Keith Scally has been named captain of New York ahead of this weekend's Mick Higgins Memorial Series against Cavan.
The Westmeath native, who is now in his third year on the New York panel, said he was honoured to be handed the role by manager Ian Galvin.
"I was absolutely delighted when I found out," Scally said.
"The team is full of leaders and experienced footballers and any of them would have been a worthy choice so that made it even more of a privilege that I was given the nod.
"They are a great bunch of lads to be involved with. The attitude is even better than last and everyone has bought into what we're doing and what we're trying to achieve."
With Galway set to visit New York for the first round of the Connacht championship on Sunday 3 May, Scally is all too aware of the challenge his team faces, but insisted that the determination in the New York panel has been inspired both by management and by the players themselves.
"We've definitely seen a lot more footballing talent coming over from Ireland. There is a very high standard in the town and a lot of fellas have real pride in the county.
"There are a lot of proud footballers in there and there has definitely been a shift in attitude. It's also got even more professional from a management point of view so we have a good combination."
Manager Galvin said: "Picking the captain was a tough task as there ware at least a half dozen lads who could have got it. It bodes well for us as I feel they will all be captains in their own right on the field.
"When we settled on Keith we knew we were getting someone very well respected within the panel and he is fully deserving of the accolade for his commitment and leadership."
