Galway Bay fm - Sports

Irish Professional Darts Player Willie O'Connor will be in Glenamaddy on Friday night when he plays an exhibition in the Oakland Hotel.  O'Connor is ranked inside the World Top 50 and reached the World Cup of Darts Final with Steve Lennon in 2019.  He has also played in the PDC World Championships every year from 2018 to this year where he reached the second round.  Willie spoke to John Mulligan on Saturday Sport.

XVAcademy will be looking to build on the success of last year's Salthill Fives by giving free coaching sessions during this year's tournament on the June Bank Holiday Weekend.  Last year, over 100 boys and girls took part in the sessions over the weekend and this year, they are aiming to train close to 200 - all for free, over the two days. The Academy has also launched a batch of weekly programmes that will take place next week in Ballinasloe, Castlebar, Westside and Clarinbridge. Xavi Vázquez is the founder and head coach of the Academy and he spoke to John Mulligan on Saturday Sport.

Creggs RFC celebrates 50 years in existence this year.  The club, based on the Galway/Roscommon border, has grown from small beginnings to one of the most progressive in the country during that time.  Over the last 50 years, they have developed fabulous facilities exceeding any parameters regarding inclusivity and social inclusion. In recent years, they have installed an all-weather 4G pitch, a 950m walkway that is fully lit and tarred and totally wheelchair accessible, a Gymnasium with IFI accredited equipment and Dressing rooms with individual shower-part changing cubicles each that specifically cater for female needs with wheelchair accessible cubicles also included. The club also built a “Changing Places” room and 2 Disability Toilets with a “Sensory Room and a fully equipped Community Room. The work to build these facilities all came from community effort.  William Davies was there when the club hosted the Junior Interprovincial between Connacht and Leinster.

Racing at home on Saturday (11th May 2024) is in Naas and Cork. Cross-channel, there are meetings in Lingfield, Ascot, Haydock, Nottingham, Hexham, Leicester and Warwick. With his 'Saturday Six,' here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Galway's masters football team begin their All-Ireland championship campaign on Saturday (11th May 2024) when they travel to face a combined Leitrim/Longford outfit. It's the first of six games for the Tribesmen who also play Sligo, Kerry, Mayo, Derry and Roscommon during the round-robin phase. Galway were semi-finalists last year before going down to Kerry. Leading up to the start of this campaign, Galway manager Mike Walsh has been chatting to Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly. == Throw-in at Fr. Manning Gaels, Drumlish on Saturday is 2pm.

SOCCER: Galway United 0-0 Sligo Rovers (SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match commentary with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty and Derek Rogers)

SOCCER: Galway United assistant manager Ollie Horgan with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty after their 0-0 draw with Sligo Rovers

After the disappointment of relegation from Division One last month, Galway attempt to get their season back on track this Sunday (12th May 2024) when they meet May in the Connacht senior ladies football final. It's a repeat of last year's decider when the green and red were 3-13 to 2-9 victors to win a first provincial crown since 2016.  The Tribeswomen have also fallen to two one-point losses to their neighbours since - in the 2023 All-Ireland senior quarter-final (0-10 to 1-6) and the 2024 National League (2-5 to 0-10). Victory for either team will guarantee top seeding for the TG4 All-Ireland series. Leading up to the game, Galway manager Daniel Moynihan has been chatting to Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly. == Throw-in at St. Brigid's GAA, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon on Sunday is 2pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM. == TG4 Connacht Senior Championship Final by Jackie Cahill Galway v Mayo: St Brigid’s, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon; 2pm – Live on Spórt TG4 YouTube https://bit.ly/3UTa2FO Both teams concluded their Lidl National League campaigns in contrasting styles against Waterford. Mayo beat the Déise to conclude their League campaign on a positive note, with top flight status retained, but Galway lost to Waterford and suffered relegation to Division 2. Galway will hope that the Championship brings much better fortunes, while Mayo will be hoping to retain the provincial crown they won last year against the Tribeswomen. Galway were aiming for five-in-a-row in the western province but Mayo came good to land the Connacht title for the first time since 2016. Both counties have been inactive in a competitive sense since the League campaign, with Galway preparing for their first outing since April 7, while Mayo haven’t played since March 24. It may take both sides a little time to settle into the game but a cracking encounter is anticipated and Galway have made just one change to the team that lost to Waterford, with Chellene Trill coming in for Emilie Gavin in defence. Mayo, meanwhile, have opted for three changes in personnel, with captain Saoirse Lally, Ciara Durkan and Aoife Staunton coming in for Hannah Reape, Saoirse Delaney and Sinead Walsh. Galway: D Gower; M Jordan, S Lynch, C Trill; K Geraghty, N Ward, C Cooney; M Glynn, A Davoren (capt.); O Divilly, S Hynes, M Walsh; E Reaney, L Coen, R Leonard. Mayo: L Brennan; S Lally (capt.), N O’Malley, K Sullivan; E Ronayne, C Durkan, D Caldwell; A Geraghty, E Murray; F McLaughlin, C Needham, S Cafferky; A Staunton, M Cannon, L Cafferky.

