Podcasts about Connacht

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look back on the Reds' win over Connacht that saw them pick up their fifth straight URC win. We'll also look ahead to Munster's clash with the Argentina XV, and Ireland's clash with New Zealand in Soldier Field. Get in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email therugbychannel@bauermedia.ieSubscribe to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Off The Ball app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join.

Menlough-Skehana manager Thomas Flynn speaks to Tommy Devane after a 0-10 to 0-5 victory over Curry of Sligo in the Connacht Junior A Ladies Football semi-final. They will meet Northern Harps of Roscommon in the final next Saturday November 1st. 

On Wednesday, AIB proudly marked the launch of the AIB GAA, LGFA, and Camogie All-Ireland Club Championships, underscoring its unique support for four codes of Gaelic Games, celebrating the joy and support that defines the club experience. Joining AIB for the launch are ambassadors Louise Ward (Kilkerrin-Clonberne), Aoife Prendergast (Dicksboro), Shane O'Donnell (Éire Óg), and Jordan Morris (Kingscourt Stars), who all embody the spirit of their clubs. Louise Ward caught up with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly at the event. == Kilkerrin-Clonberne travel to Westport in the AIB Connacht Senior Ladies Football Championship Semi-Final on Sunday, 2nd November.  Throw-in at Westport GAA is 1pm.

Rod Seib joins William Davies ahead of a big weekend for Connacht Rugby. Head coach Stuart Lancaster has included Josh Murphy in nine changes for tomorrow's United Rugby Championship trip to Munster. Ballina native Harry West makes his senior debut at full back. Kick-off at Thomond Park tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.45pm, and we'll have full coverage on our website http://galwaybayfm.ie 

Welcome to Wednesday's Rugby Daily, with David Wilson.Coming up, Clayton McMillan on Munster's tough test against Connacht.Gerry Thornley on an Irish bolter.And another Springbok gets a ban, much to the chagrin of Rassie Erasmus.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Just one year after losing their intermediate status, Williamstown continue in thier attempt to return to the second tier of Galway football on Saturday (25th October) when they clash with Carna-Caiseal in the Primary Junior Final. Williamstown secured the North Board crown two weeks ago when they overcame Headford on penalties.  And while promotion isn't on offer in this weekend's fixture, a second trophy will also secure qualification to the Connacht championship. Leading up to the game, Williamstown manager Sean Keaveney spoke to Galway Bay FM's John Mulligan. == Throw-in at Pearse Stadium on Saturday is 5.30pm and we'll have full coverage on our website galwaybayfm.ie.

