11 and ended with the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on September 21...
Galvin was appointed captain of the Kerry team. It was a great honour, . What should have been a dream season for the Finuge man, particularly since Kerry were attempting to capture a first three-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles since 1986, 'the Kingdom's' championship opener against Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
was a dark moment for Galvin. The game was a largely low-key affair except for one controversial incident between referee Paddy Russell
Paddy Russell
Patricia "Paddy" Russell is a British television director.She directed several television programmes between 1962 and 1981 and her work includes Out of the Unknown , Late Night Horror , Pere Goriot , Little Women , The Moonstone and The Omega Factor .Before becoming a director herself, during the...
and Galvin. Russell was attempting to book the team captain when he slapped the notebook out of Russell's hand. Galvin then remonstrated with the linesman who had recommended his second yellow card. The incident has been described as due to the "frustration" he felt at being booked "for highlighting to the linesman the blatant and protracted pulling and dragging he was subjected to off the ball by his Clare marker". Galvin received a six-month suspension, however, this was later reduced to twelve weeks. It looked at this stage that Galvin's dream season was in tatters. Kerry drove on without him and reached the All-Ireland final for a fifth successive year. Conveniently, Galvin's suspension ended on the day of the championship decider against Tyrone. While he did not start the game he came on as a substitute. An exciting game developed, one that was more competitive than the routs that had taken place at the same stage of the championship over the previous two years. The sides were level seven times before Colm Cooper nudged Kerry 0–8 to 0–7 ahead before the interval. Tyrone simply wore Kerry into the ground in the second-half as a priceless goal from Tommy McGuigan
Tommy McGuigan
Tommy McGuigan is a Tyrone Gaelic footballer, who made his Ulster Championship debut on May 20, 2007, against Fermanagh.-Personal life:His older brother is three-time All-Ireland-winning Tyrone star, Brian McGuigan, and his father Frank is considered one of the legends of Tyrone football...
and a string of late points inspired Tyrone to their third All-Ireland title of the decade.
2009
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2009
The 2009 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is the inter-county Gaelic football tournament played between 31 counties of Ireland, London and New York. The draw for the 2009 championship took place on October 9, 2008. The tournament kicked off on May 10, 2009...
saw Galvin return to the half-forward line for Kerry's opening Munster semi-final meeting with Cork. That game ended in a draw, however, Kerry were well beaten in the replay. 'The Kingdom' were subsequently banished to the qualifiers where they had some unimpressive wins over Longford
Longford GAA
The Longford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Longford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Longford...
, Sligo
Sligo GAA
The Sligo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Sligo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Sligo...
and Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
. Galvin and his squad later lined out in the All-Ireland quarter-final and thrashed Dublin before overcoming Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
in a disappointing semi-final. For the second year in-a-row Kerry faced Cork in the All-Ireland final
2009 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final
The 2009 All-Ireland Football Final was the 122nd All-Ireland Final and the last football match of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2009 played between Cork and Kerry on 20 September 2009 in Croke Park, Dublin. Kerry won by a score of 0-16 to 1-09. It was their 36th All-Ireland SFC...
. Surprisingly, the men from 'the Kingdom' went into the game as slight underdogs. This tag appeared to be justified when Galvin's side trailed by 1–3 to 0–1 early in the opening half. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan while Cork recorded fourteen wides, and at the final whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0–16 to 1–9. It was Galvin's fourth All-Ireland medal. He subsequently won an All-Star and the Footballer of the Year award.
In June 2010, Galvin was given an eight-week ban after the 2010 Munster Senior Football Championship
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2010
-Leinster Senior Football Championship:---------------------------------------------Connacht Senior Football Championship:-----------------------------Ulster Senior Football Championship:------------------------...
semi-final replay win over Cork.
The GAA
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
's Central Competitions Control Committee proposed the suspension after reviewing video evidence of Galvin putting his finger into Eoin Cadogan
Eoin Cadogan
Eoin Cadogan is an Irish sportsperson. he plays Gaelic football and hurling with his local club Douglas. He has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2007 and the Cork senior hurling team since 2008.-Club:Cadogan plays hurling and football with his local club in Douglas and has...
's mouth.