FOOTBALL: Galway 2-17 Leitrim 1-10 (Connacht MFC match report with Galway Bay FM's Kevin Dwyer)

FOOTBALL: Galway 2-17 Leitrim 1-10 (Connacht MFC commentary with Galway Bay FM's PJ Lynch and Kevin Dwyer)

FOOTBALL: Galway minor manager Neil McHugh with Galway Bay FM's PJ Lynch after their 2-17 to 1-10 victory over Leitrim

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has made three changes for their BKT United Rugby Championship trip to Munster on Saturday (11th May 2024) Peter Dooley, Paul Boyle and captain Jack Carty start.  Two victories over Dragons and Zebre have pushed Connacht back up to sixth place on 44 points, nine behind third placed Munster. Jack Aungier's try on New Years Day was instrumental in Connacht winning 22-9 at Dexcom Stadium this season.  But Munster are reigning United Rugby Championship title holders and beat Connacht 24-17 at home in November 2022. For Galway Bay FM's full match preview, William Davies is joined by Connacht forwards coach Cullie Tucker. == Kick-off at Thomond Park tomorrow is 5.15pm and we’ll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM. Our Connacht rugby coverage is brought to you by  Murty Rabbitts

On Hurling Chat this week (9th May 2024), Cyril Donnellan, Niall Canavan and Sean Walsh look long and hard at Galway’s loss to Wexford. What went wrong for Galway? After being in a reasonable position at half time, what happened in the second half? Can Galway now get back on track? What will the team be for what is now an even more difficult trip to Corrigan Park? The lads also chatted about the good work by the Galway minors to make it 2 wins in a row while they look forward to the U20s Leinster Semi Final meeting with Dublin.

Following one of the most dramatic finals in many years, Galway's senior footballers won the Connacht Title for the third year in a row and the 50th in total on Sunday afternoon in Pearse Stadium.  It was a game that saw the lead switch many times and in the end it was a free from Dunmore MacHales Conor Gleeson that decided the win over Mayo by 0-16 to 0-15.  Here is Galway Bay FM's coverage of the game with our commentary team of Tommy Devane and Barry Cullinane with comments from Jonathan Higgins and Kevin Dwyer. Presented by John Mulligan

Ollie Turner was joined by guests from Galway and Mayo looking forward to the Connacht Senior Football Final in Pearse Stadium.

Racing at home on Saturday is in Punchestown (4th May 2024) Cross-channel, there are meetings in Newmarket, Goodwood, Thirsk, Uttoxeter, Hexcam and Yarmouth. With his 'Saturday Six,' here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

SOCCER: Galway United 0-0 Derry City (SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match commentary with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty and Derek Rogers)

SOCCER: Galway United assistant manager Ollie Horgan with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty after their 0-0 Premier Division draw with Derry City

After their 2-23 to 0-29 draw with Kilkenny six days earlier, Galway's senior hurlers make the trip to Wexford on Saturday (4th May 2024) looking for the points that should put one foot into the Leinster senior hurling final. Henry Shefflin's team have three points from their opening two games, while Wexford only have one.  Conceding a late draw to Dublin and then going down to Antrim last week after being seven points up. That being said, the Slaneysiders overcame Kilkenny last year, a week after suffering a shock defeat to Westmeath and are always a dangerous prospect at home.  Galway were held to a 1-19 apiece draw when they met in Wexford in 2022. There are 3 changes to the Galway senior hurling team. Sean Linnane, David Burke and the injured Darren Morrissey make way for Jack Grealish, Gearoid McInerney and Evan Niland.  Galway Bay FM's Niall Canavan joined Darren Kelly on 'Over The Line' to look at the selection and the chances of both the Galway seniors and minors enjoying success in the double header. == Throw-in for the senior game at Chadwicks Wexford Park on Saturday is 4pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.  The game will be preceded by the minor match at 1.30pm, also LIVE on Galway Bay FM. The 'Over The Line' weekend preview show with Darren Kelly broadcasts every Friday evening from 7pm on Galway Bay FM.