Trojan Track, BackAware and Slíglas have been named as Munster regional winners at this year's InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition. The three categories included Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer and Deep Tech. Trojan Track won in the B2B category, BackAware won in the B2C category, while Slíglas won in the Deep Tech category. Each company received €50,000 and will advance to the All-Island final in Dublin on November 13th. The InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition is the largest business competition of its kind on the island of Ireland, offering a total prize fund of €800,000 to promising start-ups and early-stage businesses. The Seedcorn competition offers start-up businesses the chance to win big without giving away an equity stake. B2B Category Trojan Track, based at the National Equine Innovation Centre at the Irish National Stud in Kildare, was founded in December 2021 by biomedical engineer Stephen O'Dwyer. Trojan Track provides an accessible, non-invasive way to monitor a horse's movement, without disrupting their routine or relying on expensive, uncomfortable wearable tech. The AI-driven platform delivers objective, science-backed insights into a horse's biomechanics. Whether the aim is to enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury, or support recovery, TrojanTrack gives the data required to make smarter decisions. Built on innovation, tested in real-world environments, and designed with the welfare of the horse at its core, TrojanTrack is shaping the future of equine care. Stephen O'Dwyer, Founder and CEO of Trojan Track, said: "Seedcorn has been a brilliant experience for us as a startup. It's validation that TrojanTrack isn't just a great product, but a scalable SaaS business with global potential. The feedback from judges and mentors has been invaluable as we prepare for our next funding round." B2C Category Meanwhile, BackAware, who are based in Kilkenny, won in the B2C category. The BackAware Belt is a wearable technology that gives instant feedback on your back position, allowing for better posture and lifting technique. Founder Eoin Everard's idea came about after he saw people exercise in the gym in a way that was going to cause a lot of problems. Eoin Everard, Founder and CEO of BackAware, said: "I am delighted to win in the B2C category in the Seedcorn Connacht and Leinster finals. I'm really looking forward to the national finals in Dublin next month. Thanks to InterTradeIreland for all of their support to date. Entering Seedcorn has been hugely valuable, and I feel our messaging for pitching to investors is now much clearer now. We received great feedback each step of the way to improve our investor readiness. The money from the regional competition will allow us to complete the development of our product, making us more attractive to investors in 2026." Deep Tech Category Slíglas was founded in 2024 by Paul McGoldrick and Sadhbh McCarrick and is based in Sligo. Slíglas transforms residual biomass into biochar for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). This is done by heating woody residues to create a stable form of carbon that can be sequestered in soil. Put another way, Slíglas is the reverse of fossil fuel extraction, instead returning carbon to the earth. Slíglas sells removals to companies looking to offset hard-to-abate emissions as part of their wider net-zero strategy. Paul McGoldrick, CEO of Slíglas, said: "We are delighted that Slíglas have won in the Seedcorn regional finals. Slíglas's USP encompasses both tech and market. The company is developing streamlined pyrolysis reactors optimised for carbon dioxide removal. Ireland is a massive untapped opportunity, with abundant residues suitable for conversion to biochar and a large agriculture sector that can benefit from biochar application to boost soil health." All companies emerged victorious from a group of six innovative start-ups and early-stage businesses representing Connacht and Leinster. T...

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss Munster's superb showing in Croke Park as they defeat old rivals Leinster, and to preview Saturday's clash with Connacht at Thomond Park. The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Off The Ball app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join

Its a frustrating loss for Connacht. Fans are upset, but is it still too early?Also we break down a huge win for Munster and what this means for Irish rugby.

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Steve Crosbie, former professional rugby player turned founder of Fad Saoil Saunas — one of the pioneers of Ireland's sauna movement. After years playing for Leinster, Munster, and Connacht, Steve walked away from his dream rugby career at just 26. The transition from athlete to entrepreneur wasn't easy, but it led him somewhere unexpected: into the cold Irish sea. Out of heartbreak and healing came Fad Saoil Saunas - a business that began with one barrel sauna at the 40 Foot and grew into a nationwide wellness brand. Steve shares how he rebuilt his identity, how sport shaped his approach to business, and why starting small (and freezing cold) can sometimes lead to the warmest success. If you've ever wondered what happens after the dream ends, this story proves that endings can be the start of something extraordinary. Show Notes In this episode, we cover:

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, we'll take a pause from the Leinster-Munster buildup to talk about Connacht and Ulster,Gerry Thornley's surprising shout for a replacement at full-back for Ireland, with Hugo Keenan unavailable,And some interesting selection calls by Australia in their squad for the November internationals.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

The panel go over Cardiff's battling win against Connacht, preview the first Welsh derby of the season against Dragons and there's the inside line on a potential new buyer of the club as Hollywood makes its move. #Cardiff #Rugby #URC #WRU #ScrumV #Rugbyonline #CarDra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Connacht suffer their first loss and its a frustrating one. But we feel positive coming out of it. We discuss the hope we have and an upcoming tough 3 game stretch.

