Galway Bay Fm - Galway Talks - with Keith Finnegan

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Councillor rejects insurance assertion that potholes are an Act of God County councillors pass largest ever budget of €203 million  Creche owners threaten to close doors indefinitely to shut country down as funding row with Government escalates   Love Galway Hate Racism to hold solidarity event with the Ahmadiyyan Muslim community   10am-11am Scoil An Chroí Naofa take to TikTok to call for new school building after waiting for two decades   Galway Commuter Coalition slam Government for failing to fund vital infrastructure in the city  11am-12pm Our Galway Great on Monday is Former Ireland Goalkeeper David Forde   Sports Review after a busy weekend 

Parking metres continue to be a bone of contention here in Galway city and with City Councillors, as a legal settlement has been reached between the city council and the private company who were operating the machines in and around the city centre. Fine Gael councillor Frank Fahy has hit out at the fact that we don't know what the settlement was and he also wants clarity on how the parking situation can be improved upon in the future, as we are currently left in limbo. He joined me on the programme earlier on this week to highlight his concerns. The issue of road safety in Kinvara was brought into focus again this week as a number of schoolchildren protested from Seamount College, the National School and the creche. They marched through the village on Thursday at 12 noon, calling for safe crossings along the busy stretch of the N67. Currently, there is no traffic management plan for the village and there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings for the children. With many children exiting out of buses, they are having to cross the road at peak times. ​Our reporter, Saoirse Duhan was out there and spoke to a number of the children who were part of the demonstration and our reporter, David Nevin, also spoke to the Principal of Seamount College. The Government published their new housing plan this week, and it got a mixed response. ​Government spokespeople say that there are ambitious targets and that there have been a number of changes which will improve the lot of first-time buyers, developers, and builders looking to ramp up construction and infrastructure projects in the country. ​The Opposition have said that a lot of announcements in this plan have already been published in previous documents from previous governments, and they've added that it lacks the ambition and the mechanisms to allow us to ramp up the speed of our housing targets. ​We discussed this on the programme with Minister Seán Canney and also with Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell. Don't forget the best of Galway Talks comes out every Saturday and Sunday morning between 7:00 and 8:00. Join us again on Monday morning for Galway Talks and after 11:00 Our Galway Great is none other than the Westside native and former Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper, David Forde.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Farmers call for clarity on compulsory purchase orders and Mercosur   Old salmon traps and eel cages on the Corrib pose ‘serious safety concerns'   Galway author releases debut novel    10am-11am Call for clarity on Ireland's defensive position ahead of EU presidency   City Tribune Headlines  1,000 Children take to the streets of Kinvara in protest of dangerous roads   Mario Rosenstock joins us   11am-12pm Galway Thoughts panel - Government's Housing Plan   Sports review

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Should the voting age be 16?  - We discuss  City Council could raise €3.6million a year on derelict sites if levies were fully applied  Most listeners can't spot AI-generated music, survey finds   10am-11am Govt's National Housing Plan slammed as 'deeply disappointing'   We speak to the new Chief Executive of Construction Industry Federation   We hear about a new Galway GAA Road Safety Campaign    11am-12pm Culture Corner - Renmore History Society to host talk on the Irish in The Resistance   Rose Of Tralee escort from Galway taking part in Movember for personal reasons   Music Mornings - 9 Arch bring Jesus Christ Superstar to the stage  

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley  9am-10am  Fire at old railway station in Tuam just weeks after funding for revamp secured   We speak to councillors after a Heated row at City Hall over parking machine legal settlement  Deadline approaching for submissions on Cooloo Wind Farm   Former Republic of Ireland Goalkeeper David Forde talks to us about his new book  10am-11am Kinvara Schoolchildren to Lead Protest Walk for Safe Road Crossings  We hear about the Reopening of the Western Rail Corridor  Average rent in Galway City of a two-bedroom apartment now €2,080   50-year celebration of Ireland / Mexico diplomatic relations   11am-12pm Financial advice with Dave McCarthy Ask the Dentist  We learn more about Ashford Castle, One of the foremost Houses of Guinness   History Talks - New Terry Prone memoir 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Michael D Higgin's 14 year term has come to an end as he hands over the reins to fellow Galwegian Catherine Connolly   400 SIPTU delegates gathering in Galway for national conference   88% increase homes on Airbnb in Gaeltacht areas - we hear how this could affect the Irish language  10am-11am Calls for action against hate and violence after threat to Galway Mosque  Charity Concert for Galway Speeders   Garda slot   11am-12pm New interactive dance theatre experience comes to Loughrea   Evergreen slot 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Review of Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign delayed   Calls for Tánaiste to accelerate delivery of PET Scanner to University Hospital Galway   Hygiene Hub launches #ItsInTheBag Christmas Appeal   10am-11am Shops openly selling e-scooters capable of speeding 60kmh over legal limit, as garda seizures soar   Average price for residential zoned land in Galway €300,000 per acre   Galway Food and Craft Gift Fair returns for an extended stay   11am-12pm Galway Great - Colm Donnellan   Sports Review  