The build-up continues to the Connacht Senior Football Final between Galway and Mayo on Sunday (5th May 2024). It's the 12th consecutive year that the two rivals have clashed in the championship and while being doubted by many pundits as All-Ireland contenders, there is little doubt both will be determined to lay down a mark this weekend. As we start the build up to the big match, Galway Bay FM's Ollie Turner headed to Garrafrauns Community Centre to look ahead to the game from legends both side of the county border. == Throw-in at Pearse Stadium on Sunday is 4pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM. The 'Over The Line' weekend preview show with Darren Kelly broadcasts every  Friday evening from 7pm on Galway Bay FM.

FOOTBALL: Former Galway Junior and Masters manager Matt Duggan looks ahead to Galway vs Mayo Connacht senior final with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly

FOOTBALL: Former Mayo star Keith Higgins looks ahead to the Connacht Final with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly

Hurling Chat on Galway Bay FM this week looks back at Galway’s draw with Kilkenny last Sunday. Was it a point lost or a point won? Cyril Donnellan, Niall Canavan and Sean Walsh examine a difficult trip to Wexford on Saturday and the importance of the game for both teams. The Minor team got a good result against Dublin last week and the lads look forward to seeing how they perform on Saturday in the double header with Wexford.

George McDonagh, John Mulligan, Cian O'Connell and Adrian O'Neill chat about the weekend's sporting action in Galway.

Racing at home on Saturday (27th April 2024) is in Navan. Cross-channel, there are meetings in Leicester, Haydock, Sandown, Ripon, Doncaster and Wolverhampton. With his 'Saturday Six,' here's George McDonagh.

SOCCER: Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Galway United (SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match commentary with Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins and Joseph Murray)

SOCCER: Galway United assistant manager Ollie Horgan with Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins after their 1-1 Premier Division draw with Shamrock Rovers

Galway senior hurling manager Henry Shefflin made four changes for their Leinster championship clash with Kilkenny on Sunday (28th April 2024) Cianan Fahy, David Burke, Brian Concannon and Conor Whelan replace Adrian Tuohey, Donal O’Shea, John Cooney and Declan McLaughlin. Meanwhile, Eoin Murphy, Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody, all injured against Antrim, haven’t been included in Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng’s matchday 26. Galway three-time All-Ireland winning manager Cyril Farrell joined Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly on 'Over The Line' to look ahead to the game. == Throw-in at Pearse Stadium on Sunday is 2pm and we’ll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM. The 'Over The Line' weekend preview show with Darren Kelly broadcasts every Friday evening from 7pm on Galway Bay FM.

SOCCER: Galway United left back Al-Amin Kazeem with Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins after their 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers

FOOTBALL: Mayo 2-13 Galway 1-6 (Connacht MFC match commentary with Galway Bay FM's PJ Lynch and Kevin Dwyer)

FOOTBALL: Galway minor manager Neil McHugh with Galway Bay FM's PJ Lynch after their Connacht championship defeat to Mayo

FOOTBALL: Mayo 2-13 Galway 1-6 (Connacht MFC match report with Galway Bay FM's Kevin Dwyer)

Galway United face arguably their biggest test this season on Saturday (27th April 2024) when they take on Peamount United in the SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division. Phil Trill's side are on maximum points from four games, five clear at the top, and six ahead of Peamount.  Indeed, the Tribeswomen are on six wins from six in all competitions after already securing their quarter-final place in the Avenir All-Island Cup. Galway did fall to the eventual league champions 2-0 when they travelled to Peamount last May, but gained a measure of revenge with a 3-0 victory at home in November, one of only two losses suffered by the Dublin side in 2023. Julie-Ann Russell was the SSE Airtricity League Player of the Month for March after making her return to the maroon colours and the 59-time capped Irish international has been a central figure in their strong start this year. Julie-Ann Russell looked ahead to the game with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly. == Kick-off at Greenogue on Saturday is 5pm and we'll have updates and commentary here on Galway Bay FM.