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

The Book of Lecan Conference During this two-day event in October 2025, speakers explored the production of the Book of Lecan or Leabhar Mór Lecain, its scribes and patrons, and the texts contained within the manuscript. The manuscript known as the Book of Lecan (Leabhar Mór Lecain) was created in Co. Sligo in the early fifteenth century. It contains a large amount of genealogical material, especially relating to the families with which the scribes were associated, as well as historical, biblical and hagiographical material. Included are a Dindshenchas, Bansenchas, and versions of Lebor Gabála, Uraicept an nÉces, Cóir Anmann, and Book of Rights. The conference papers shared new insights into how the manuscript was produced, its history of ownership and the significance of the various texts found within the compilation. The event was a collaboration between the Royal Irish Academy, Maynooth University, and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. Recordings have some of the lectures have been made available, subject to the presenters' consent. It is hoped that the proceedings of this conference will be published as part of the Codices Hibernenses Eximii series in due course. Thursday 2 October 2025 2.00 pm Making the Book of Lecan - Pádraig Ó Macháin 2.45 pm The Later History of the Book of Lecan - Bernadette Cunningham 3.30 pm Coffee break 4.00 pm Poets and Poetry in the Book of Lecan - Elizabeth Boyle 4.45 pm Lebor Bretnach and the International Perspective of the Book of Lecan - Patrick Wadden Friday 3 October 2025 9.30am A History of the Men of Britain: Text and Context - Alex Woolf 10.15 am Lebor na Cert: a “Grossly Overrated” Text? - Seán Ó Hoireabhárd 11.00 am Coffee break 11.30 am Gilla Íosa Mór: Pseudohistorian - John Carey 12.15 pm Shaping Dindshenchas Érenn: What the Book of Lecan Version Reveals - Máire Ní Mhaonaigh and David McCay 1.00 pm Lunch 2.30pm A Return to Cóir Anmann: its Etymologies, its Date and the Book of Lecan Text - Sharon Arbuthnot 3.15pm The Book of Lecan's Secular Genealogies (especially those of Connacht) - Nollaig Ó Muraíle 4.00 pm “A Splendid Family Heirloom”: Manuscript Illumination and the School of Lecan - Karen Ralph

Dan, Tony, Andrew & Simon go over Cardiff's loss at Munster and preview the game against Connacht via Tom Bowen's cartoon legs, Wales' non-carrying ball carriers, a fan raffle at centre and an actual tin foil hat. #Welshrugby #Walesrugby #Cardiffrugby #Rugby #URC #CarvCon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Monday's Rugby Daily with David Wilson.Coming up, Leinster face the music as the Lions are welcomed back.Connacht switch focus from the Scarlets to Cardiff.Munster CEO Ian Fitzgerald hits back at transfer dealings.And tributes paid to English World Cup winner Lewis Moody who has been diagnosed with MND.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome to Friday's Rugby Daily with David Wilson.Coming up, Storm Amy causes an Ulster cancellation.Leinster and Connacht name their URC teams.Irish players get a warning regarding the rogue R360.And Joe Schmidt has his say on what the new face of rugby could look like.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, I'm Cameron Hill.Coming up today, Munster assess their squad ahead of the visit of Cardiff this weekend.Fiona Hayes on the start of the Lancaster era at Connacht,Nic White is coming back out of retirement for a second time,And players at a French club are threatening strike action over the suspension of one of their coaches.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

This week the URC kicks off and we cover Connacht vs Benetton / Zebre vs Edinburgh games, i say we, this week it is just Coach in a dark room talking to himself about Italian Rugby whilst his friends galivant around Rome! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht start the season wit a home win against Benetton. We recap the game and give our thoughts on a good start.

