A sublime second-half performance by Padraig Joyce in the All-Ireland football final against Meath in September was one of the key elements in Galway's victory, which helped to erase the bitter disappointment of losing to Kerry in the 2000 final replay.

After a remarkable All-Ireland campaign, which included a Connacht semi-final defeat by Roscommon, Galway travelled to Croke Park for the final hoping that flashes of brilliance shown in victories over Armagh and Derry could be sustained for 70 minutes. In a remarkable individual display Joyce kicked 10 points, half of them from play to help demolish Meath by 0-17 to 0-8.

The Killererin club player finished the championship as top scorer, averaging nearly seven points a game. In November, he was honoured with his third All Star award.