Posted online: Jul 21st, 2010

By Frank Craig
sports editor

Naomh Conaill attacker Léon Thompson is hoping that he’s finally put his injury nightmare behind him as he bids to fire his side to the county semi final in O’Donnell Park at the weekend.
Thompson, who featured heavily during Brian McIver’s tenure in the Tir Chonaill hot seat, cruelly found himself in football limbo for the best part of eighteen months after rupturing his ACL while in action for Donegal back in 2007.
And while he returned to the playing field for his club last term, it took time to adjust and to trust his newly repaired cruciate ligament. Indeed, one wondered if the player could ever rediscover that explosive burst that made him such a tricky customer prior to the
injury.
Thompson seemed to finally answer that question last time out against Kilcar when he delivered one of his best performances in the blue and white since returning. Indeed, Thompson’s renaissance coupled with Dara Gallagher’s return to form in the same contest, has many believing in the Tidy Town that Glenties are capable of going one better this term, and delivering the Dr Magure back to the parish once
again.
“I’m starting to come back into a bit of form thank God,” said Thompson. “I just really needed a clean run at things and hopefully I can keep it going and avoid those wee niggles.
“I’m getting a lot of treatment on the knee and the physio is really good and knows what’s best. Fingers crossed now that that’s the end
of it.
“It’s great being in there with Dara and Brick (Dermot Molloy). We are working well together and things are taking a bit of shape now.”
Thompson admits that the side still harbour regrets and disappointments with how they performed, or didn’t, during last season’s showpiece in MacCumhaill Park against St Eunan’s.
But before they start dreaming of redemption – they need to make sure they account for St Michael’s at the weekend – a task that the lively forward knows will be a huge proposition.
He added: “It will be a tight game. We know what they are all about and if we give them enough time and room, they’ll punish us. But fingers crossed, we can deliver the next day.
“Players like (Colm) McFadden can hit you for six or seven points on his day. While Christy Toye, Anton McFadden and Martin McElhinney
can hurt you if you let them.”
Naomh Conaill will welcome Eoin Waide back from suspension at the weekend after he missed out against Kilcar. And Thompson expects a clean bill of health between now and Sunday.
“Eoin will be a big addition. From what I know I don’t think anyone else is complaining, and we’re just looking forward to the game in Letterkenny.”
Throw-in 6.30pm. Verdict: Naomh Conaill.