Welcome to Monday's Rugby Daily, with David Wilson.Coming up, we will get the latest from both the Leinster and Connacht camps after contrasting starts to their United Rugby Championship campaigns.Leinster's Robin McBryde apologises for the poor showing.Stuart Lancaster says that there is good work done, but plenty more to do.Rassie Erasmus on a phenomenal performance from his out-halve.And which Scottish lock could be on his way out the door of Bordeaux-Begles?Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On this week's show (28th September 2025): Maigh Cuilinn, Corofin, Salthill-Knocknacarra and Tuam Stars qualify for the Bon Secours Senior Football Semi-Finals, while St. Michael's suffer relegation; Caltra, Corofin, An Spidéal and St. Brendan's are the final four in the race for the intermediate title; Connacht begin life under Stuart Lancaster with victory in the BKT United Rugby Championship; And Galway United get their first win in 12 games in the SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division; All this and more. == The #fulltimewhistle is Sponsored by Getsetgo Game Changing online car, home and travel insurance that's faster, better and easier! == Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals Maigh Cuilinn 2-19 Oughterard 2-12 Corofin 2-20 Dunmore MacHales 0-10 Tuam Stars 1-21 Killannin 0-17 AET Salthill-Knocknacarra 5-15 St. James 0-17 Senior Football Relegation Final Bearna na Forbacha 2-11 St. Michael's 1-7 Intermediate Football Championship Quarter-Finals St. Brendan's 5-15 Caherlistrane 1-25 AET An Spideal 4-10 Cortoon Shamrocks 2-14 Corofin 1-12 Kilkerrin-Clonberne 0-12 Caltra 2-20 Oileain Arann 0-21 Intermediate Football Relegation Semi-Finals Oranmore-Maree 3-14 Clifden 3-11 An Cheathru Rua 1-14 St. Gabriel's 2-9 Primary Junior Football West Semi-Final Carna-Caiseal 3-13 Clonbur 2-16 AET (Carna-Caiseal won 4-2 on penalties) Primary Junior Football North Semi-Final Headford 3-16 Killererin 3-13 Primary Junior 2 Football Quarter-Final Annaghdown 2-11 Maigh Cuilinn 2-10 Tuam Stars 0-20 St. James 1-11 Junior A North Board Football Final Oranmore-Maree 2-12 Glinsk 1-13 Junior A West Board Final Kinvara 3-16 Na Piarsaigh 0-4 Senior LGFA Semi-Finals Claregalway 2-13 Salthill-Knocknacarra 3-6 Kilkerrin-Clonberne 4-17 Maigh Cuilinn 0-4 Senior LGFA Relegation Play-Off Dunmore MacHales 4-12 Naomh Mhuire 1-12 Intermediate LGFA Semi-Finals Tuam Stars 3-13 Oughterard 1-8 Caltra Cuans 1-10 Naomh Anna Leitir Moir 0-4 Intermediate LGFA Relegation Play-Off Bearna na Forbacha 4-7 St. James 3-8 Junior A LGFA Semi-Final Monivea-Abbey 4-14 Caherlistrane 2-10 Menlough-Skehana 2-12 Grainne Mhaols 2-7 Junior A LGFA Relegation Clonbur 4-7 Milltown 3-7 Junior B LGFA Semi-Finals Kilkerrin-Clonberne 6-18 Kilconly 1-15 Salthill-Knocknacarra 2-13 Annaghdown 0-5 Junior B LGFA Relegation Ballinasloe 2-9 Corofin 1-6 Junior B Hurling Semi-Final Tommy Larkins 1-11 Turloughmore 0-12 Junior E Hurling Semi-Final Loughrea 4-18 Annaghdown 3-9 Under 17A Hurling Semi-Finals Athenry 2-30 Craughwell 4-24 (3-1 on penalties) Oranmore-Maree 2-19 Loughrea 5-9 Under 17B Hurling Semi-Finals Michael Cusacks 1-18 Portumna 1-13 Gort 4-12 Moycullen 0-13 Under-17B1 Hurling Semi-Finals Ahascragh-Fohenagh 3-20 Annaghdown 3-9 Micheal Breathnach 2-25 Padraig Pearses 5-8 Under 17C Hurling Final Abbeyknockmoy 5-23 Liam Mellows 4-15 Under 16A Hurling Shield Final Carnmore 2-13 Turloughmore 0-7 Intermediate Camogie Championship Play-Off St. Colman's 1-9 Cappataggle 0-6 United Rugby Championship Connacht 26-15 Benetton Stormers 35-0 Leinster Glasgow Warriors 35-19 Sharks Ulster 42-21 Dragons Bulls 53-40 Ospreys Zebre 31-28 Edinburgh Scarlets 21-34 Munster Cardiff 33-20 Lions SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division Galway United 2-1 Cork City Drogheda United 1-1 Derry City Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Bohemians Shelbourne 2-1 Waterford Sligo Rovers 1-0 St. Patrick's Athletic SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division Wexford 1-0 Galway United Bohemians 3-2 Sligo Rovers Shelbourne 1-2 Athlone Town Treaty United 0-6 Peamount Waterford 1-8 Shamrock Rovers Galway FA Men's Premier Division Moyne Villa 2-1 Athenry Salthill Devon 3-2 Mervue United Maree-Oranmore 1-4 Colga Renmore 3-3 Corrib Celtic Salthill Devon 4-12pts, Colga 10pts, Moyne Villa 9pts