This week on Galway Talks, We heard the powerful story of Jade McFarlane. She was raped by her friend's father in their home when she was just 19 years of age. ​She bravely waived her anonymity so that she could name her rapist. She came on to the programme this week and shared her story with us   We also heard of the situation in Ballybane over the mid-term break. ​A number of stones were thrown at vehicles and buses, some causing injury to the passengers within them. ​There have been calls for better lights in the area and also for stakeholders to come together in the area to tackle this problem head-on. ​We discussed it on the programme with Donal Lynch, community activist in the Ballybane area, but also with FF Cllr. Alan Cheevers.   International Protection Applicants and violence directed at them was very much to the fore again this week. ​A lot of commentators are blaming this increase in aggression towards international protection centres on government rhetoric. ​Sai Gujulla is himself an immigrant into this country and said we need to see leadership now rather than diverting blame. Some politicians have been accused of conflating the lacking public services and housing situation with migrants and immigration. ​ This week, climate change was very much in the mainstream here in Ireland, across Europe, and the world. ​Environment Ministers agreed on a 90% carbon emissions reduction by 2040, with some loopholes in effect between now and 2035. ​This has been welcomed in many of the green sectors, but there is criticism that it might not have gone far enough, while others say some of these targets are unachievable and may make us anti-competitive. We heard from people in Galway City who gave their thoughts on the climate situation here in Ireland and globally. We got the views of Green Party representative for Galway West for the upcoming by-election, Niall Murphy, and Independent Ireland Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice on the issue with me during the week.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Friday 7th November 2025) 9am-10am Overcrowding in Irish Prisons described as Inhuman and Degrading  Nigel Sweetnam of the IFA's Poultry Committee Chair updates us on the Bird Flu outbreak  New Committee set up to raise funds for Galway residents living with MS  10am-11am Consumers have been warned to avoid a number of dated health insurance plans.  Ard-Rúnaí Chonradh na Gaeilge Julian de Spáinn join us to talk about plans for teaching and learning Irish outside of Gaeltacht areas and Irish medium education Ronan Rodgers talks to us about the Galway Science & Technology Festival   11am-12pm British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen visits Galway.   Ashley Campbell brings The Goodnight NashvilleTour to Monroes next month  Confusion continues over the ongoing maternity move for high-risk pregnancies at Portiuncula  Sports Preiview w/ Ollie Turner 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Thursday, 6th November 2025) 9am-10am Learner drivers to sit test after four years in order to renew permit  Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) Calls for Greater Protection of Elderly Rights in Light of New Legislation  10am-11am EU countries agree deal on 2040 climate target  Connacht Tribune Headlines  Ahascragh star releases acoustic record Only   11am-12pm Armistice Day  Galway Companies Shortlisted for 2025 Business & Finance Awards  PET CORNER – Going Abroad  CULTURE CORNER – Dance in Galway  Galway singer Si Noble releases exuberant new single ‘Kiss Goodnight

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Wednesday, 5th November 2025) 9am-10am Effects of tracker mortgage scandal 'far from over'  Galway Man to Run 250km Across the Sahara in Memory of Uncle Lost to Rare Cancer Fundraising page of Run For Iggy Coldvember Initative in Support of Galway Rape Crisis Centre  10am-11am Major Water Infrastructure Upgrade for Craughwell Welcomed MOTORING with GERRY MURPHY FeelTect Secures €1.5 Million Investment to Launch Groundbreaking Wound Care Device, “Tight Alright”  11am-12pm Financial Advice with Dave McCarthy Camogie - Inside the Championship  HISTORY TALKS – Lecture on Headford Lace 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Tuesday, 4th November 2025) 9am-10am EU states gather for emergency 2040 emissions targets meeting  Galway City woman waives anonymity and speaks out following the sentencing of her rapist   A new chapter for Galway Rape Crisis Centre as the doors open in The Claddagh. Strengthening support, safety, and hope across the west of Ireland    10am-11am Local TD hits out at lack of risk assessment or mitigation of risks following maternity patient transfers from the Portiuncula   Number of families supported by Galway Simon increased by 38% in 2024  Garda Slot Social Exclusion - A problem for our teenagers and their parents - 38% of our teenagers report being rejected by their friends  11am-12pm Galway's Gardiner Brothers nominated for 2025 TikTok Awards  TULCA Festival of Visual Arts Announces 2025 Programme inviting audiences to trace connections between people, places, and histories.  Music Mornings - Liam Foody

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Monday, 3rd November 2025) 9am-10am Call for emergency measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in the east of the city as bus windows are smashed   Rate of judicial review in Ireland 'off the charts' - housing expert  PsyCare Ireland Wins €81,100 to Launch Nightlife Safety & Empowerment Programme for Young People  10am-11am Security review of all IPAS centres after arson attack, Migration Minister says   Status Yellow rain warning in place for four counties  Early November Recruitment Days & Ability West is proud to announce the official opening of its newest state-of-the-art Day and Residential Services at Garraí na Sailí, Letteragh Road, Galway.  Retired UN official educates older people on Climate Change to reduce emissions   11am-12pm Our Galway Great is a Newcastle Priest who took a helicopter from a wedding ceremony to a hurling match in the Hyde   Sports Review with Ollie Turner

