Who dares to speak of '98?

GALWAY'S stock may have shot through the roof after a dismal opening to their league campaign, but Michael Meehan believes Sunday's NFL final against Kerry in Limerick will produce a far more accurate appraisal of their All-Ireland hopes.

Since last capturing the Sam Maguire in 2001, the county have stockpiled nine Connacht crowns between the minor, U21 and senior grades. Only once in that time have they gone on to win the national title.

That's a poor return for a county of such pedigree, as is the fact that the last of their four league titles was secured 25 years ago.