Galway Bay FM were in Screene's on the Square this Thursday (25th September) for a special online BKT United Rugby Championship Preview ahead of Connacht's opening game against Benetton this Saturday (27th). Ollie Turner and William Davies were joined by Jimmy Screene, Orla Dixon, Emer O'Dowd, Alan Deegan, Dave Finn and former Connacht stars Johnny O'Connor and Jarrad Butler. == Our Connacht Rugby coverage for this season is brought to you by ‘Screene's on the Square'. Kick-off between Connacht and Benetton at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday is 7.45pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.

Connacht begin the 2025/26 BKT United Rugby Championship season this Saturday (27th September 2025) when they host Italy's Benetton. They last met in March when Connacht were 38-30 victors in Galway thanks to tries from Finn Treacy, Shayne Bolton, Paul Boyle, Shamus Hurley-Langton and Matthew Devine. Galway Bay FM's William Davies looks ahead to the game and chats to Connacht lineout & maul coach John Muldoon, and Benetton assistant coach (and former Connacht head coach) Pete Wilkins. == Kick-off at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday is 7.45pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM. Our Connacht Rugby coverage is brought to you by 'Screene's on the Square.'

After extolling the virtues of the cow's physiology, vet and herd manager Nial O'Boyle returns to talk about the cow's role in human progress and civilisation. Sharing stories that focus on the links between humans and cows, throughout the ages, Nial highlights common themes such as kinship, loyalty, betrayal and wealth. Then to emphasise just how integrated bovine products are in our lives, we share how a day in the life of a typical person might look. Highlights from this educational and fun-filled episode include: Queen Maeve of Connacht, vulcanisation, whitening of sugar, a false eye, and learning how the cow forms part of the borth of the world.After hearing this episode, you'll be reminded how we shouldn't take cows for granted and reflect on the many ways we've benefitted from having them in our lives.If you'd like to hear more from Nial, check out episode 8 in Season 3.

Welcome to Wednesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, Ulster head coach Richie Murphy as his side gear up for the new URC season.Stuart Lancaster on building on Connacht's potential in his first season in charge.And Matt Williams talks URC, while Rassie Erasmus talks Matt Williams.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

We are back after an international break to forget and savouring a weekend to remember in the FAI Cup unless you happen to be from Connacht. Kerry FC's heroic exploits take top billing, but there's a heavy Sligo Rovers angle to that drama too while Johnny was down at Richmond Park to hear from Kian Leavy and John Caulfield after St Patrick's Athletic got the better of Galway. Dan details a dramatic night in Drogheda and there's a bit of Derry chat too in a crowded mailbag that includes TV statistics, Israel, the DUP and why the difficult child has become the FAI's favourite distraction. In a week of 4-3 wins, we remain grateful to our four sponsors who make this happen consistently - our friends at Future Ticketing, Rascals Brewing, Collar & Cuff and Sport Cosanta

It was a memorable weekend for Connacht golf at Athlone Golf Club as Claremorris and Gort claimed their first AIG Pierce Purcell Shield and Women's Intermediate Foursomes Championships respectively. Gort claimed victory in the Women's Intermediate Foursomes. Having eased past Monkstown 3.5–0.5 in Friday's semi-final, they maintained that form against Munster West champions, Ballyneety in the final. Petra O'Connor and Sinead Collins set the tone with a 6&5 win, before Joan Fogarty and Sara Broderick quickly doubled the advantage by taking their match 7&5. Jane Joyce and Geraldine Connors then secured the half point needed, shaking hands on the 14th green to confirm victory and a first AIG Women's Intermediate Foursomes title for the Galway club. “We weren't expecting to get this far but it's absolutely fantastic for our team,” said Gort team captain Hannah McInerney. “We're just thrilled and very proud of this team. They put a lot of teamwork and dedication into it.” “We have some very seasoned golfers that would be used to match play and then we have a few golfers that are new to golf. One of the women in our first match is two years playing golf so a nice mix.” Team Captain Hannah McInerney spoke to John Mulligan on Saturday Sport.