Today on Galway Talks with Sally-Ann Barrett (Friday, 31st October 2025) 9am-10am County Finals To Be Played Under lights but Not Everyone is Happy - Galway GAA Chairman Paul Bellew talks to us. Launch of Connemara Pony Heritage Centre  Mountbellew No Name Club Celebrates 30 Years in Operation  10am-11am Vandalism at Bearna-Na Forbacha sports park/playground  Monivea singer Rebecca Ward joins us for music mornings Dave O'Connell has the Connacht Tribune headlines.   11am-12pm New book featuring two Galway boxing legends Francie Barrett and Sean Mannion  Galway Consultant Reacts to Increase in Breast Cancer in Young Women- Professor Michael Kerin What are people dressing up as? We discuss the trending Halloween costumes.  Weekend sports preview with John Mulligan

Today on Galway Talks with Sally-Ann Barrett (Thursday, 30th October 2025) 9am-10am Deer Causing Issues for Motorists Across the County  Local Community Safety Partnerships  New Show on TG4 – Hector OZ/NZ  10am-11am Tuam Creche to close this Friday  Connacht Tribune Headlines  Galway Autism Partnership Schools Programme    11am-12pm OURS TO PROTECT - Recycling

Today on Galway Talks with Sally-Ann Barrett (Wednesday, 29th October 2025) 9am-10am Independent Ireland Cllr Noel Thomas confirms intention to run in Galway West by-election. Cllr. Alan Cheevers discusses safety and precautions around fireworks and bonfires for Haloween. Fastway Couriers have gone into receivership. 10am-11am Ballinasloe Social Services marks 40 years of work Anne Murray - Director of Galway Science Festival looks ahead to the events coming up. Glenamaddy man taking on coast-to-coast challenge to raise money for Ukraine. 11am-12pm Financial advice with Dave McCarthy of McCarthy & Associates Woodquay History Talks featuring Brian Nolan

Today on Galway Talks with Sally-Ann Barrett (Tuesday, 28th October 2025) 9am-10am Election of Catherine Connolly as President: Mayor of Galway City Reaction  Mary Coughlan on Catherine Connolly Election  The presidential election has thrown up a number of questions for the Government parties.   10am-11am What now for Fianna Fail post Presidential Election Debacle?  SPORTS REVIEW with OLLIE TURNER  GARDA SLOT with KEVIN FARRELLY  11am-12pm Think Smart Cyber events  HELEN MANNION -  EVERGREEN

In a week when the presidential election dominated national media, we focused in on healthcare and disabilities here on Galway Talks. ​ ​We started off the week by hearing the story of Siobhán Cunningham. Her TikTok went viral when she posted outside A&E. The Loughrea woman had to sit back in her car because there was absolutely no room for her to sit down in the waiting room. She talked us through her journey of misdiagnosis, long waits in A&E, and also a lack of step-down support and care plans. Siobhán got a huge reaction from our listeners, who told their own stories of their own difficulties in A&E. ​ ​We also focused in on mental health on the programme this week, when Wayne Murphy told us of his descent into despair. Wayne told us about how his brother's suicide triggered his own mental health crisis. He's now in recovery and is back out of the mental health support unit. He told us that he wants to be an inspiration to others to share their stories and speak out when they too are going through times of despair.   ​Now, medical negligence was very much to the fore at the beginning of the week, as it was reported by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association that over €5.3 billion of the health budget goes towards the area. Money well spent from the patient's point of view but could it be used to invest in under pressure healthcare services? We debated that with Johan Verbruggen, Head of Medical Negligence with Fieldfisher.

9am-10am We meet some great local characters We talk about the local soccer club We learn about the history of Mervue 10am-11am  Phil Grealish and Eileen Dunleavy of the Credit Union join us for their charity draw We have the Connacht Tribune headlines with Dave O'Connell Anna Conboy and Phil Ryan join us for a chat 11am-12pm Terry Flaherty of Mervue Utd and Orla Conchur-Murphy of St. James' GAA join us Frank Naughton treats us to a song while Martin Glavin and Jacqueline O'Dowd of the Mervue choir join us. We finsh off by speaking to Pat Sullivan. Galway Talks Galway Talks with John Morley is the flagship show on Galway Bay FM and broadcasts Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and is the most popular talk show in the Galway region. The current affairs show features a mix of breaking news, human interest stories, sport, entertainment, history and live music. From local and national politics to community issues, voices from across the county and beyond discuss and debate the major events affecting Galway, the country and the world. There's a lighter side too as we feature the stories of local characters, the talent of Galway's arts scene and debate the county's many sporting achievements. To listen back to previous shows see here.  Meanwhile. Galway Bay FM News provides trusted, comprehensive coverage and analysis of local, national, and international stories. Tune in every hour, Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, with breakfast updates at 7:30 and 8:30. Catch the multi-award-winning FYI Galway from 5pm for all your news and sport, along with traffic and business information. And if its sport you're after -Listen live to Galway Bay FM Sport on the hour from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. For all your local, national and international sports commentaries, fixtures and results check out Over the Line on Fridays from 7pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday Sports from 1pm – 6pm and Mondays from 8pm to 10pm. Download the Galway Bay FM app to get the latest stories on the go and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and X

