Galwey was a key figure in Shannon R.F.C.'s side during their four in a row winning streak of All- Ireland League titles in the late 1990s. Throughout his career Galwey proved to be a leader who could inspire and motivate players around him to punch above their collective weights.[citation needed] Galwey instilled a "don't panic" and professional attitude in his Shannon team which later would become the hallmarks of Munster Rugby during his tenancy as captain.
Galwey is seen as a legend of the sport in his native Munster, particularly in Limerick.
Galwey's involvement in the Irish national squad was more of a mixed bag. Making his debut in 1991 against France, Galwey's 11-year international career was rarely without controversy. Owing to the selection decisions of various national coaches and selectors, Galwey became the most dropped player in international history.[citation needed] He fought his way back onto the Irish squad, becoming the team's captain ten years after he made his debut. In the 1993 Five Nations Championship match against England, Galwey rounded off a fine display in the 17–3 defeat by scoring the only try of the game. His efforts were rewarded later that year when he was selected for the Lions tour to New Zealand.
Before becoming a rugby player Galway played Gaelic football with Kerry. His first success at intercounty level came in 1986 when he was part of the Kerry team that won that year's All Ireland, Galway played in the semi-final win over Meath. The following year he won a Munster Under 21 Championship medal and later played in the All Ireland final but his side lost out to Donegal. In 1989 he played his second and last championship game with Kerry in the Munster Championship first round win over Limerick a game that he also captained the side in.
At club level he played with his local Currow club. The club has produced 3 other senior Irish Rugby Internationals Moss Keane, Mick Doyle and Tommy Doyle, an All Ireland Minor winner in 1962, along with an U-20 Irish Rugby International, JJ Hanrahan. He played a key part in helping Currow win their first Kerry Junior Football Championship in 1988 when they beat Rathmore in the final.