Corinthians ran in six tries to get off to the perfect start in the Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior League in Dubarry Park on Thursday evening (28th August 2025). The visitors got two tries from John Hughes, while Patrick Fahy, CP Leonard, Hiram Wood-Hennessy and Joey Tierney also crossed the whitewash. Afterwards, Corinthians head coach Ambrose Conboy chatted to Galway Bay FM's John Mulligan. == Next up is Galwegians hosting Sligo on Saturday (30th August 2025).  Kick-off at Crowley Park is 2pm. The Galway city derby between Corinthians and Galwegians will take place in Corinthian Park next Friday (5th September) at 8pm.

Connacht have made 14 changes for Saturday's under-18 girls interprovincial final against Leinster with Tuam/Oughterard's Juno Hayes remaining in the 2nd row (30th August 2025) The Galway contingent on the starting team includes Ballinasloe trio Roisin O'Sulivan, Esther Albert and co-captain Anna McDermott; Tuam/Oughterards' Aoibh Morrow and Juno Hayes; Creggs' Mia White and Ciara Corrigan; along with Gort Monivea's Cairinn Kearns. Connacht under-18 head coach Craig Hansberry caught up with Galway Bay FM's William Davies. == Kick-off at UCD on Saturday is 2.45pm. CONNACHT U18 GIRLS MATCHDAY SQUAD VS LEINSTER RUGBY 15. Roisin O'Sullivan (Ballinasloe RFC) 14. Kate Gallagher (Ballina RFC) 13. Esther Albert (Ballinasloe RFC) 12. Ruth Conway (Westport RFC) Co-Captain 11. Aoibh Morrow (Tuam/Oughterard RFC) 10. Mia White (Creggs RFC) 9. Kitty Fin Sweeney (Westport RFC) 1. Isabel Lynott (Ballina RFC) 2. Ciara Corrigan (Creggs RFC) 3. Cairínn Kearns (Gort/Monivea RFC) 4. Aoibhinn Lyons (Westport RFC) 5. Juno Hayes (Tuam/Oughterard RFC) 6. Ruby Jennings (Claremorris RFC) 7. Anna McDermott (Ballinasloe RFC) Co-Captain 8. Evie Kennedy (Ballina RFC) 16. Millie Ager (Claremorris RFC) 17. Holly Horkan (Westport RFC) 18. Sharron Thornton (Tuam/Oughterard RFC) 19. Orla Palasz (Westport RFC) 20. Poppy Tunney Ware (Westport RFC) 21. Maebh Smith (Claremorris RFC) 22. Sally Fleming (Buccaneers RFC) 23. Leah McNamara (Westport RFC)

Connacht have made one change for Saturday's interprovincial 3rd/4th play-off against Ulster (30th August 2025). Lesley Ring comes into the back row, while Tuam/Oughterard's Karly Tierney is among the replacements.  Leading up to the game, Connacht head coach Emer O'Dowd has been chatting to Galway Bay FM's Alan Deegan. == Kick-off at Energia Park on Saturday is 2pm.

John Mulligan looks back at a busy weekend of Galway sport with reports on the County Senior, Senior B and Intermediate Hurling Championships, Galway United, Connacht in Rugby, success for Galway Bay and Gort in Golf and John Shortt's win at the World Junior Swimming Championships.

John Mulligan looks back at a busy weekend of Galway sport with reports on the County Senior, Senior B and Intermediate Hurling Championships, Galway United, Connacht in Rugby, success for Galway Bay and Gort in Golf and John Shortt's win at the World Junior Swimming Championships. 

