As hundreds of young players prepare to descend on şÚÁĎÉç’s campus for this year’s Gaynor Cup, UL student, sports scholar, and Galway United FC midfielder Kate Thompson understands just how much the tournament means to them.
Former Ireland U19 Captain in 2024 and now representing her country at U19 level while playing in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division, Kate has never forgotten her roots, many of which were planted in her youth at UL.
“Taking part in the Gaynor Cup was one of the highlights of my underage career. After watching my brothers play in the Kennedy Cup at UL, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” explained Kate, who is in her first year of International Business at UL.
“The facilities and atmosphere at the tournament were surreal. UL was the first place I’d ever been with that kind of setup; the facilities, the atmosphere, the buzz. It felt like something big.”
The Gaynor Cup is Ireland’s premier interleague tournament for U14 girls football, organised by the Schoolboys/Girls Football Association of Ireland (SFAI).
It was born out of a need to provide a Kennedy Cup equivalent for girls, a dedicated tournament that would give young female players the same opportunity for development and talent recognition.
Hosted annually at UL, it brings together teams from across the country for a week of competition, development and opportunity.
Structured with group stages and a series of finals, including the Cup, Plate, Bowl, Shield, and Trophy, the tournament showcases emerging female football talent and has become a recognised pathway to playing professionally.
UL has been proud to host the Gaynor Cup since its inception in 2013, offering elite facilities and a welcoming environment for the next generation of Irish stars.
Kate remembers her first Gaynor Cup final well, captaining Galway in a narrow loss to a strong MGL side, facing future Ireland teammates like Joy Ralph and Abbie Larkin.
“We got a glimpse of the buzz around the tournament and the high level of competition that took place. I played against future Ireland teammates such as Joy Ralph and Abbie Larkin in the final, a real sign of how many stars the Gaynor Cup helps shape.
“The U14 Gaynor Cup was an incredible step up and an even better experience, with tougher competition and a higher standard. I still remember the feeling of being involved in something important and getting a glimpse of playing at a high level.”
For Kate, the tournament wasn’t just about playing, it was about the opportunities tied to it.
“I still remember the feeling of being involved in something important. It was our first proper exposure to seeing scouts around the place, and it felt like the journey to playing professionally in the future began there. It was huge for my development, and playing in a proper tournament environment taught me how to handle pressure and allowed me to learn more about soccer than I ever have.
“Looking back, it was a key moment, not just for me, but for girls across Ireland, offering a real pathway to play at a high level and to represent our country.”
Growing up in Galway, Kate’s love for football started early.
“Soccer has always been a massive part of my life. I’ve two older brothers who were sports mad, so as the typical younger sister I followed in their footsteps. I always had a ball at my feet from around four or five.”
She joined the local Knocknacarra FC boys team before moving to Salthill Devon FC and later Galway Women’s FC.
In January 2023, she signed with Galway United FC and helped them retain the Avenir All-Island Cup in 2024.
Now in her first year at UL, Kate is also a UL sports scholar, balancing life as a high-performance athlete with academic study.
“What’s crazy is that my cousin and I, who were teammates and housemates at the Gaynor Cup, now live together across the road from the campus accommodation we stayed in back then. It shows how the experience of the tournament stays with you and how we felt, just like all athletes in UL, that we could grow and develop in the special environment created by the university.”
Kate’s journey is one of many shaped by the Gaynor Cup and supported by UL.
Other current soccer sports scholars at UL include Hearts Women FC player and Ireland U19 international Jenna Slattery, who played in the 2017 Gaynor Cup representing Limerick County & District League; Ireland midfielder Ellen Molloy; Galway United full-back Aoibheann Costello; and Peamount United’s dual-coder Dearbhaile Beirne.
For Kate, the Gaynor Cup is about more than competition, it’s about creating new opportunities, fun, connection, and the start of something special.
“Enjoy every minute of it. Yes, it’s a chance to compete and showcase your talent but it’s also a chance to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. This tournament might just be the beginning of an incredible and exciting journey in soccer. And above all have fun, that’s why we all started playing in the first place.”
As UL prepares to welcome the next wave of young players, Kate’s journey highlights the impact a tournament like the Gaynor Cup can have.
It’s a springboard and for many, like Kate, it’s where a career in football begins.