Triple blow for Galway: Thompson puts education first as Heaney and Culhane opt out

It has still not been confirmed that Peter Cooke will be part of the Galway football panel for the upcoming season

Galway footballer Matthew Thompson will fly to the US next week as part of his Global Commerce studies. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Galway will be without Young Footballer of the Year nominee Matthew Thompson for the National League and Connacht championship, with the University of Galway student due to fly to America next week for his studies.

It is a big blow for Pádraic Joyce’s side. Thompson was nominated for an All-Star last year after enjoying a remarkable breakout campaign.