RUGBY: Connacht head coach Emer O'Dowd with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their final round-robin interprovincial fixture against Leinster

RUGBY: Connacht vice captain Poppy Garvey with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their third interprovincial round-robin fixture against Leinster

On Sunday, the 7th of September, A man well known in the Connacht Rugby Community will begin a challenge in aid of Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin. Lyndon Jones is Rugby Participation Manager at Connacht Rugby and will walk 270km from his home in Westport to Temple Street to raise money for the Children's Health Foundation and Hugh's House. Hugh's House is a charity that provides accommodation for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment in The Rotunda, The Coombe, Holles Street and Temple Street Hospitals. The walk has a deeply personal meaning for Lyndon, whose son Lachlan passed away at just 12 weeks old. Lachlan spent his short and meaningful life in the care of the teams at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and the High Dependency Unit in St Michael's B Ward at Temple Street Children's Hospital and this wall will not only honour Lachlan's memory but will also give something back to those who helped the family through the hardest time of their lives. Lyndon spoke to John Mulligan about the walk and started by telling us Lachlan's story.

If you read the Annals of Tigernach, you will find that Máel Brigte mac Mothlachán killed Rogallach mac Uatach, King of Connacht, in battle, because the Uí Briúin tribe had been encroaching on the territory of the Corco Cullu, and so it was one of those normal murders. However, if you read the renowned and beloved Geoffrey Keating, you will discover that no, Rogallach, riding his white horse, was killed by servants, after a dispute about who had actually killed a deer, but before that Rogallach had been living a version of Oedipus, sleeping with his daughter, who had been, as an infant sent out to die, but a huntsman saved her, and then later her dad met her and incestuous relations followed. We do talk about Connacht, and Rogallach, and Máel Brigte mac Mothlachán, but really what Anne is concerned about is the inability of some historians to tell the difference between history and storytelling, and Michelle, bless her heart, is driven to sputtering outrage by the inability of some scholars to tell you where they found the stuff, history or story, either one.

The Connacht team has been announced for Sunday's interprovincial opener against Munster (10th August 2025). Ros A'Mhil's Eabha Nic Dhonnacha captains the team. Jemima Adams Verling and Poppy Garvey are vice-captains. Head coach Emer O'Dowd has been chatting to Galway Bay FM's William Davies. == The Connacht team in full: 15. Clara Barrett (UL Bohemian RFC) 14. Emily Foley (Galwegians RFC) 13. Orla Dixon (Galwegians RFC) 12. Éabha Nic Dhonnacha (UL Bohemian RFC) Captain 11. Ava Ryder (Blackrock College RFC) 10. Siofra Hession (Creggs RFC) 9. Grainne Moran (Galwegians RFC) 1. Ella Burns (Tuam/Oughterard RFC/Galwegians RFC) 2. Lily Brady (UL Bohemian RFC) 3. Megan Collis (Railway Union) 4. Poppy Garvey (Railway Union) Vice-Captain 5. Grace Browne Moran (Galwegians RFC) 6. Beibhinn Gleeson (Tuam/Oughterard RFC) 7. Lesley Ring (Old Belvedere) 8. Jemima Adams Verling (Creggs RFC) Vice-Captain 16. Stacy Hanley (Galwegians RFC) 17. Hannah Coen (Creggs RFC) 18. Roisin Maher (Galwegians RFC) 19. Ailish Quinn (Galwegians RFC) 20. Caoilfhionn Morrissey (Ennis/Kilrush RFC) 21. Karly Tierney (Tuam/Oughterard RFC) 22. Sinead O'Brien (Galwegians RFC) 23. Fódhla Ní Bhraonáin (Tuam/Oughterard RFC) Kick-off at Virgin Media Park, Cork on Sunday is 4.15pm.

