Padden heading for Armagh

MAN IN ORANGE How Billy Joe Padden might look in an Armagh jersey.

Padden heading for Armagh


Daniel Carey

BILLY Joe Padden could find himself lining out against former Mayo colleagues when Armagh come to Castlebar in March.
Padden’s transfer from Belmullet to Armagh club Carrickcruppen was confirmed yesterday (Monday).The 28-year-old has already been training with the Orchard County, and could be added to Paddy O’Rourke’s squad ahead of the National Football League next month. Armagh are due to visit McHale Park on March 13 for the fourth round of the National Football League Division 1 campaign.
“We’re very disappointed that he has to leave, but we understand [that] his commitments to his work and his family have to take precedence,” Belmullet GAA Club chairman John Gallagher told The Mayo News.
Gallagher hailed the “tremendous service” given to Belmullet and Mayo by Padden, the son of Mayo legend Willie Joe, who works in Naas as a town planner and lives in Newry.
“Even though he was living on the east coast of the island and living in the north the last couple of years, he still managed to come down to all our league games and challenge matches, and even some of our training sessions,” said the chairman. “It’s a major journey to come down from Newry to play a game, and to leave Belmullet on a Sunday evening, and to face back up the N4 and then up the M1. It’s tremendous commitment.”
Padden won three Connacht titles during a Mayo career in which he was ‘capped’ 70 times. He made his debut in the National League victory over Clare in February 2001, and came on as a sub in both of Mayo’s championship defeats last year. A versatile footballer, he played in every outfield line for the county, lining out at full-back, centre back, midfield, all across the half-forward line, and at full-forward.
John Gallagher paid tribute to Padden for all his efforts, and noted that he had helped Belmullet win the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta, which they hosted last year. His brother David was captain of the team, while his mother Geraldine (“a staunch club member” who “did tremendous work in promoting the club”) helped sort accommodation for many visiting players.
He has family links with his new club Carrickcruppen St Patrick’s (who are based in Camlough, Newry), and won a Sigerson All-Star during his time at Queen’s University, Belfast in 2004.