Galway's first Connacht Championship win over Mayo since 2008 was the highlight of an action packed weekend.

Midfielder Paul Conroy, who was in his first year at senior inter-county level back then, starred for Galway at Elverys MacHale Park.

Conroy kicked two important points for Galway, who now face Roscommon in a fascinating provincial decider next month.

In Round 1A of the All Ireland Football qualifiers Brendan Murphy and Ronan Kennedy occupied crucial roles in Carlow and Leitrim's wins.

Football Player of the Week nominations

Paul Conroy - Galway

Back in 2007 Paul Conroy captained Galway to All Ireland minor glory.  A year later Conroy won a Connacht SFC title, but the intervening years have been stuffed with painful defeats.

That is why Conroy's performance on Saturday against Mayo mattered so much.

Conroy won a string of kickouts in the opening half and landed two immaculate points after the restart.

Making 31 plays Conroy showed why he is so relevant to the Galway cause.

Brendan Murphy - Carlow

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Carlow had been spirited when losing to Louth in the Leinster SFC, and Turlough O'Brien's gutsy team delivered a win against Wicklow at Netwatch Cullen Park.

Brendan Murphy was immense for Carlow, producing a fine midfield display, scoring 1-4 during the contest.

A first minute goal from the experienced Murphy, who subsequently received a black card late on, set the agenda and Carlow carved out a splendid success.

Ronan Kennedy - Leitrim

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Leitrim's poor record in the All Ireland football qualifiers is always discussed so that is why Sunday's win over Waterford was greeted with such jubilance.

Ronan Kennedy was prominent for Leitrim registering seven points, including four in the first half.

Those early scores edged Leitrim 0-7 to 0-2 ahead at the interval and though Waterford responded Shane Ward's team held out.