Conroy wins it for Tribe

In terms of development for the championship, this was as big a step forward for Galway as it was backwards for Meath.

Games in the middle of a league campaign rarely have so much hanging on them, but this clash at Pearse Stadium yesterday clearly did.

That was particularly obvious during the closing minutes when both sides battled for a winner after a disputed goal from Joe Sheridan, soon to leave these shores in search of work, tied the game.