Dual star Thompson set for Armagh challenge

Salthill-Knocknacarra clubwoman balances football and soccer

By Daire Walsh

Following the disappointment of falling short at the same stage 12 months ago, Kate Thompson is optimistic Galway can go a step further in this year’s TG4 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-finals.

In what was her debut season as an adult inter-county player, Thompson appeared as a substitute when Galway took on Dublin in the last four of the Brendan Martin Cup at Glenisk O’Connor Park in July last year.

Leading by a single point with time almost up, the Tribeswomen were subsequently pegged back when Hannah Tyrrell knocked over a late free and the Jackies ultimately claimed victory after extra-time on a final score of 3-14 to 2-14.

Galway had to watch on as Dublin proceeded to claim their seventh TG4 All-Ireland SFC crown against Meath in Croke Park, but the westerners once again find themselves on the brink of a decider appearance. After recording convincing wins against Meath, Tyrone and Mayo in recent weeks, Daniel Moynihan’s side will now embark on a semi-final clash with Armagh at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford later on today (throw-in 3.15pm).

“It was a really, really tough loss last year. That was my first year on the panel and you really see how tight the margins are at this stage of the year. How much it means to all the girls when we get to this stage. Definitely I think we have a lot to prove from last year,” Thompson acknowledged.

“I think we were really, really unlucky to not make it to the final last year, but at the end of the day it was up to us to get the job done. So we really are looking forward now to the weekend to prove to ourselves and everyone that we're able to go all the way this year now. Just prove that we're well able to put up a battle now and show that we're in it here.”

A tough challenge awaits Galway this afternoon, however, with Armagh having carved a strong path of their own to the penultimate phase of the All-Ireland senior championship.

While it is a long while since the two sides met in a summertime fixture, Galway did welcome Armagh to Duggan Park in Ballinasloe for a fourth round clash in Division 1 of the Lidl National Football League on February 21. On that occasion, a brace of goals from Leanne Coen and a solitary effort by Andrea Trill propelled the Tribeswomen towards a 3-11 to 0-15 triumph.

“In the league it was a really tough battle. It was a cold day down in Ballinasloe, so it'll be different now next weekend with the sun shining. They've really great quality, so we know it'll be really tough on the day, but we've been trying to keep to the basics and keep things ticking over the last week or so,” Thompson said.

“Armagh are similar to us, they have a lot of depth in their squad and they have a lot of different ways of attacking and defending. So it'll be a really tough battle, but we feel we're up for it and hopefully we can get something out of the game.”

Although it was a big moment for her, Thompson wasn’t the only member of her family to make strides in the maroon jersey during 2025. At the same time that Kate was making a breakthrough with Galway, her brother Matthew was doing likewise with the men’s footballers.

A series of impressive championship displays – he finished with a personal tally of 1-14 in eight games – saw the latter Thompson earning a nomination for PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year. A combination of being over in Berkeley, California as part of a study abroad programme with the University of Galway and a recent injury meant Matthew didn’t see national league or championship action in 2026, but his sister is confident he will be back in the saddle before too long.

“As much as we give each other stick about doing certain things or doing other things with the football, it is brilliant having someone in the family going through the same things. Coming home late from training or missing out on things because we've matches at the weekend or stuff like that.

“So it is lovely having a brother who's involved and going through kind of the same emotions of league and championship and everything like that. He had a great year last year. Hopefully once he gets over this injury, he can be back doing what he did.”

While she is also a college student, Thompson has more than just studies and Gaelic football to keep herself occupied. Originally a member of the Galway WFC squad in the Women’s Premier Division, she has played soccer with Galway United since they took the place of the former on the domestic front and won back-to-back All-Island Cup crowns with the latter in 2023 and 2024.

Additionally, Thompson has also earned international recognition by lining out with the Republic of Ireland at U16, U17 and U19 level. She even captained the U19s at the European Championships in Lithuania in July 2024 and was named Women’s International Player of the Year for the same age group four months later.

Despite now being a senior inter-county footballer, Thompson continues to balance soccer and Gaelic football with her most recent outing for Galway United coming last Sunday. It can be difficult to juggle both sports, but she is more than happy to do so for now.

“The last year now I've managed both at senior level, so it has been tough. I've been so lucky with the management and the girls on both sides. They've been so accommodating with me. Everyone's been so good to me, letting me manage both,” Thompson added.

“I'm not sure how many more years I can do it now, but I said when I was young, I may as well give it a go. I really enjoy doing both. For the most part, it has worked really well. There is the odd clash here and there, but I love playing them both.”