Galway United men travel to defending champions Shamrock Rovers; Galway United women travel to defending champions Peamount United; Three big games in the Galway FA Premier Division; Knockncarra meet Mervue United in FAI Women's Amateur Cup; With this and more, here's Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty (Friday, 26th April 2024)

The Dragons are a different team on home soil and will be looking to make it five wins from their last seven matches in all competitions at Rodney Parade  ahead of them hosting Connacht in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Saturday (27th April 2024). Wales hooker Elliot Dee makes his 150th appearance for the Gwent region, while fellow international forward Aaron Wainwright also comes into the side as head coach Dai Flanagan rings the changes following last week’s defeat to Benetton. As for ninth-placed Connacht, they will want to build on last weekend’s 54-16 romp against Zebre as they bid to break into the play-off zone. Looking ahead to the game is Galway Bay FM's William Davies and Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins. == Kick-off at Rodney Parade on Saturday is 8pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM. == Also available on our website galwaybayfm.ie are: We have full previews of UL Bohemians v Corinthians and Dolphin v Galwegians in the Energia All-Ireland League playoffs. Preview as well of the Junior Interprovincial match between Ulster and Connacht. And Corinthians vs Sligo in the Connacht under-17 Boys Cup Final. Full stream Commentary of UL Bohemians v Corinthians on our website galwaybayfm.ie. from 2.20PM and conclusion on FM after the Minor Hurling. Our Connacht rugby coverage is brought to you by Murty Rabbitts

Galway Under 20 Footballers are through to meet Roscommon in the Connacht Final on Saturday week following a 0-23 to 1-12 win over Sligo in McHale Park.  Here is the commentary of the game with Jonathan Higgins and Kevin Dwyer.

Two Corinthians teams go in search of provincial silverware this Sunday (28th April 2024) when they take on their Sligo counterparts in Connacht Finals. The under-15 Corinthians Blacks have been successful coming through the underage ranks and they'll take on Sligo at 1.30pm. Then the under-17s meet for the first time since Corinthians won 51-0 in the league semi-final in January.  That was an unusual result between the teams, as Sligo did edge Corinthians at under-16 level. Following a league final defeat, Corinthians overcame Loughrea and Castlebar before avening their league final loss to Buccaneers (22-11) in the semi-final.  Sligo have also three wins from three since the league. Leading up to the game, Corinthians under-17 manager Rob Dolan chatted to Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly. == Kick-off at Dexcom Stadium on Sunday is 3.30pm.

(Galway welterweight Andreeas Binder after beating Victor Kuku at LFL12 in Amsterdam. Photo (c) Nicky Coyle) Galway's Andreeas 'Judoka' Binder made his long awaited MMA return last Sunday (21st April 2024) when he made local favourite Victor Kuku submit at the 'Levels Fight League' event in Amsterday. It was Binder's first fight at welterweight after failing to make the lightweight class for his last two contests.  This was his first outing since winning the LFL title belt in that class last July. After taking time to size up his opponent, the 27-year-old finally got on top of proceedings and made Kuku tap out to a 'Rare Naked Choke' in the third round. The result was a massive relief for the SBG Charlestown fighter who felt the pressure of needing a victory following his absence from the Octagon.  You can hear his interview with Galway Bay FM before the weekend by clicking HERE. 'Judoka's record is now 9-2 (wins-losses) and he is on a four fight winning streak. Andreeas Binder caught up again with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly to reflect on how important the weekend was and what comes next. == Andreeas Binder's encounter with Victor Kuku comes up around the 2:17:00 mark.

Connacht travel to Wales to take on the Dragons for the first time in 13 months on Saturday (27th April 2024) in Round 15 of the BKT United Rugby Championship. Their last trip in March 2023 ended in a 22-20 when for the visitors with tries coming from Dave Heffernan, Jarrad Butler and Cian Prendergast. Connacht ended a two-match losing streak in the competition with a 54-16 victory over Zebre.  But Dragons' 36-19 defeat to Benetton was their sixth loss in seven games in all competitions.  Their only win was 20-13 against Zebre. Connacht are ninth on 39 points, just outside the top-8 on scoring difference.  Dragons languish in 15th place with just 15 points. Leading up to the game, Connacht defence coach Scott Fardy has been chatting with Galway Bay FM's William Davies. == Earlier this week, Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins gave a squad update.  Click HERE. Kick-off at Rodney Parade on Saturday is 8pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM. Our Connacht rugby coverage is brought to you by Murty Rabbitts.

John Mulligan looks back at an incredibly busy weekend of sporting action featuring GAA, Soccer, Rugby, Golf, Handball AND Athletics! The #fulltimewhistle is Sponsored by Getsetgo.ie Game Changing online car, home and travel insurance that’s faster, better and easier!

David Snow joined John in studio to talk about all things sport US Style with a special look at the Kentucky Derby.