Galway march into the FBD final on the back of Thompson’s standout displays
Galway moved a step closer to defending their FBD League title with a commanding win over Leitrim in Tuam. California-bound Matthew Thompson was the star of the show, delivering a breathtaking performance that included 2-06 to help Galway take an 11-point victory and book their place in next week’s decider.
Thompson’s impact: a performance to remember
As the game opened, it was clear that Thompson was in ruthless form. His movement off the ball and dead-ball accuracy gave Galway a vital edge, while his goals came at pivotal moments to stretch the lead. The dual threat he posed—creativity in open play and precision when shooting from distance—kept Leitrim’s defense permanently under pressure and set the tone for Galway’s drive to secure a final spot.
What this means for Galway
With a strong showing from Thompson and the supporting cast stepping up, Galway demonstrated the depth that manager leadership has been cultivating over the season. Reaching the FBD final provides a confidence boost and an important platform heading into the next stage of preparations. The result also casts Thompson in the national spotlight as a 2025 Young Footballer of the Year nominee, amplifying anticipation about how his university-bound journey might intersect with inter-county commitments in the months ahead.
Injury note and forward plans
The clash also highlighted the challenges of a packed schedule. It was announced that Thompson will be unavailable for the entire upcoming period due to his commitments stateside, creating a temporary reshuffle for Galway’s forwards. His absence will test the squad’s versatility, but it will also offer younger players a chance to step up in high-stakes fixtures.
Leitrim’s fight and where Galway goes from here
Leitrim pushed Galway hard in parts, showing intent and resilience that could bode well for their return in league and championship campaigns. For Galway, the next target is clear: capitalise on the momentum and secure silverware in the FBD final while also managing the squad through Thompson’s absence.
What fans can expect next
With the FBD decider on the horizon, supporters will be keen to see how Galway adapt without their leading scorer in the short term and how Thompson’s eventual return will be integrated into a squad that has demonstrated potential throughout the league. Expect Galway to lean on a blend of experienced performers and emerging talents as they chase silverware and push for form ahead of the season’s main competitions.