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Thursday, 23rd October 2025) 9am-10am Planning will be lodged for the new Galway Hospice next year following confirmation from the HSE.  Irish hotelier takes on 250km challenge, retracing path of his late wife  Marking National Brain Tumour Awareness Week (October 20-26)  10am-11am Local Authorities' environmental performance improving but continued commitment needed to deliver on National Enforcement Priorities  Connacht Tribune Headlines  the key dos and don'ts about the voting process in this Presidential election. Galway employers among those under pressure to prepare for EU pay transparency law  Claddagh Chamber Choir Presents “A Claddagh Christmas” — Two Nights, Eight Concerts of Festive Music in Galway  11am-12pm CULTURE CORNER - Aoife Dunne (Galway Comedy Festival)  PET CORNER – Halloween  SPORTS PREVIEW with Ollie Turner MUSIC MORNINGS - Kenan Flannery, Aileen Henderson & Colm Gavin are playing a headline show in: Monroes Galway on October 31st 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Wednesday, 22nd October 2025) 9am-10am Councillors hit out at Com Reg as mobile coverage problems persist across County Galway  Minister Foley in Galway to open two new residential centres for people with disabilities  10am-11am Update on Maternity Services in Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe  MOTORING with GERRY MURPHY Paediatric Nurse honoured as an Unsung Hero for her outstanding support to families facing childhood cancer in UHG  11am-12pm FINANCIAL ADVICE with DAVE MCCARTHY   KARL SPAIN- Galway Comedy Festival HISTORY TALKS – WILLIE HENRY - Galway Market Book

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Tuesday, 21st October 2025) 9am-10am Parents of missing Galway student issue plea for search volunteers   Galway woman with Endometriosis welcomes new framework as a first step in long journey for the health service   Meeting later this week on how to protect and retore our water quality in Galway   10am-11am Galway Resident praises support services locally after experiencing a mental health crisis  Galway County Council Launches €762,000 Community Climate Action Fund  Award-winning play puts violence against women in the spotlight  Garda Slot Everyone's Voice – A Human Rights Concert by i4Life  11am-12pm Tickets on sale now from www.galwaycomedyfestival.ie  Bearna poet scoops prestigeous award at the Red Line Book Festival  Music Mornings - Fionn Silke (Sakura)

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Monday, 20th October 2025) 9am-10am Medical negligence costs a challenge for health service, consultants hear  Can we better look after the diaspora? the Minister consults with Galway businesses   Did Ben Dunne really organise the kidnapping of a ‘well-known entertainer'? We find out the author of a new book on the Dunnes   10am-11am Loughrea woman highlights health service inadequacies in emotional viral TikTok      Research shows world-first breakthrough for bowel cancer immunotherapy  Why are country musicians excluded from Arts Council funding? And should they be made a priority?   11am-12pm Galway Greats - Donal Lynch Sport Review with Ollie Turner 

We began this week by exploring the chaos which had been unleased in Tuam, as nearly 100 families have been impacted by the foreclosure of the Happily Ever After creche.  The childcare facility cannot continue to function as the owner's, Tuam Parish, have been hit with a bill of over 1 million euro if they decide to proceed with renovations of the building.  A lot of families have been left in the lurch, and do not know where to turn as there are no places available in any of the crèches in the Tuam hinterland or further afield.  It's may result in job losses and hard decisions for families who are scrambling to find alternative arrangements with family or further afield.  I went out to Tuam last Saturday and spoke to a number of the families affected by this, as well as the Minister locally, Seán Canney. What is pyschosis and is there stigma surrounding the condition? We explored this subject in an open and honest way with Renmore man Conor Gavin. "You're not a psychopath, you just experienced an episode of pyschosis"  At just 16, Conor experienced his first psychotic episode and now, he's the Co-Ordinator of Ireland's new Psychosis Research Centre and founder of the Psychosis Arts Collective.  Drawing on his lived experience, he is using his voice to drive change, challenge stigma, and show that recovery from psychosis is possible. He spoke to Galway Talks about the advice the psychiatrist gave him after his first episode.   It was a big week in the presidential election campaign as polling approaches on the 24th of October.  Both candidates were on the programme with us this week.  We started by interviewing independent candidate Catherine Connolly, discussing a number of issues from the campaign and some of key local issues here in Galway, including the likes of the mother and baby homes scandal the ring road in Galway and a question from one of our T.Y media week students.  We also spoke to the Fine Gael candidate and former minister, Heather Humphreys, asking questions on repeating the seal on the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, her offices and more.  Make sure to exercise your democratic rights and get to the polling booth on Friday next. Also make sure to tune into our next Community Matters series programme in Mervue from the Credit Union.