College
Galvin played with UCCUCC GAA
UCC is a football and hurling club associated with University College Cork. UCC teams play in the Cork Senior Football Championship and Cork Senior Hurling Championship as well as the two main third-level competitions namely the Sigerson Cup in football and the Fitzgibbon Cup in hurling...
with whom he won Cork Senior Football Championship and Munster Senior Club Football Championship
Munster Senior Club Football Championship
The Munster Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football tournament played between the hundreds of senior football clubs in Munster. The winners will represent Munster in the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship. East Kerry were the first winners of the Munster senior...
medals in 1999. He also played in the Sigerson Cup
Sigerson Cup
The Sigerson Cup is the top division of Higher Education Gaelic football in Ireland, It is administrated by the Higher Education committee which is part of the Gaelic Athletic Association...
.
International Rules
Galvin has represented IrelandIreland international rules football team
The Ireland International rules football team is the representative team for Ireland in international rules football, a compromise between Gaelic football and Australian rules football...
in the International Rules Series
International Rules Series
The International Rules Series is a senior men's International rules football competition between the Australia international rules football team and the Ireland international rules football team...
.
School
Galvin won an All-Ireland Vocational Schools ChampionshipAll-Ireland Vocational Schools Championship
The All-Ireland Vocational Schools Championship is a Gaelic Athletic Association football and hurling competition. There are two levels of competition. Individual schools compete for county, provincial and All-Ireland competitions...
with the Kerry Vocational Schools team in 1997.
Soccer
Galvin has in the past trained with Cork City and Sunderland A.F.C.Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
.
Personal life
Galvin was a secondary school teacher of GeographyGeography
Geography is the science that studies the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth". The first person to use the word "geography" was Eratosthenes...
and Gaeilge
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
in Coláiste Chríost Rí, Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
and St. Brendan's College, Killarney
Killarney
Killarney is a town in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland. The town is located north of the MacGillicuddy Reeks, on the northeastern shore of the Lough Lein/Leane which are part of Killarney National Park. The town and its surrounding region are home to St...
. He coached the senior school team to the All-Ireland in 2009.
Galvin holds a great interest in fashion. He attends fashion shows all over the world and enjoys spending time in New York. He also owns over 70 pairs of shoes. While on The Late Late Show
The Late Late Show
The Late Late Show, sometimes referred to as The Late Late, or in some cases by the acronym LLS, is the world's longest-running chat show by the same broadcaster and the official flagship television programme of Irish broadcasting company RTÉ...
, he mentioned how he plans to change careers by taking a fashion buying course in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. He is also thinking about taking up a fashion course in Dublin Institute of Technology
Dublin Institute of Technology
Dublin Institute of Technology was established officially in 1992 under the but had been previously set up in 1978 on an ad-hoc basis. The institution can trace its origins back to 1887 with the establishment of various technical institutions in Dublin, Ireland...
.
Controversy
In October 2011, Galvin allegedly assaulted the impressionist Oliver CallanOliver Callan
Oliver Callan is an Irish vocal and performance satirist and impressionist known for featuring on Nob Nation, Green Tea and The Saturday Night Show. He rose to fame during the 2000s when his daily Nob Nation slots aired on RTÉ Radio...
and his producer James McDonald late at night in Kehoe's Pub, Central Dublin. Among witnesses to the alleged incident were a Government Minister, a TD
Teachta Dála
A Teachta Dála , usually abbreviated as TD in English, is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas . It is the equivalent of terms such as "Member of Parliament" or "deputy" used in other states. The official translation of the term is "Deputy to the Dáil", though a more literal...
, a senator and several journalists. One witness alleged Galvin called Callan a "fucking cunt". Callan later described how Galvin approached him with "his eyes bulging" and looking "crazy". The incident was investigated by the Garda Síochána
Garda Síochána
, more commonly referred to as the Gardaí , is the police force of Ireland. The service is headed by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Irish Government. Its headquarters are located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.- Terminology :...
. The media speculated on the reason behind the alleged incident, reporting that Callan had recently mimicked Galvin asking Taoiseach Enda Kenny to man-up by giving him a body-wax on Green Tea and that Galvin had texted Callan before an appearance on The Saturday Night Show
The Saturday Night Show
The Saturday Night Show is an Irish chat show hosted by Brendan O'Connor that has been broadcast on RTÉ One since 2010. The show features guest interviews, audience participation and live music...
in relation to "gay jibes" the satirist had directed at him. It was eventually revealed that Galvin had complained (or not complained at all) to RTÉ after what he described as "the most excruciating night of my life" at home on his sofa between his parents in Kerry watching The Saturday Night Show when Callan referred to Galvin's "years spent in the closet".