Geraghty delighted after winning comeback

Just over three weeks after his training ground bust-up with a fellow panellist, Graham Geraghty made an inspiring comeback for Meath this afternoon as he helped them beat Galway 2-14 to 1-14 in their All-Ireland third round qualifier clash.

The former All-Ireland winning captain kicked a point in Portlaoise after being sprung from the bench. Mobbed by Meath supporters after the final whistle, it was truly a case of the return of the prodigal son.

Delighted that the Royals fans had placed their fate in him, Geraghty said afterwards: "We have always had great craic with them (the fans) over the years and fair play to them for coming down and they gave us great support today.

"It means a lot to me. We have been back for the last couple of weeks (in the qualifiers) and I'm just glad to be able to repay them in some way. It's always great to get out there. They have supported me over the last few weeks and I really appreciate it."

Geraghty, who was welcomed back to the Meath fold earlier this week, was making his first appearance for Colm Coyle's side since being dropped for the panel for striking team-mate Stephen Sheppard during an internal training match.

The reinstated 34-year-old revealed that the past few weeks put a lot of pressure on him but that he was a stronger player as a result.

"A lot of the media tried to get in contact with me but I didn't want to get involved in it. I'm just glad to be back playing now," he admitted.

Geraghty praised the character of the Meath side after they overcame the losses of key defenders Eoin Harrington and Seamus Kenny who were both forced off through injury during the first half.

"We are improving the whole time and I suppose the two lads that went off today are out for the rest of the season probably, and they are huge losses - a half-back and a corner-back.

"The lads did well when they came in as substitutes and I suppose we have to rebuild and refocus for the next day."