Today on Community Matters: Leitir Móir 9am-10am We speak to some characters in the area We get the current affairs issues in the area We get the history of the area 10am-11am  We speak to some local communnity organisations John Beag O Flatharta talks about music and boats We hear about a commemorative walk taking place on saturday 11am-12pm GAA and soccer are the focus on sport We get music from the Sonny's We finsh off by speaking to three business people in the area Galway Talks Galway Talks with John Morley is the flagship show on Galway Bay FM and broadcasts Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and is the most popular talk show in the Galway region. The current affairs show features a mix of breaking news, human interest stories, sport, entertainment, history and live music. From local and national politics to community issues, voices from across the county and beyond discuss and debate the major events affecting Galway, the country and the world. There's a lighter side too as we feature the stories of local characters, the talent of Galway's arts scene and debate the county's many sporting achievements. To listen back to previous shows see here.  Meanwhile. Galway Bay FM News provides trusted, comprehensive coverage and analysis of local, national, and international stories. Tune in every hour, Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, with breakfast updates at 7:30 and 8:30. Catch the multi-award-winning FYI Galway from 5pm for all your news and sport, along with traffic and business information. And if its sport you're after -Listen live to Galway Bay FM Sport on the hour from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. For all your local, national and international sports commentaries, fixtures and results check out Over the Line on Fridays from 7pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday Sports from 1pm – 6pm and Mondays from 8pm to 10pm. Download the Galway Bay FM app to get the latest stories on the go and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and X

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Thursday, 16th October 2025) 9am-10am Farmers have nothing to fear over the Mercosur Deal according to Phil Hogan Free physiotherapist led osteoporosis education session this Saturday at Bon Secours Hospital Galway  Presidential candidate CATHERINE CONNOLLY speaks to Galway Bay FM 10am-11am Presidential candidate HEATHER HUMPHREYS speaks to Galway Bay FM Connacht Tribune Headlines  Once a Year – new novel from best selling Irish author  11am-12pm Culture Corner - Kristen House is the founder of "A Novel Idea" (ANI), a writing program that helps young people write a full-length novel Pet Corner - Halloween Sports Preview with Ollie Turner Padraig Jack is due to play the Crane Lane on Friday 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley (Wednesday, 15th October 2025) 9am-10am Public consultation launched on development of CAMHS standards  Mistake for Greens to back Connolly - former party Chair  Works begin at Connemara Ambulance base   New national supercomputer CASPIr to be operated by University of Galway   10am-11am No bus service for annaghdown/headford students suddenly  Call for national strategy on sudden unexplained death in epilepsy  Minister O'Donovan can put Prime Time support into action by letting Comedy Bill proceed to committee – Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD  Féileacáin Wave of Light 2025 - we speak to a bereaved parent   11am-12pm Making It Up As You Go Along: A Children's Guide to Writing Stories  ASK THE DENTIST   Doireann Ní Ghlacáin Announces Debut Solo Tour Studies on the Cailleach

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley: 9am-10am Study finds early menopause is associated with increased risk of dementia   Unanimous concern over Galway flood response as no funding set aside in Connemara draft budget   Former RTÉ Western Editor Jim Fahy to be remembered at book launch   10am-11am Trump declares peace in Gaza  Quality of surface water continues to decline, says EPA   Galway hairstylist wins big in London Competition   11am-12pm We speak to Laureate na nog patricia forde about her new book   Evergreen slot   Music Morning - Irish harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Families gather in Tuam calling for intervention to prevent their  childcare facility closing due to fire safety works costing €1.2m   City council in limbo over €60m loan to fit out new HQ, as councillors raise questions over purchase   Update after Maam Valley left with no coverage since July    10am-11am Over 100 Galway properties investigated as suspected illegal short-term lets since 2023   We speak to a Galway man about his journey living with psychosis  We learn  how parents can help Children Build Emotional Resilience Through Play and Storytelling  11am-12pm Galway Greats - Billy Comer   Sports Review 

All eyes are on the Middle East as a truce was reached between Israel and Palestine. Galway has a special connection to the conflict this week as Sarah Clancy, an activist in the Global Sumud Flotilla, returned home. She recounted the horrific ordeal she and other activists went through to us on Galway Talks. ​We also looked at electricity, phone connectivity, and internet coverage this week. The Maam Valley has had patchy connectivity over the past few weeks and months. We went out there and spoke to Regina Keane of Keane's shop and Bar in Maam, but also to some of the locals, some of whom are relying on cellar conectivity to get a kidney transplant and other medical appointments. They explained their frustration about the infrastructure in the Maam Valley and Connemara. ​The Budget was also a big topic this week, and the political parties went head-to-head as to whether it was a good budget or a bad budget. The government have said that this is a budget that will be good for the economy, while the opposition asks what is in it for middle-class, working people. We had many debates during the week, and one of those was with Senator Anne Rabbitte of Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin Deputy Mairead Farrell. They went through the pros and cons of Budget 2026. ​Now, Claddagh Watch have been hitting out this week at the loss of their flags. Nearly a month ago, they were taken from O'Brien's Bridge on Chilean Independence Day and have yet to be returned. It is a big cost to the organisation themselves, but also a serious issue for people who may be getting into difficulty on the waterways around Galway. Arthur Carr, their founder, described their frustration and called for people to return the flags to them. ​Parking was again a big issue in the city this week, and Councillor Niall McNelis has told us that from this week, they will be erecting better signage to tell people what people need to do to pay for parking in Galway City. ​Finally, a Mullagh woman will be climbing Mera Peak to raise much-needed funds for the Galway branch of Parkinson's Ireland. She recounted one amazing story whereby she saved one of her friend's lives on a hike.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Maam Valley locals without broadband and phone coverage since July   10am-11am President Higgins unveils new commemorative benches in Eyre Square  Huge funding to be announced for Gort   11am-12pm Galway Thoughts panel   Sports preview 

