As hundreds of young players descend on University of Limerick’s campus this week for this year’s Gaynor Cup, Galway United midfielder and UL student and sports scholar, Kate Thompson, understands just how much the tournament means to them.

Thompson, who has been capped at underage level for the Republic of Ireland, captaining the U-19 squad last year, says that taking part in the Gaynor Cup with the Galway & District League squad was one of the highlights of her underage career.

“After watching my brothers play in the Kennedy Cup at UL, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” said Thompson, 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 U-14 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 since its inception in 2013, 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.

Thompson remembers her first Gaynor Cup final well, captaining Galway in a narrow loss to a strong Metropolitan Girls League (MGL) side from Dublin that featured 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 U-14 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 Thompson, the tournament wasn’t just about playing, it was about the opportunities tied to it.

Pictured: Kate Thompson in action for Galway United against Athlone Town’s Israela Groves earlier this season. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.