Galway manager Padráic Joyce has called out some “questionable decisions” following his side’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Dublin.

The game swung on two second-half penalty incidents, Dublin awarded one by David Gough for a cynical foul outside the area – with Liam Silke black carded – to draw them level in the 61st minute, while John Maher was denied one minutes later at the other end after being tackled by Ciarán Kilkenny.

“We’re obviously hugely disappointed we didn’t see the game out,” Joyce, who felt they had cover for the Dublin penalty decision, told RTÉ Sport.

“We were six points up with 15 minutes on the clock and we let Dublin back in the game.

“A few questionable decisions there at the end, we have to call them out, there’s no point saying otherwise.

Galway manager Padráic Joyce has called out some “questionable decisions” following his side’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Dublin pic.twitter.com/j4yaqeaEeb

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“Shane’s (Walsh) running through and he gets pulled back around the neck down to the ground. We then get an advantage, a high ball into the square and John Maher, he’s clearly pulled to the ground for a penalty and we’re taken back for the free-kick.

“I don’t get it, I don’t understand it – I’ll look at the tape properly and see.”

The Tribe boss paid credit to his squad for how they performed given how difficult a week it was following the death of two-time All-Ireland winner Paul Clancy on Tuesday.

The Maigh Cuilinn man’s no. 10 jersey wasn’t worn by a Galway player, with the side also paying tribute pre-match.

“Initial thoughts, very proud of the lads,” Joyce continued.

“A tough, tough week in Galway and our commiserations to the Clancy family, Johanna and the kids.

28 June 2026; The Galway number 10 jersey is laid out in honour of former Galway footballer Paul Clancy, who died during the week, ahead of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship quarter-final match between Dublin and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
Paul Clancy’s no. 10 jersey is laid on the Croke Park pitch pre-match

“We were all at that funeral, and there’s more to life, but while we’re playing football, football is our life and we gave it everything.

“Hats off to Ger Brennan and the lads, he’s had a tough year as well and they produced a great performance for him.

“The Dublin supporters were very gracious at the end and they gave us a good applause for Paul, which was great.”