'It’s nuts really': Breakout year just keeps getting better for Galway's Matthew Thompson

Thompson scored two points as Salthill-Knocknacarra defeated Corofin to reach the Galway SFC final against Moycullen. 

In his debut season for the Galway seniors, Matthew Thompson has been nominated for Young Footballer of the Year. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

A whirlwind. In 2025, Matthew Thompson made his Galway senior debut, emerged as their main playmaker, was nominated for Young Footballer of the Year and helped his club to a county final.

The Salthill-Knocknacarra prospect scored two points in last Saturday’s semi-final victory over defending champions Corofin. Not that he was content with it, though.

When we ask if he is interested in conducting an interview post-match, he initially wonders whether we should ask someone “who actually played well.” The fact remains: Thompson has had a sensational season. He was Galway’s leading assister in the championship. A talented underage soccer player, he graduated to the Salthill panel three years ago under John O’Mahony. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength.

“That was tough,” he said post-match. “They came back very strong in the second half.

“We knew we had to go at them early. We couldn’t do what we did last year and sit off them. It is not often you beat Corofin, it is nice to get it done this year.” 

Corofin were comprehensive victors when they met last year, but a rapid start saw Salthill burst into a 13-point half-time lead. There was late drama as a comeback fell just short.

“It is class. It has just been such a good year, such a good championship. It has been building. We knew we had to win today. It will be even tougher in two weeks’ time.” 

Thompson is one of six Galway seniors in their club team. Daniel O’Flaherty, Robert Finnerty, John Maher and Cathal Sweeney all started last Saturday. Tomo Culhane came on for the second half.

In the next month, he will compete in the Galway SFC before going up against Armagh’s Oisín Conaty and Finnbarr Roarty of Donegal for YFOTY.

“Crazy. I wasn’t expecting this kind of year at all. It is nuts really. I am trying to take it game by game. This is tough. I find club is no easier than intercounty. You are still getting tagged; it can be tough going. But this is class.” 

Thompson came off the bench in 2022 when these sides met in the decider. Moycullen edged them out by a single point. This time, he is hoping the ending will be kinder.

“I came on in the last ten minutes, actually. I didn’t do much now. It wasn’t great. I missed a shot and that was it. Look, Moycullen are a class team. Any team at this stage is hard bet. We’ve loads to do, but it is good to be there.”