The GAA community in Galway and Roscommon is in mourning following the announcement that Don Connellan died on Monday (4th August 2025). The Kilmore native won the Connacht Senior Football Championship as a player with Roscommon in 2001 before making his mark with Maigh Cuilinn. He led the west Galway club to their first-ever Frank Fox Cup (senior football championship) in 2020, beating Mountbellew-Moylough, before repeating the trick against Salthill-Knocknacarra two years later.  They also won the Connacht crown in 2020.  He was Maigh Cuilinn for six seasons between 2018 and 2023. A brother-in-law of former Galway player Paul Clancy, the Kilmore native was a Garda based in Galway for 24 years, and he was also part of the NUIG Galway backroom team that won the Sigerson Cup in 2022. On Galway Talks on Tuesday, Maigh Cuilinn chairperson Sean Houlihan and Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins joined John Morley and Darren Kelly to pay tribute to Don.

NFL's newest recruit from Ireland Mark McNamee (Green Bay Packers) and ex-Connacht and ex NFL International Pathways Player Darragh Leader join Ger Gilroy and Colm Boohig ahead of the 2025 NFL season getting underway. Mark had signed with the BC Lions in Vancouver in the CFL but signed for the Wisconsin NFL side earlier this month, joining Wicklow's own Daniel Whelan as the second Irishman on their roster.OTB Breakfast w/ UPMC #GetBackInActionTo become a member and access our exclusive content simply click: here:http://offtheball.com/join All the perks right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfGDs3EEl0RHUwgdEGeCL_A/join

Former Dublin goalkeeper Ciara Trant played against Galway in the 2019 All-Ireland senior final in front of a record 56,114 Croke Park attendance on a rainy day where the Metropolitians completed a three-in-a-row with a 2-3 to 0-4 victory on a rainy day. She also played against the Tribeswomen in the 2018 semi-final, but has seen improvement in the Connacht champions since, including their performance in the 2024 quarter-final in Parnell Park. Ciara caught up with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly to look ahead to the 2025 meeting between the two All-Ireland contenders. == Throw-in at Glenfisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore on Saturday (19th July 2025) is 7.30pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.

RUGBY: Connacht and Creggs back row Ivana Kiripati with Galway Bay FM's William Davies before the 2025 World Cup

Send us a text✨ FREE LEARNING RESOURCES FOR A YEAR! - https://irishpagan.school/freeDid the two legendary bulls, the Donn Cuailnge and the Finnbhennach, have a rivalry in the Táin Bó Cuailnge? In this engaging video, Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School delves deep into the lore of Ireland's Ulster Cycle to uncover the myth behind these famous creatures. Discover the backstory of the two bulls, which traces back to their former incarnations as pig keepers, Friuch and Rucht, and their endless rivalry through multiple lifetimes. Jon explains how this mythological feud between Connacht and Ulster ultimately culminates in their final showdown. This fascinating journey into Celtic mythology highlights the connection between the bulls and the Irish Otherwor.Explore more Irish mythology, heritage, and spirituality with us at the Irish Pagan School, and gain access to free resources on Irish culture!✨ Irish Pagan Resources Checklist available NOW - https://irishpagan.school/checklist/

Connacht Rugby's announcement back in June (2025) that former England head coach and Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster caught a lot of attention. Lancaster brings experience probably not seen by any of his predecessors, including leading his country into the 2015 World Cup, helping Leinster to four PRO14 titles and the 2018 European Champions Cup, and he recently served as head coach in Racing 92 in France. His career spans over 20 years, and he'll have responsibility for defence as well as his Head Coach role. Stuart Lancaster has been chatting to Galway Bay FM's William Davies. == Connacht will start the European Challenge Cup away to Ospreys on Sunday, 7th December, before hosting Georgia's Black Lion six days later. Connacht then head to Montpellier on Sunday, 11th January, before welcoming French side Mont-a-bán on the 17th.

Welcome to Thursday's Rugby Daily with Cameron Hill.Coming up, new Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster lays out his plans for next season,Gerry Thornley on whether Leinster have declined since Lancaster left,And ahead of the Premiership semi-finals, we'll hear from Michael Cheika, Pat Lam and Johann van Graan.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting