Podcasts about Connacht

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast, as we look back on a tough start to the URC for the four Irish provinces.Former Munster out-half Keatley reacts to some explosive comments from his former captain Peter O'Mahony on the current state of Munster Rugby, and agrees that changes are needed in the way the organisation is run if they are to get back to former glory.The ex-Ireland international also recaps the province's defeat to Glasgow Warriors last Saturday, where he was encouraged by some elements of their game, in spite of the 26-20 loss.We look at Leinster's defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg, and pick out some of the positives Leo Cullen may have taken from a game where his side picked up two losing-bonus points.We analyse how Connacht were worn down in the final quarter by a powerful Stormers side in Galway on Friday night, and we look at how Ulster face a daunting trip to Glasgow as they try to rebound from their defeat to Edinburgh.00:00 - Hitting the panic button after four defeats for the provinces?05:25 - Ian reacts to Peter O'Mahony's comments on how Munster Rugby is run15:00 - Some positives in spits of defeat for Munster?18:20 - Signs of a new style of playing with Munster?22:50 - Caelan Doris reported to be out until the new year24:45 - Leinster pick up two bonus-points - will Leo Cullen be satisfied with that?33:00 - Connacht ground down by relentless Stormers35:15 - Have Irish teams got an issue playing the South Africans?41:10 - How much is Ian reading into Ulster's shocking 50 minutes against Edinburgh?48:30 - WXV with Hannah O'ConnorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a disappointing start to the United Rugby Championship for Connacht on Friday night.  Stuart Lancaster's side went down 29-15 to The Stormers at Dexcom Stadium. Commentary of the game from Rob Murphy and Joe Healy. 

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy on a new season of the RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we breakdown all four provinces ahead of the 2026/27 URC season.02:03 - Leo Cullen's final season in charge of Leinster07:45 - Is the Leinster job Felipe Contepomi's to lose?11:30 - Leinster's season prospects20:45 - The Peter O'Mahony and Graham Rowntree 'pen' story28:15 - Munster's season hit by out-half injury crisis33:30 - Will we see a change in approach from Munster?37:30 - The vibes are high in Connacht44:00 - Lancaster's vote of confidence46:30 - Connacht's summer transfer activity49:30 - Champions Cup has to be the target for Ulster51:30 - Richie Murphy beefing up his squad58:05 - Johne Murphy's players to watch this seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, Stuart Lancaster sheds some light whether he'll stay at Connacht, or go for the head coach role at Leinster.Could Andrew Porter make a switch to tighthead this season?And Henry Pollock has signed a new deal at Northampton, but for far less than his agent Eddie Hearn would like...Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Tonight's Newsround on Off the Ball is brought to you by Eoin Sheahan, Steven Doyle, Mick McCarthy, and Arthur O'Dea, as Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster rubbishes any rumour linking him to the soon-to-be-vacant Leinster job, and more pressure piles on Manchester United boss Michael Carrick after a lacklustre draw at Fulham.The Newsround on Off the Ball, with Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland' section

Ireland and Ulster rugby legend Rory Best together with 21 business leaders undertaking the 378km Rory's Miles to Mayo ─ the Trilogy walking challenge around the island of Ireland for Cancer Fund for Children will reach Galway city this afternoon (arriving at approximately 5pm).  Rory Best's former teammate, Ireland and Connacht rugby player Bundee Aki will join the walkers at Oranmore for the final stretch to Eyre Square. Cancer Fund for Children is an all-island charity that provides emotional, social and therapeutic support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer. Rory's Miles to Mayo ─ the Trilogy is the final part of a series of three physical fundraising challenges led by Rory Best for Cancer Fund for Children, which have raised over €2.5 million to date. Rory's Miles to Mayo is supported by headline sponsor Arachas Corporate Brokers, Ireland's largest nationwide insurance broker with 16 offices across Ireland, which has raised funds for Cancer Fund for Children across all of the Rory's Miles to Mayo challenges since 2021. Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group is on board as a supporting sponsor and has also been committed to this challenge since its inception. The penultimate day of the nine-day walk will see Rory and his team walk from Loughrea to Eyre Square in Galway city, passing through Carrabane, Knockaunglass, Athenry, Ross, Oranbeg, Oranmore and Ballybane along the 44.3km day-eight route. The Rory's Miles to Mayo ─ the Trilogy challenge will finish this Sunday, 20th September in Cong, Co Mayo. Cong is the location of Cancer Fund for Children's second Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break centre for children and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis, currently nearing completion and due to open in 2027. The fundraising target for Rory's Miles to Mayo ─ the Trilogy is around €1.5 million, which will go towards equipping Daisy Lodge in Cong, and help get it ready for opening its doors next year to enable Cancer Fund for Children to support more children and families.  Rory Best's latest challenge will take him full circle ─ his inaugural Rory's Miles to Mayo in 2021 saw him walk from Cancer Fund for Children's first Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down to Cong, Co Mayo, where he broke ground at the site of the second Daisy Lodge. In 2023, a second Rory's Miles to Mayo challenge saw him walk from Dublin's Aviva Stadium to Cong. This time, Rory will get to see Daisy Lodge in Cong at near completion. As he set off on his leg to Galway City, Rory spoke to John Mulligan 

