Kate Thompson and Galway ready to rise again after semi-final heartbreak
Twelve months ago, Kate Thompson watched from the sideline as Galway's senior ladies footballers fell just short in the TG4 All-Ireland semi-final. Now, with a year of experience under her belt, the young Tribeswoman is determined to help her county go all the way.
In her debut season as an adult inter-county player, Thompson came on as a substitute in that 2025 semi-final against Dublin at Glenisk O'Connor Park. Galway led by a point with time almost gone, only for Hannah Tyrrell to knock over a late free. Dublin won after extra time, 3-14 to 2-14, and went on to claim their seventh All-Ireland crown against Meath.
But the Westerners are back. After convincing wins against Meath, Tyrone and Mayo in recent weeks, Daniel Moynihan's side face Armagh in the semi-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford this afternoon (throw-in 3.15pm).
What does the defeat from last year mean for Galway now?
It was a really, really tough loss last year, Thompson acknowledged. 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.
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.
How do Galway and Armagh match up?
Armagh have carved a strong path of their own to the semi-finals. The two sides last met in a league clash on 21 February at Duggan Park in Ballinasloe. On that day, goals from Leanne Coen (two) and Andrea Trill helped Galway to a 3-11 to 0-15 win.
In the league it was a really tough battle, Thompson said. 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.
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.
What is the family connection for the Thompsons?
Kate wasn't the only Thompson making strides in the maroon jersey in 2025. Her brother Matthew broke through with the Galway men's footballers, finishing with 1-14 in eight championship games and earning a nomination for PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year. A study abroad programme in Berkeley, California and a recent injury kept him out of action in 2026, but his sister is confident he will return.
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, she said. 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.
How does Thompson balance Gaelic football and soccer?
Thompson is also a key player for Galway United in the Women's Premier Division, having won back-to-back All-Island Cup crowns in 2023 and 2024. She has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-16, U17 and U19 level, captaining the U19s at the European Championships in Lithuania in July 2024 and being named Women's International Player of the Year for that age group four months later.
The last year now I've managed both at senior level, so it has been tough, she said. 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. 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.
Galway face Armagh in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford at 3.15pm.