Galway resident and Salthill poet Sarah Clancy was among the Global Sumud Flotilla activists who returned from an Israeli detention camp this week.  In an exclusive interview with Galway Talks she shares how she and her crewmates were treated following their apprehension.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  We speak to Salthill poet Sarah Clancy on returning home after Israeli detention   Claddagh Watch flags go missing from O'Brien's Bridge   10am-11am Half of Galway parents indifferent to teen drinking  Galway property prices rise by €30,000 in one year  Connacht Tribune Headlines   Living with Loss information night to take place in Galway City   11am-12pm Culture Corner - Baboro  Pet corner  Music Mornings - Orla Ní Fhinneadha appointed University of Galway Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am We talk all things budget   Motorists to pay 2.5 cents more per litre because of higher carbon tax   Health budget increase will not meet the needs of a growing population and this budget fails to invest in our future   Introduction of new minimum wage will lead to many business closures   10am-11am Calls to stop plans for construction eight industrial-scale wind turbines in the Killimordaly area  Galway City Council stalls on parking payment fix but promises new signage   Motoring slot  We speak to the author of The Bailout Babies  11am-12pm Financial advice with Dave McCarthy We hear about a charity trek in aid of Parkinson's Ireland  History Talks - we hear about a lecture on insights from Ó Cellaig Country in eastern Connacht

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley  9am-10am  MEP calls on minister to act as draft report on EU housing crisis published  Petition demanding the establishment of Mental Health A&Es achieves landmark support  Ambulance for Recess delayed yet again 10am-11am We talk all things budget  Political correspondent Sean Defoe joins us   We hear what people on the streets of Galway want from the budget   And all about a VAT cut for hospitality industry from next July   Meanwhile there will be a VAT cut for new build apartments  And Irish Hauliers say they are being strangled by excessive taxation  11am-12pm  Two Galway ladies footballers join us to chat about an upcoming fundraiser   Galway Girl Crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2025  Music Mornings - Joe Reichbenbachh 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin withdraws from Presidential Election  Galway farmers facing significant costs after flooding   Storm Amy worsens existing flooding problem in Kylemore   Video of Clonbur GAA grounds goes viral as pitch ‘turns into a lake'   Calls for Government to help local businesses that assist communities during storms   Galway RNLI looking for former crew as they celebrate 30 years   10am-11am Warning as €10,000 drained from Clarinbridge man's Revolut account in security breach    Football rules changes passed overwhelmingly at Special Congress  We hear all about Voices of the New Tribes of Galway  11am-12pm Galway Greats - Brendan Holland   Sports Review 

Morley's Mouthfuls Traffic was again a big issue this week on Galway Talks, but it was traffic safety, not congestion, that dominated. I went out to Kinvara early on this week and spoke to some of the locals about some of the traffic safety measures they want to see in the village. They want urgently to have two pedestrian crossings, as well as, a number of other knock-on safety measures. It follows two accidents in the village over recent weeks, and they're calling on Galway County Council, TII, and all the relevant stakeholders to get safety measures in place as a matter of urgency. The Global Sumud Flotilla was boarded by Israeli forces this week as they tried to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. A number of the people who are on the boats, including Salthill poet Sarah Clancy, have been taken as captives and will be deported to their countries in due course, according to Israeli forces. ​Now, they maintain that they are trying to deliver humanitarian aid and are allowed to so by international law, making what Israel did a war crime. Israel says these people are going into their waters and that they need to make sure that there is no weaponry in this aid before it makes its way on to Gaza. ​There is increasing pressure on governments across the world from citizens to put pressure to bear on Israel to end the genocide. Insurance was again a topic of discussion this week. There have been recent hikes by three of the main four providera in the last week, seeing some premiums increase by as much as €600. This follows other increases throughout the course of this year by the majority of the four players in the market, with Level Health increasing theirs back in April. ​We had Dermot Goode, of Health Insurance Ireland on the show. He explained some of the reasons given for this increase in health insurance, including more people going to seek assistance in private health hospitals. ​He also gave some advice to our listeners as to what is best practice to find the best premium out there and the best deal for a given individual and family. He set out the pros and cons to having and not having private health insurance in this country. In a week where local Fianna Fáil Deputy Albert Dolan has brought out a tracker to allow the public to see the breakdown of tenders in the public procurement process, wastage of monies at a national level was very much to the fore again. It centered in and around the €100,000 tender for the bike shelter at the National Maternity Hospital. ​Now, Sinn Féin have called for this to be scrapped outright, while the government parties have said there is a tender process and to wait and see if someone can bring in a tender at an affordable rate. ​We discussed this on the program earlier on this week with Fianna Fáil Deputy John Connolly and Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell. School transport came to the fore yet again this week after nearly a month since schools returned for the new academic year. We spoke to the grandmother of two children with language disorders who had to move to Loughrea to avail of a nearby school at the loss of the services they badly needed in Ballinasloe. ​We discussed this on the program with the grandmother of the children in question, Josephine Clarke. She was joined on the program by local Fianna Fáil representative in the Loughrea area, Michael Regan. ​She is calling for the Department of Education and the School Transport Office to get their school bus route back for her grandchildren so that they can fulfill their education to the full potential. Staying on the topic of schools, two schools in East Galway are still waiting on the go-ahead for much-needed expansions. ​For over 20 years, that's been the case for Carrabane National School in the Loughrea hinterland, but also for Scoil an Chroí Naofa in the Ballinasloe area, but that particular projects stretches out to nearly 30 years. ​We discussed what can be done to expedite the process and give final approval to both projects with Sinn Féin Deputy Clare Kerrane and Fianna Fáil Senator Shane Curley.  

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  'Severe and damaging gusts' to come as Storm Amy hits Galway   Closures and event cancellations across the city after rain warning overnight  Flooding across the county with Moycullen and Connemara badly affected  Fears Government's proposed short-term rental legislation could devastate family-run businesses across rural Ireland  10am-11am We speak to Eamon O'Cuiv after Catherine Connolly was criticized by the Taoiseach over hiring a woman convicted of firearms offences  Concern at new influx to UHG maternity unit  We hear about a new project involving the compositions of a Columban missionary priest who lived in Woodford  11am-12pm Galway Thoughts panel - Albert Dolan and Mairead Farrell  Sports Preview 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Urgent Call for Road Safety Measures in Kinvara Village   Irish Refugee Council call on Department of Justice to halt voluntary return campaign   We look at events taking place for World Stoma Day this Saturday   10am-11am Protest takes place in Galway City as Israel stops 13 Gaza aid boats carrying 500 activists – including Galway poet   Connacht Tribune Headlines   Health cover hikes to hit families for up to €600 as premiums rise again  First named storm of the season To hit Galway with Yellow rain warning in place   11am-12pm CULTURE CORNER - Eastside Arts Festival  Podiatry conference takes place in Galway  Music Mornings - Opacas 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley  9am-10am FOI reveals ‘failures' in enforcing short-term letting rules in Galway City   Transport woes force school change for children with language disorders in Loughrea  Awareness campaign to be launched for sexual violence survivors   10am-11am The Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland Ms Larysa Gerasko joins us    Motoring with Gerry Murphy   We speak to a new Galway Garda recruit about his experience of training and the job   11am-12pm Financial advice with Dave McCarthy We speak to the new CEO of Galway Chamber   History Talks - New book on the history & memory of RTC Galway, GMIT & ATU Galway

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  House prices in Galway rise yet again   Galway primary pupils suffer from overcrowded classrooms   Good job news for Galway as CLS announced 140 new roles and Datavant adds 40 to its Irish team  10am-11am Calls to end ‘overly prescriptive' planning process in Ireland  We hear all about this year's Sleep Out for Simon   11am-12pm Kayte O Malley joins us to tell us all the details of TY Media Week   Evergreen slot   Music Mornings - Dave Clancy  

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Double gold for Irish rowers at World Championships  Sinn Féin calls for €100k National Maternity Hospital bike shed tender to be scrapped   We hear about events taking place in Galway for breast cancer awareness month    10am-11am Urgent need for construction of two new school buildings in Galway    Irish peacekeepers could be sent to Ukraine 'if called to do so'   We hear about a Galway doctor's new book – Uprooted Medicine   11am-12pm Galway Greats - Patricia Forde Sports Review

There's nothing quite like an election looming and the budget in the offing to make the work of a journalist more exciting. That's definitely been the case over the past week on Galway Talks. ?We started off the week by discussing VAT and the potential reduction back to 9% for the hospitality sector. There is some concern among certain quarters that it might also include big multinationals—something that many organisations, including unions, have not taken too kindly to. We discussed it on the programme with Galway man and Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, alongside Lorraine Heskin, who is the owner of the Gourmet Food Parlour chain, who have a premises in Salthill. On the opposite side of the fence was Dr. Laura Bambrick of ICTU. The issue of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe was brought into sharp focus this week by an Oireachtas Health Committee meeting. The committee heard contradictory information regarding the implementation of the Walker Report at the hospital. The committee heard information that appeared to conflict with previous statements from the Minister for Health and the Department of Health. Both Bernard Gloster (HSE CEO) and Colm Henry (Chief Clinical Officer, HSE) gave evidence at the committee meeting. They were questioned by Roscommon-Galway TD, Dr. Martin Daly. The admitted to him that the report was not fully implemented at the hospital. The ongoing saga has caused significant consternation locally, with many constituents demanding a meeting with the Minister for Health. The Minister has consistently maintained that her decision regarding the future of the services was made based on the "best clinical advice." However, the failure to fully implement the Walker Report is a key point of concern, exacerbating the anxiety among local communities about the long-term security and level of maternity services at Portiuncula. We're well into September now, and the storm season will be rolling in quick and fast from the south-west prevailing winds. The issue of the security of our energy grid was brought into focus this week by Fianna Fáil Deputy for Galway West, John Connolly. Connemara was one of the worst-hit areas affected in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn earlier this spring. We discussed investment into the energy grid between now and January 2026, which will cause a day or two of outages in certain parts of Connemara, from Carraroe right across and into Western South Connemara. Donald Trump's remarks in relation to autism and vaccines have caused quite a stir in the medical community this week. They have absolutely refuted his claims that paracetamol is linked to rising cases of autism. We discussed this on the programme earlier on this week with the President of the IMO Anne Deane. The question of funding for the Irish language and Irish language rights was very much put into focus last weekend with the Cearta March on Dublin. Our reporter Seán Ó'Maoilchiarán spoke to a number of different people and organisations on the ground who were passionate about the language, and who want to see increased funding and increased rights for Irish language speakers. We got a flavour of the march and the athmosphere on the day. Our Community Matters programme featured the wonderful island and islanders of Inishbofin. You can listen back on our website. Our Galway Great on Monday morning is Patricia Forde.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am We're live from the Annual Pathways to Progress Medico-Legal conference in the Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway activist on Gaza aid flotilla slams drones targeting boats   We speak to an expert in effective responses to homelessness amongst older people   We'll hear about Artificial Intelligence and Assistive Techonology and the Impact on Healthcare and Healthcare Litigation  10am-11am New communications network to be rolled out to first responders  Announcement of large scale development in Doughiska   Assisted Decision Making – Progress so far 11am-12pm Sports preview   Galway Thoughts panel - Noel Thomas and Sean Kyne  Women's Health and Birth Related Injuries – Recent Research and Developments 

Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference. This week we discuss Energy with Dr William Finnegan, professor of Civil Engineering in the university of Galway and John McGarry, Director of LP3, and hear from schoolchildren across Galway about their thoughts on Sustainabillity. Ours to Protect is brought to you by Galway Bay FM and the IBI and is funded by Coimisiun na Mean with the television license fee.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Planned outages for Connemara electricity supply as ESB to carry out major upgrade of region's network   Irish Medical Organisation response to Donald Trump's autism announcement   Recipients of the Galway People of the year awards announced   10am-11am Update on maternity services in Portiuncula   Connacht Tribune Headlines   Mental Health Reform Calls on Government to “Pay the Bill” in Upcoming Budget   Architecture at the Edge Festival returns to Galway   11am-12pm Ours to Protect - Energy  

Today on Community Matters: Inishbofin  9am-10am We'll hear locals favourite stories of Inishbofin over the years  Current affairs with Imelda Reidy   Tommy Burke talks us through the history of the island  10am-11am We'll speak to Paul Hughes and Kevin Abeyta   An application for time extension to build the island's heritage museum was recently refused - we get an update on that   We speak to Ann Day - one of the islands last knitters   11am-12pm We'll have sport and live music   Andrew Murray and Margaret Lavelle help us round off the show

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am Vandals target running track in Ballinasloe    Concern raised that tourism in Galway will suffer unless coach spaces are made available   We speak to two time Superbowl champion Max Starks ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers historic NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings in Croke Park    10am-11am New primary school curriculum to be phased in   Hauliers say Insurance costs are crippling rural Ireland  We hear about the Silent Film Festival kicking off in Galway this Wednesday   11am-12pm We speak to the directors of new film -  ‘Re-Creation: The Trial of Ian Bailey'   Headford Man crowned overall winner in World Skills Ireland Motor Mechanics Finals   Music Mornings – Aisling Fuller 

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Should the Budget reduce the VAT rate for the restaurant sector?   Number of flights cancelled today as Dublin Airport continues to recover from weekend chaos  More Life rings tampered with in Galway City   10am-11am  Thousands gather for Irish language march   Warning of Facebook accommodation scams as the student housing crisis worsens   Leading medtech innovators to gather in Galway   Europe's Only Festival of Nomadic Cultures Returns to Galway  11am-12pm Galway Greats - Niall Rooney Sports Review 

Today on Galway Talks with Dave O'Connell:  9am-10am Concerns raised over lack of rapid response vehicle in Tuam  We'll be hearing about all the best events taking place at the longest-running community arts festival in Ireland 10am-11am We hear from a Galway woman who has just returned from her fifth aid convoy mission to Ukraine  11am-12pm We speak to acclaimed novelist Naois Dolan who is joining the second wave of a Gaza Flotilla

Galway Talks with Dave O'Connell (Thursday, 18th September 2025) 9am Minister Foley encourages survivors to apply for representation opportunities  Statement on Councillor Voting Practices and Democratic Integrity  Limited Time for People to Register to Vote for Presidential Election  10am 3 Dogs Dumped in Athenry Overnight (Animal Cruelty)  Mullooly invites Trade Commissioner to debate “rotten Mercosur trade agreement Galway-based voice for peace speaks at major global conference in South Korea  Charity Walk for Motor Neurone Disease Association passing through Galway  11am Culture Corner - Gort Arts Hosts Culture Week Art Exhibition at the Michael Kennedy Studio, Boland's Lane, Gort, Co Galway  Pet Corner - Dental Disease SPORTS PREVIEW with OLLIE TURNER  MUSIC MORNINGS – DARA NAUGHTON (Oakruled)