Podcasts about Connacht

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

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

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.'

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.

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 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.

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)

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

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

Welcome to Wednesday's Rugby Daily with Cameron Hill.Coming up today, James Tracy on Stuart Lancaster becoming Connacht head coach,The Ireland squad is announced for this summer's tour of Georgia and Portugal,And after failing to snap up Jack Crowley, Leicester Tigers set their sights on another possible out-half signing this summer.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Send us a text✨Take the Class Heroes and Villains of Ancient Connacht - https://irishpaganschool.com/p/connachtheroes1Was Queen Medb (Maeve) of Connacht truly just a jealous woman, or is there more to her story?In this episode, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the often misunderstood character of Queen Medb from the Táin Bó Cuailnge. Exploring her motivations, Jon reveals the complexities of Medb's character beyond the superficial image of envy and jealousy.He explains the dynamics of her marriage to Ailill, the significance of her equality demands, and how the famous bull, Donn Cuailnge, was central to her maintaining status as Queen of Connacht. Uncover the real reasons behind Medb's actions in the Ulster Cycle and how her story has been misrepresented through the ages.Learn more about the fascinating figures of Irish mythology and explore Jon's class on the heroes and villains of ancient Connacht at the Irish Pagan School.✨ FREE LEARNING RESOURCES FOR A YEAR! - https://irishpagan.school/free✨ Irish Pagan Resources Checklist available NOW - https://irishpagan.school/checklist/

Colm Boohig, Adrian Barry & Arthur O'Dea will bring you ALL of the morning's biggest stories from the world of sport, the morning after Ireland missed out Nations League promotion, despite victory over Slovenia & Caomhin Kellher completed a move to Brentford!Off The Ball Breakfast w/ UPMC Ireland | #GetBackInAction Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily with Cameron Hill.Coming up, a huge coup for Connacht as Stuart Lancaster is confirmed as new head coach,Jacques Nienaber and Alan Quinlan react to 'wink-gate',And an ex-Leinster centre will swap for Dublin for Provence from next season.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Cameron Hill joins Eoin Sheahan and Gavin Cooney this evening to round up all of the day's sporting action, including massive news in Irish rugby that Stuart Lancaster is returning to Ireland, taking his coaching talents to the West to manage Connacht from July. Also included in today's Newsround are all the latest from Caoimhín Kelleher's move to fellow Premier League side Brentford and all the latest from the Ireland's final Nations League game against Slovenia with Kathleen McNamee and Rachel Sheehan at Parc Uí Chaoimh.

Following successes in Division 2 of the league and the Connacht championship, the Galway senior ladies footballers commence their quest for All-Ireland honours this season when they host Tipperary on Saturday (7th June 2025). The Tribeswomen also travel to Donegal the following week with two teams to qualify for the quarter-finals.  The group winners will have a home fixture in the last eight. 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 Saturday is 2pm.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as the club's new Head Coach. Lancaster has signed a two-year contract and arrives at the province with a wealth of coaching experience at the highest level of the sport, across all three major European leagues and at international level. He most recently served as Head Coach of Racing 92 in France, and before then enjoyed a hugely successful seven-year spell as Senior Coach of Leinster Rugby. With primary responsibility for the day-to-day coaching of the team, he helped lead Leinster to four consecutive PRO14 titles and four Champions Cup finals, including victory in the 2018 decider. As the news broke, Galway Bay FM's William Davies joined John Morley and Darren Kelly on Galway Talks. == He made the move to Leinster after four years as Head Coach of the England national team, with whom he led for four Six Nations campaigns and the 2015 Rugby World Cup in his native country. He was appointed to that role after four years as the RFU's Head of Elite Player Development, where his primary remit was to help young players realise their potential at club and international level. Lancaster began his coaching career over 20 years ago, as Head of Academy at Leeds RFU. He was then appointed Head Coach of the Leeds Tykes in 2006, leading them to promotion to the English Premiership in his first year in charge. After a further year as Head Coach, he was promoted to the RFU. As Head Coach, Lancaster will also have responsibility for defence, thereby completing next season's coaching team. Joining him will be new attack coach Rod Seib, scrum & contact coach Cullie Tucker, and lineout & maul coach John Muldoon. Lancaster will take up the role in time for the beginning of pre-season training in July, and will be formally presented to the media and wider Connacht supporters next month.

Following two group victories, Galway prepare to defend their TG4 Connacht senior ladies football title on Sunday (25th May 2025) when they meet Mayo. It's a repeat of last year's decider which saw Andrea Trill get a late winner for the Tribeswomen.  But Mayo were champions in 2023 when they ran out seven point winners. The winners will seed an All-Ireland championship group containing Donegal and Tipperary, two sides Galway beat in the league.  The runners-up must negotiate Cork and the Munster champions (Kerry or Waterford) to try and reach the quarter-finals. Leading up to the game, Galway manager Daniel Moynihan has been chatting to Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly. == Sarah Ní Loingsigh, Chellene Trill, Louise Ward, Olivia Divilly, Róisín Leonard and Lynsey Noone all come back into the Galway team for their Connacht Senior Final against Mayo. The team in full: Dearbhla Gower in goal; A full back line of Bronagh Quinn, Sarah Ní Loingsigh and captain Kate Geraghty; Hannah Noone, Nicola Ward and Chellene Trill are the half backs; Louise Ward partners Siobhán Divilly in midfield; Olivia Divilly, Kate Thompson and Ailbhe Davoren are on the '40; And an inside line of Lynsey Noone, Róisín Leonard and Kate Slevin. == Mayo have made two changes to the team that started last time out, with Ella Brennan and Saoirse Lally replacing Annie Gough and Suzanne Tuohy.  Mayo: J Gawalkiewicz; L Wallace, N O'Malley, C Durkan; S El Massry, D Caldwell (capt.), E Brennan; H Reape, C Whyte; A McDonnell, S Lally, C Doherty; E Murray, K Sullivan, S Walsh.  Throw-in at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar on Sunday is 1pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.

Nick Winkelman is the head of athletic performance & science for the Irish Rugby Football Union. His primary role is to oversee the delivery and development of strength & conditioning and sports science across all national (Men and Women) and provincial teams (Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster). Before working for Irish Rugby, Nick was the […]

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up today, Munster and Leinster begin preparations for a huge weekend in their respective URC hopes,Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle have their sights set on a Connacht star as a potential new signing this summer,and former Connacht boss Pete Wilkins has landed a new coaching gig.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome along to Friday's Rugby Daily with Cameron Hill.Coming up today, more reaction to the Lions squad announcement, while a key player has emerged as a major doubt for the Wallabies this summer.A big night for Munster and Ulster in their URC clash at Thomond Park,and Leinster and Connacht name their sides for this weekend's domestic action.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Galway have claimed their 4th Connacht Football title in-a-row after defeating Mayo in MacHale Park by a score-line of 1-15 to 1-17. Tommy Rooney gets reactions from Conor Gleeson, Dylan McHugh, Padraic Joyce and Kevin McStay. Off the Ball GAA. To become a member and access our exclusive content simply click: here:http://offtheball.com/join

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - Galway come out the right side of a cracker in Connacht, Kerry get the job done on a scorcher in Killarney, and we've the Ulster and Leinster finals this week too. EnjoyCHAPTERS(00:30) - Sunday Night Excursions on The Pod.(02:00) - Classic in Castlebar - where Galway won and Mayo lost.(30:00) - Tommy spends an hour with Kieran McGeeney...(32:00) - Killarney host Kerry's Munster win against Clare - Banner hopes in All-Ireland?(43:00) - Leinster Final or bust for Louth and Meath.We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too - and if you missed our Roadshow last Friday night in Galway, go watch it back on YouTube or listen on Spotify, we had some craic!Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - Galway come out the right side of a cracker in Connacht, Kerry get the job done on a scorcher in Killarney, and we've the Ulster and Leinster finals this week too. EnjoyCHAPTERS(00:30) - Sunday Night Excursions on The Pod.(02:00) - Classic in Castlebar - where Galway won and Mayo lost.(30:00) - Tommy spends an hour with Kieran McGeeney...(32:00) - Killarney host Kerry's Munster win against Clare - Banner hopes in All-Ireland?(43:00) - Leinster Final or bust for Louth and Meath.We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too - and if you missed our Roadshow last Friday night in Galway, go watch it back on YouTube or listen on Spotify, we had some craic!Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Cameron Hill brings the news on the Leinster injury front.Ulster opt to move on several players as Richie Murphy continues his rebuild.Connacht look for improvement in South Africa.An English legend retires.And the return of a star for New Zealand.Rugby on Off The Ball with thanks to Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you a year's worth of news in one tasty morsel. There's reaction to Leinster's bombshell signing of Rieko Ioane + to that of Pete Wilkins' departure from the Connacht job. A recent U20 Grand Slam-winner has retired at the age of just 23. The Wallabies look poised to appoint their successor to Joe Schmidt.

This is Wednesday's OTB Breakfast Bite, your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Alan Quinlan gave us his immediate reaction to a massive morning in Irish rugby with another All Blacks superstar to join Leinster, and Connacht's head coach exiting stage left. OTB's GAA correspondent Tommy Rooney began our preview of the weekend's action. Denis Walsh talks hurling. And we're joined in studio by Irish MMA star Paul Hughes. But this morning's Bite starts with Quinny, as he reacts to a huge morning in Irish rugby, and then Tommy introduces us to our nearest, youngest GAA pundit.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you details of an increase to the provinces of their contributions towards central contracts. There's mixed injury news from Ulster ahead of their interpro with Leinster. We hear from a frustrated Ian Costello ahead of Munster's date with the Vodacom Bulls at Thomond Park. Cullie Tucker joins us from the Western Cape where Connacht are preparing for the DHL Stormers. And an All Blacks mainstay is cutting short his international career for the riches of Japan.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news from the Leinster camp after they put Glasgow to the sword in the Investec Champions Cup. We hear from Jacques Nienaber and Joe McCarthy as Leinster attentions turn to Ulster in the URC. Connacht's Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Racing has come with added cost. Eben Etzebeth scotches retirement talk.And Ireland lick their wounds after a second half mauling at the hands of England in the W6N.