In the second of our four Bank Of Ireland Rugby Roadshows, Eoin Sheahan and Andy Dunne were on stage at the Dexcom Stadium, speaking to some of the stars of the current Connacht and Ireland setups!They were joined by props Finlay Bealham and Billy Bohan, as well as loose forward Paul Boyle, looking ahead to the new season, with the prospect of the World Cup at the end of it as well!This was the second of our Rugby Roadshows, as the new domestic season begins in a just over a week. We will also be going to Ulster and Munster next month, and there's still time for you to get your tickets! Get your tickets here: http://offtheball.com/eventsRugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

In the second of our four Bank Of Ireland Rugby Roadshows, Eoin Sheahan, Brian O'Driscoll and Andy Dunne were on stage at the Dexcom Stadium, speaking to ‘Mr Connacht' himself, John Muldoon, the assistant coach to Stuart Lancaster and former teammate of both Brian and Andy.This was the second of our Rugby Roadshows, as the new domestic season begins in a just over a week. We will also be going to Ulster and Munster next month, and there's still time for you to get your tickets! Get your tickets here: http://offtheball.com/eventsRugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

John Maytham speaks to Stormers head coach John Dobson about the stormers clash with Irish side Connacht next week as the URC gets underway. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, former Connacht rugby player Fergus Farrell tells Laura what happened after he lifted a metal bench in his own yard in October 2018 — and severed his spinal cord by ninety per cent.He was paralysed from the ribcage down and told he had a five per cent chance of walking again, on the condition he moved within seventy-two hours. He didn't move. Instead he lay in a bed for twenty-one days and built a picture in his head: a circuit board for his brain, a light switch for his big right toe, and a wire he had to run between them. At half two in the morning on day twenty-one, the toe flickered. When the doctor came round, he watched it move three times before he'd call it anything other than a spasm.Fergus is candid about what recovery costs — pain around the clock, no balance, no feeling from his feet to his waist, and the hidden disability nobody sees in a big man walking down the street. He talks about the businesses he lost, the family who carried it, the guilt of being one who got back on his feet, and why he now calls the accident the best thing that happened to him.In August he set out from Brooklyn Bridge to walk 4,500 kilometres to Santa Monica Pier for Spinal Injuries Ireland — six million steps, and each one as important as the next.

In the first of our four Bank Of Ireland Rugby Roadshows, Eoin Sheahan and Andy Dunne were on stage at the new LAYA Arena, speaking to some Leinster legends and current stars!For the second part of the Leinster edition of the Roadshow, Eoin and Andy were joined by head coach entering his final year Leo Cullen, as well as two-time World Cup winning coach and Leinster assistant coach Jacques Nienaber.This was just the first of our Rugby Roadshows, as the new domestic season begins in a few short weeks. We will also be going to Connacht, Ulster and Munster, and there's still time for you to get your tickets! Get your tickets here: http://offtheball.com/eventsRugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

In the first of our four Bank Of Ireland Rugby Roadshows, Eoin Sheahan and Andy Dunne were on stage at the new LAYA Arena, speaking to some Leinster legends and current stars!They were first joined by current Leinster and Ireland stars Josh van der Flier and Joe McCarthy, before Leinster legend Malcolm O'Kelly jumped on stage.This was just the first of our Rugby Roadshows, as the new domestic season begins in a few short weeks. We will also be going to Connacht, Ulster and Munster, and there's still time for you to get your tickets! Get your tickets here: http://offtheball.com/eventsRugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Could the war in the middle east escalate further? Houthis seize crucial Yemeni port as fighting with Saudi forces escalates Connacht Set to Lose Over €460m in Next CAP Under Current Proposals  Galway Comedy Festival Launch in Mary Mullins 10am-11am New Twist in Gort Biogas Case as Public Response Deadline Set  The Bucket Man: John Concannon and the JFC Group by John Concannon Cora Garvey memorial walk to raise funds for St Dympna's Centre Portumna  New Book Celebrates the Rich Heritage and History of Rural Tuam 11am-2pm Galway Thoughts Panel (Ciaran Mullooly MEP and Barry Cowan MEP) Weekend Sports Preview

Stuart Lancaster is a world renowned rugby coach and is currently the Head Coach at Connacht in Ireland. He has previously coached England (2011-2015) when they hosted the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Racing 92, and Leinster. His England teams finished as Six Nations Runner Up four times, and he won the European Rugby Champions Cup and four PRO14/URC titles with Leinster. Prior to his time with the England National team, he won three Churchill Cup titles as Head Coach of England Saxons (2008, 2010, 2011) and National Division One title with Leeds Tykes (2006 to 2007). Stuart also runs Stuart Lancaster leadership, where he shares lessons from the sporting world to some of the top performing businesses across the globe where he shares lessons from the sporting world to some of the top performing businesses across the globe.  In our conversation today, we take a deep dive into the pressure and stress of being a top-level coach. We talk about his lowest moments when England rugby crashed out of the 2015 World Cup and whether he wanted to get back on the biggest stage. We talk about the importance of developing leaders and that your relationship with your players is either growing or dying. We also speak extensively about the management of your entire squad and how you keep the culture of your team by making sure that the players who are not in the starting lineup never are shocked by bad news. This is a true masterclass in leadership. The #1 Bestseller CAPTAIN: THE ATHLETE'S GUIDE TO BEING AN EXCEPTIONAL TEAM LEADER is now available!  CLICK HERE TO ORDER We are constantly asked "where have all the leaders gone?" Now more than ever, it is up to schools, clubs and coaches to develop our leaders, and this new book is a perfect guide to train and develop them. It is filled with stories of champion team captains on the professional and college level, Hall of Fame coaches, and more, and is a masterclass on leadership. Your athletes will learn from leaders such as Carles Puyol Abby Wambach, Tim Duncan, Shane Battier, Richie McCaw, Carla Overbeck and Simone Biles. It will help your athletes understand the qualities needed to lead, the responsibilities they must accept, and the most common challenges they will face. The chapters are short and sweet and have discussion questions so that your leaders can work through them together and set your team up for great success. The book also comes with a  FREE downloadable 10-session curriculum so you can guide your team or the leaders in your school or club through the entire book.  FOR ORDERS OF 10 OR MORE, WE OFFER A $5 PER BOOK DISCOUNT. EMAIL John@ChangingTheGameProject.com to place your order. BOOK A SPEAKER: Interested in having John present to your school, club or coaching event, either in person or virtually? Looking for leadership training for your student athletes, a coach development workshop or parent education? We are still booking Fall 2026 events, please email us to set up an introductory call John@ChangingTheGameProject.com PUT IN YOUR BULK BOOK ORDERS FOR OUR BESTSELLING BOOKS, AND JOIN 2026 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS FROM SYRACUSE MENS LAX, UNC AND NAVY WOMENS LAX, AND MORE! These are just the most recent championship teams using THE CHAMPION TEAMMATE book with their athletes and support teams. Many of these coaches are also getting THE CHAMPION SPORTS PARENT so their team parents can be part of a successful culture. Schools and clubs are using EVERY MOMENT MATTERS for staff development and book clubs. Are you?  We have been fulfilling numerous bulk orders for some of the top high school and collegiate sports programs in the country, will your team be next? Click here to visit John's author page on Amazon Click here to visit Jerry's author page on Amazon Please email John@ChangingTheGameProject.com if you want discounted pricing on 10 or more books on any of our books. Thanks everyone. This week's podcast is brought to you by our friends at Sprocket Sports.  Sprocket Sports is a software platform for youth sports clubs.  Yeah, there are a lot of these systems out there, but Sprocket provides the full enchilada. They give you all the cool front-end stuff to make your club look good– like websites, communication tools and marketing tools – AND all the back-end transactions and services to run your business better so you can focus on what really matters – your players and your teams. Sprocket is built for those clubs looking to thrive, not just survive, in the competitive world of youth sports clubs.  So if you've been looking for a true business partner – not just another app – check them out today at https://sprocketsports.me/CTG. Become a Podcast Champion! This weeks podcast is also sponsored by our Patreon Podcast Champions. Help Support the Podcast and get FREE access to our Premium Membership, with well over $1000 of courses and materials. If you love the podcast, we would love for you to become a Podcast Champion, (https://www.patreon.com/wayofchampions) for as little as a cup of coffee per month (OK, its a Venti Mocha), to help us up the ante and provide even better interviews, better sound, and an overall enhanced experience. Plus, as a $10 per month Podcast Super-Champion, you will be granted a Premium Changing the Game Project Membership, where you will have access to every course, interview and blog post we have created organized by topic from coaches to parents to athletes. Thank you for all your support these past eight years, and a special big thank you to all of you who become part of our inner circle, our patrons, who will enable us to take our podcast to the next level. https://www.patreon.com/wayofchampions

Connacht's hopes of a first women's interprovincial final appearance in seven years didn't materialise in Dexcom Stadium on Saturday (22nd August 2026) as Munster dominated to set up a meeting with Leinster at the same venue next week. Tuam-Oughterard's Ullian Eilian made a dream debut with a third minute try but the hosts found themselves 21-5 down at half-time. Creggs' Jemima Adams Verling got over the whitewash again in the second period but Munster were always in control. Afterwards, Connacht head coach Craig Hansberry and try scorer Jemima Adams Verling chatted to Galway Bay FM's Alan Deegan. == Connacht will play Ulster in the 3rd-4th play-off next Saturday (29th).  Kick-off at Dexcom Stadium is 2pm.

Welcome to Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, a welcome injury boost for Connacht and Ireland ahead of the new season,An unwelcome injury blow for South Africa ahead of facing the All Blacks,And former Ireland out-half Brian Smith has died at the age of 59.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Will O'Callaghan and Eve Conway join Eoin Sheahan in studio for Wednesday's Newsround, as Mark English breaks the European Championship record, Derry City interim manager Mark Connolly insists James McClean is a Derry City player still, and Stuart Lancaster says Ciaran Frawley will be playing 10 for Connacht!Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

A recent meeting of the Connacht Clan saw Brian O'Connor nominated and elected as their new president. The Connacht Clan are the Connacht Rugby Supporters Club and are made up of members of all five counties in the province.  It promises to be a very busy year for the Clan with Connacht involved in the Champions Cup as well as the United Rugby Championship.  Following his election, Brian spoke to John Mulligan on Sunday Sport and the first thing John did was congratulate him. 

Welcome to our Sounds of the Summer podcast, a look back, and look forward, to some of the biggest GAA stories which dominated 2026.Here, Mayo coach Paddy Tally, chatted to our own GAA correspondent Tommy Rooney back in April ahead of their Connacht championship defeat to Roscommon.Tally explains how Andy Moran brought him into the Mayo setup, what separates Moran from other managers he's worked with, and why Mayo remain one of the hardest teams to predict — even when you're coaching them.They also dig into Gaelic football's “seismic shift” under the new rules: from the kicking game of the 80s and 90s, to the possession era, and how the two-point arc and new scoring have changed everything.Plus: Tally on teen sensation Kobe McDonald and the hype around him.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

RUGBY: Connacht full back Clara Barrett with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their interprovincial opener against Ulster

RUGBY: Connacht head coach Craig Hansberry with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their women's interprovinical opener against Ulster

RUGBY: Connacht co-captain Aoibheann Reilly with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their interprovincial opener against Ulster

Oliver's monologue on Friday.

Dan's still at the World Cup - he hasn't mentioned it - but he was still able to keep an eye on a big win for Shamrock Rovers in Europe but was it one of the great wins? Johnny gives his take, before discussing his train journey to the Connacht derby that was followed by John Russell making his way to a new destination. We debate his big move with the help of Owen Heary who reckons it was a left field switch, and then tells us that there's a few left wingers he would like to kick if it was possible to turn back time. There's a mailbag full of gear talk that brings us to border updates, airport sightings and the curious case of Johnny's childhood chocolate stash. All of these treats are brought to you in association with Planify, Future Ticketing, Collar & Cuff and Chido

For the first time ever at Galway GAA headquarters, Galway United go head-to-head against Sligo Rovers in the Connacht derby of the SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division on Saturday (11th July 2026). With both teams currently in the bottom three of the top flight, victory is a must.  United have already beaten Rovers twice this season but their Bit O'Red won three of their four meetings in 2025. Leading up to the game, former Galway  United striker Enda Curran, who scored two goals in an equally important 2-1 victory in this fixture in 2025, joined Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly to look ahead to the game but first they chatted about an amazing her on the local scene after he retired from League of Ireland football 18 months previously. == Kick-off at Pearse Stadium on Saturday is 5pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.

This week on Inside Dairy, we're discussing the recent weather and what it could mean for grass growth as farmers keep a close eye on conditions across the country.We also look at the finalists for the NDC/Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, with six Cork farms and two Tipperary farms making the shortlist, while no farms from Connacht feature this year.Plus, we chat to John Maher, head of the Teagasc Grass10 programme, about the current grass situation on farms nationwide, whether drought is becoming a real concern and what farmers should be focusing on over the coming weeks.On The Breakdown, we're talking all things calves. What weights should they be hitting at this stage? How much should they be eating? Should meal be introduced? We also cover minerals, worm dosing and whether it's time for a faecal egg count.Tune in for all that and more on this week's Inside Dairy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Thursday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, the Ireland team is named for their Nations Championship clash with the Wallabies,Munster and Connacht are handed tricky pools for next season's Investec Champions Cup,And Fiona Hayes and Alison Miller pay tribute to the late great Philip Doyle.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Nine weeks after beating their provincial rivals to complete a three-in-a-row of Connacht senior titles, Galway's ladies footballers host Mayo again in the TG4 All-Ireland senior ladies football quarter-final on Sunday (5th July 2026). While the Tribeswomen have had a better record in recent years, Mayo did knock them out of the All-Ireland series at this stage in 2021 and 2023, and were only one goal short of Galway when they met in May. Leading up to the game, Galway manager Daniel Moynihan has been chatting to Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly. == Throw-in at Tuam Stadium on Sunday is 5.45pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.

The game of Cricket has seen a major increase in participation and interest in recent years. Most recently, the province has earned a place at the top table and last season, Galway County Cricket Club won the Cricket Ireland National Cup. This season, the province was due to play in a new competition, the Wild Atlantic Way. Unfortunately, both games were washed out.  William Davies Reports: 

This week we are back with part two of our mammoth session with Fr Conor McDonough OP, an exceptional Research Ireland funded PhD researcher in Classics, University of Galway. Conor tells us all about the new mendicant orders in 13th century Ireland: the Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites and Augustinians. Conor explains that these new orders were like 'networks of mass communication' and that friars are kind of like itinerant and urban monks. We hear tales of decline and reform, the Fourth Lateran Council, ethnic tensions, the encroaching black death, and attempts to establish an Irish university in the 1320s.Suggested reading and resources:Treasure Ireland Youtube series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdPbRZbumpDdJjMBmh_wlGVdx_rQVH38O- Ó Clabaigh, Colmán, ‘The Church, 1050–1460', in Brendan Smith (ed.), The Cambridge History of Ireland. 1. 600–1550 (Cambridge, 2018), 355–384- Colmán Ó Clabaigh OSB, The Friars in Ireland, 1224-1540, Dublin: Four Courts, 2011.- Yvonne McDermott, ‘Women as patrons and benefactors of the friars in medieval Connacht', Journal of Medieval Monastic Studies, vol. 8 (2019), pp. 235-266.- Edel Bhreathnach, ‘The mendicant orders and vernacular Irish learning in the late medieval period', Irish Historical Studies, vol. 37, no. 147 (2011), pp. 357-375.Regular episodes every month (on a Friday)Email: medievalirishhistory@gmail.comProducer: Tiago Veloso SilvaSupported by the Dept of Early Irish, Maynooth University & Taighde Éireann/Research Ireland.Views expressed are the speakers' own.Logo design: Matheus de Paula CostaMusic: Lexin_Music

The European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability Annual Congres is taking place in Galway this week with exhibitions in adapted surfing, frame running, wheelchair céilí dancing, accessible climbing and much more. Connacht Rugby host an Inclusion Festival on Saturday (6th June), while at University of Galway's Kingfisher, a Wheelchair Hurling Exhibition takes place featuring players from Connacht and Munster. The exhibition begins at the Kingfisher from 1pm with a juvenile game, before the adult match at 2.30pm.  And a Come & Try session takes place after that. Connacht Development Officer David Cunningham joined Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly on 'Over The Line' to tells us more. == The draw, featuring prizes like the All-Ireland Hurling Final stand tickets, and the Galway camogie signed jersey, takes place on Galway Bay FM on 'Saturday Sport' just after 5pm.

 How did a small band of Norman soldiers in 1170 begin 800 years of English control over Ireland?  It started as a deal between rival Irish kings. It ended in plantation, dispossession, and a divided island.  This is the story of how a short-term alliance became a centuries-long occupation, and why it still shapes politics in Ireland today.  Anglo-Normans enter Ireland: Diarmait seeks Strongbow's help. Henry II claims authority; Dublin-centred foothold established. The Pale forms; Normans adopt Irish ways, Old English. Henry VIII breaks with Rome; declares himself King of Ireland. Surrender and regrant changes land and inheritance rules. Elizabeth I's conquest; Nine Years' War threatens English control. Battle of Kinsale defeat; O'Neill's submission follows. Flight of the Earls ends Gaelic political power. Plantation of Ulster seeds division leading to later partition. Cromwell's massacres; “To Hell or to Connacht” resettlement. Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/conquest-of-ireland ---You might like:

Fresh from scoring two tries, a brilliant 50-22 and a magnificent try-saving tackle on Josh Ioane in Warriors' win over Connacht last weekend, captain Kyle Steyn takes time out of their preparations to face Bulls in the semi-final of the URC to preview the match with Tom and Andy. Are Bulls at an advantage with Warriors not playing at 'fortress' Scotstoun? Will Glasgow finish the season on a high? Is Glasgow's mojo returning? Tom and Andy have you covered

For more John Prenty, Connacht GAA CEO.

Tom English and Andy Burke answer audience questions and look forward to Glasgow v Connacht in the quarter-finals of the URC, plus who's steering the good ship rugby at the SRU whilst CEO Alex Williamson is on a period of extended leave? Can Connacht turn over the Warriors at Scotstoun? Will Murrayfield be the location if Glasgow make the finals in the URC? And would Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster be a good fit for Glasgow when Franco Smith leaves? Tom and Andy have you covered.

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, Andy Dunne on the cultural issue that keeps costing Leinster in European finals,Munster suffer a major injury blow ahead of their URC playoff quarter-final,And Ciaran Frawley on his decision to leave the province for Connacht this summer.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

It's a massive week as the lads react to the URC quarter-finals being locked in, Glasgow's statement win in Belfast, Cardiff's huge result over the Stormers and Connacht emerging as dark horses. We look ahead to the Champions Cup final in Bilbao and whether Leinster can topple Bordeaux. We also ask whether rugby has a growing drug problem after major bans in Georgia and South Africa. We dive into South Africa's club rugby future with rumours they may be dropping out of Champions Cup, the potential URC-Prem merger, Eddie Jones' suspension, England's new-look training squad and the Premiership chaos after Saints put 94 points on Bristol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of the Red 78, Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the lacklustre performance at the Dexcom Stadium as Connacht run out 26-7 winners, and to look ahead to a huge clash against the Lions on Saturday.

With the dust settling on Mayo's exit from the Connacht championship, and Roscommon celebrating a clean sweep of provincial titles, the next phase of the season is just around the corner. Ger Flanagan joins Rob and Mike to chat about how the Connacht Final played out, how the order in the province has changed, and what it says about Mayo's chances of getting back on track. The lads also discuss how most of the county lads lined out with their clubs last weekend, and Ger tells us how he's found the first few rounds of the senior league - including his evening marking Fergal Boland in Aghamore! 

Roscommon came late to make history in a thrilling Connacht SFC final in King and Moffatt Dr Hyde Park!Overcoming Galway to deny them their fifth-in-a-row of provincial titles, the Senior success followed minor and U-20 Connacht titles, marking the first time Roscommon have ever won all three in the same year.Tommy Rooney chats to Roscommon's Conor Carroll, Dylan Ruane, Ronan Daly, captain Diarmuid Murtagh, and Roscommon boss Mark Dowd amongst party scenes in Dr Hyde Park. #GAA

There are places in Ireland that ask travelers to slow down, look around, and settle into the rhythm of a place instead of rushing through a checklist. Clare Island and Clew Bay in County Mayo are exactly that kind of destination. Just off the coast near Westport, Clare Island offers dramatic landscapes, deep history, welcoming locals, and experiences that feel personal rather than polished for crowds. During a visit to the island, Clare Island Whiskey founder Carl O'Grady shared why this corner of Mayo leaves such a lasting impression on travelers. This article is based on podcast episode 339 featuring Carl O'Grady, owner of Clare Island Whiskey and resident of Clare Island.Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. Why Clare Island and Clew Bay Are Perfect for Slow Travel in Ireland For many visitors, an Ireland itinerary follows the well-known route through Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher. But County Mayo offers something quieter and more intentional. Carl describes the area as a place where travelers can reconnect with Ireland's stories, landscapes, and communities without feeling rushed. Instead of racing between attractions, visitors are encouraged to spend time exploring villages, talking with locals, and experiencing daily life along the Wild Atlantic Way. The journey itself becomes part of the experience. Reaching Clare Island requires a ferry crossing from Roonagh Pier, a short trip that immediately creates a sense of leaving the mainland behind and arriving somewhere distinct. What Makes Clare Island Different Unlike some of Ireland's busier offshore islands, Clare Island remains small and quiet. The island is about five miles long and home to roughly 100 year-round residents. That smaller scale means visitors won't find large crowds or packed tour groups. Instead, they'll discover: Scenic walking trails Quiet beaches Dramatic cliffs Local pubs with music sessions Historical sites connected to Grace O'Malley Opportunities to connect directly with local businesses and guides The island's slower pace is part of its appeal. Exploring Clew Bay from Westport Westport makes an excellent base for exploring Clew Bay and the wider Mayo region. With major updates underway at Westport Estate, the area is becoming an even stronger destination for travelers looking to stay longer in the west of Ireland. From Westport, visitors can easily explore: The Great Western Greenway cycling route Beaches near Louisburgh Croagh Patrick Achill Island Oyster experiences in Clew Bay Sea safaris along the Mayo coastline Clare Island ferry excursions Plan Your Trip, Not Just Your Stops Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they're just a small part of what Ireland offers. The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate. Explore the Ireland Travel Compass Experiences Around Clew Bay Carl highlighted several memorable experiences visitors should consider while exploring the area. Cycle the Great Western Greenway The Greenway follows a former railway line from Westport through Newport and onward toward Achill. Along the route, travelers pass through villages, coastal scenery, and quiet countryside that showcase everyday life in Mayo. Taste Local Seafood Clew Bay is known for exceptional oysters and seafood experiences. Visitors can learn about oyster farming, taste fresh oysters, and enjoy the bay's connection to the Atlantic. Take a Sea Safari Boat trips around Clare Island and the Mayo coastline offer views of towering sea cliffs, seabird colonies, and marine wildlife. Depending on the season, visitors may spot basking sharks, whales, dolphins, and seabirds along the coast. Visit Mayo's Beaches The beaches near Louisburgh and along the Clew Bay coastline are among the most beautiful in Ireland, offering long stretches of sand and incredible Atlantic views without large crowds. Grace O'Malley's Legacy on Clare Island Travelers arriving on Clare Island are greeted by Grace O'Malley's castle overlooking the harbor. Known as the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O'Malley remains one of Ireland's most fascinating historical figures. Carl recommends Anne Chambers' book on Grace O'Malley for anyone interested in learning more about her life and influence. Historic Sites on Clare Island Beyond the castle, the island offers several important historical landmarks. Clare Island Abbey The 12th-century abbey contains rare medieval ceiling paintings dating to the 13th and 14th centuries. The abbey remains one of the island's most significant cultural sites and offers insight into centuries of island life. The Lighthouse The Clare Island Lighthouse has been restored into a unique accommodation experience overlooking the Atlantic. Carl's uncle served as the last lighthouse keeper there during the 1960s. Today, visitors can stay at the lighthouse while enjoying panoramic views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, and the Mayo coastline. Clare Island Whiskey and Supporting the Island Community One of the island's most distinctive visitor experiences is Clare Island Whiskey. Carl explained that the goal is not mass production or global expansion. Instead, the focus is on creating a meaningful experience tied directly to the island and its future. Visitors can join whiskey tastings, learn about the island's history, and meet the people behind the business. The experience reflects the island's overall philosophy of thoughtful tourism and supporting local communities. Staying on Clare Island Visitors have several accommodation options on the island, including: Boutique guesthouses Bed and breakfasts Lighthouse stays Group accommodations Retreat-style experiences For families or multigenerational groups, staying overnight allows time to fully appreciate the island after day visitors depart. Planning a Visit to Clare Island Getting to Clare Island is relatively simple, but it does require a bit more planning than other destinations along the Wild Atlantic Way. Ferries depart from Roonagh Pier near Louisburgh, and weather conditions can occasionally affect crossings during winter months. That extra effort is part of what keeps Clare Island feeling authentic and connected to its community roots. Travelers who make the journey are rewarded with dramatic scenery, meaningful history, and the kind of welcome that leaves a lasting impression long after the ferry returns to the mainland. Start planning your own route The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style. Get the ireland travel compass The post Clare Island and Clew Bay: Slow Travel, Island Stories, and a Different Side of County Mayo appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Fiona Hayes joins Eoin Sheahan for this week's Wednesday Night Rugby, as Ireland are in the middle of their preparations for Wales in the penultimate round of the Six Nations this weekend. Meanwhile, Connacht host a weakened Munster in the URC this weekend, with the race to eight heating up in the final two weeks of the regular season!Wednesday Night Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up today, Leo Cullen takes aim at the haters after Leinster booked their spot in the Investec Champions Cup final.French TV takes aim at Bath criticism of their broadcast of their semi-final defeat to Bordeaux,And the RFU set their aims for the next 18 months, after giving their backing to England head coach Steve Borthwick.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

A century and a half before the “Golden Age of Piracy,” an Irish woman of noble birth was conquering the inland seas and coastlines on the western edge of the island. Gráinne Ó Máille, anglicized to Grace O'Malley, hailed from the Umhaill line, a seafaring clan of Connacht, and while the family did conduct legitimate forms of trade, they also ran protection rackets on boats that tried to fish their waters, and sometimes plundered merchant vessels in the area, as well as settlements belonging to neighboring clans. Her life almost perfectly overlapped Queen Elizabeth I's, and during Grace's life, the English Crown was deeply invested in the conquest of Ireland, mostly by seducing its nobles into servitude with fancy English titles. Barons and Earls proliferated around Dublin for years, but English shenanigans finally reached the West of the country when Grace's first husband was cut out from the line of succession to his family's Chief of the Name. Then he was assassinated, leaving Grace ready and willing to enact violent revenge on his killers. The Crown continued eroding the alliances she was building. Her second husband was demoted from his role as regional king of Connacht while Grace was jailed on a plundering trip. When the Crown-supported king died, Grace and her husband teamed up to raise an army of 2,000 men to insure his succession. He not only got the title, but was named a Baron as well, in exchange for his promise of fealty to English law. But Crown agents had already set their sights on Grace O'Malley as the kind of noteworthy adversary whose arrest or death would send a message throughout the Emerald Isle, and Grace was eventually forced to sail to London to seek an audience with Queen Elizabeth herself, an effort in which she prevailed handily. Grace's story is full of courage, vengeance, and daring-do, but it's also a story rooted in specific moment in time, when the longstanding society of Ireland was changing and being changed. Ireland's Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley saw it all up close, and as a most unconventional woman, charted her own course through. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lads are back from Hong Kong, with plenty to unpack from the trip before getting into a big weekend of rugby. Off the pitch there's fresh investment across the Premiership, Russell signs with Matchroom and questions around the future with Moana Pasifika and the NRL Super League talk. In the Prem, Saints edge Chiefs, Bristol put Gloucester away, Saracens hammer Sale and the race for the top four is wide open. URC wise, Leinster win in Belfast and Connacht get a big one in Cape Town. Leicester fly half Billy Searle joins us after that 62–3 win. We chat form, confidence, life at Tigers and whether England is now in sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices