Galway Bay fm - Sports

SOCCER: Galway United manager John Caulfield with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty after their 3-2 defeat to Bohemians

Galway United suffered a devastating defeat to Bohemians in Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday (11th September) after seeing a two-goal lead wiped away. Stephen Walsh put the hosts 1-0 up in the first half before Kris Twardek doubled that advantage on 52 minutes. But two Colm Whelan goals in the final quarter hour, plus a Ross Tierney strike gave Bohemians the spoils, leaving United just three points off the relegation zone. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team were Mike Rafferty and Derek Rogers. == Galway United's next game is away to Sligo Rovers this Monday (14th September).  Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm and we'll have full coverage on our website galwaybayfm.ie.

The knockout stages in the Bon Secours Senior Football Championship have arrived with two preliminary quarter-final double headers this weekend (12th-13th September 2026). On Saturday (12th) in Pearse Stadium, Claregalway and Bearna na Forbacha get the action underway for a place in the final eight from 3.15pm; Oughterard take on Dunmore MacHales in the second game at 5pm. On Sunday (13th) in Tuam Stadium, Tuam Stars meet Mountbellew-Moylough at 2.45pm; before Milltown and Monivea-Abbey go head-to-head at 4.30pm. There's also relegation semi-finals featuring Caltra and St. James' on Saturday (Tuam Stadium, 5pm), and Killannin against Naomh Anna Leitir Móir on Sunday (Pearse Stadium, 3.15pm) Galway Bay FM's Kevin O'Dwyer joined Darren Kelly on 'Over The Line' to look ahead to the action. == All four preliminary football quarter-finals will be LIVE on Galway Bay FM.

Racing in Ireland on Saturday is in Leopardstown (12th September 2026). Cross-channel, there are meetings in Doncaster, Bath, Chester, Lingfield and Musselbrough. With his 'Saturday Six,' here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Racing in Ireland on Friday is in Ballinrobe (11th September 2026). The feature is the €26,000  Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at 5.00. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Tonight on 'Over The Line' with Darren Kelly; The group stages are over in the Forvis Mazars Senior Hurling Championship and Niall Canavan looks back on the weekend's action, plus we have the Galway Bay FM Senior Team of the Week; Galway United are into the men's FAI Cup semi-finals after beating Drogheda United.  Mike Rafferty reflects on that game, Derry City's visit in October, and the start of the domestic season; And Great Britain and Ireland come from behind to win the Walker Cup for the first time since 2015. Denis Kirwan tells us about a special Sunday afternoon, and looks ahead to the AMGEN Irish Open starting this Thursday; All this and more.

There’s racing in Galway on Monday (7th September 2026) with the first of eight going to post at 4.07. The feature is the €25,000 Boyle Sports Handicap Steeplechase at 7.11. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Sean Carley looks back on the weekend in sport, including: The County Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling Championships group stages come to a close and the draws for the preliminary quarter finals and relegation semi-finals are confirmed Galway United reach the FAI Cup Semi-Finals where they will take on Derry City after quarter-final victory over Drogheda on Friday night Local soccer round up as the Galway FA Men's leagues make their return

The draws for the Preliminary Quarter Finals in the Forvis Mazars Senior and Steeltech Shed Intermediate Hurling Championships was broadcast live on Galway Bay FM this afternoon. The games will take place on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September. Here is the draws with Sean Walsh and Niall Canavan joined by Joe Hession, Claude Geoghegan of the Hurling Board and Aisling Callinan of senior sponsors Forvis Mazars.

SOCCER: Galway United assistant manager Richie Holland with Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins after their 2-1 FAI Cup quarter-final win over Drogheda

SOCCER: Galway United goal scorers Stephen Walsh and Lee Devitt after their 2-1 FAI Cup quarter-final win over Drogheda United

For the first time in three years, Galway United are through to the FAI Cup semi-finals after coming from behind to beat Drogheda United away on Friday night (4th September 2026). Stephen Walsh equalised on 23 minutes before Lee Devitt struck the winner with eight minutes remaining. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team were Jonathan Higgins and Johnny Ward. == Galway United's next game is against Bohemians in the SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division next Friday (11th). Kick-off at Eamonn Deacy Park is 7.45pm.

Racing in Ireland on Saturday is in Navan. Cross-channel, there are meetings in Haydock, Thirsk, Ascot, Kempton, Stratford and Newcastle. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Racing in Ireland on Friday is in Down Royal and Kilbeggan (4th September 2026). The joint features in Down Royal are the €25,000 Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden at 3.53, and the €25,000 Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden at 4.58. in Kilbeggan, the feature at 5.45 is the Hughes Memorial 110 Series Final Handicap Hurdle. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

On our weekly Hurling Chat Podcast this week, McDara McDonnacha and Joe Hession join the lads to discuss all things hurling. McDara casts his eye over Ballygunner’s continued dominance in Waterford and looks at: · The All Ireland Club champions were fully tested by Fourmilewater· The impact of Ballygunner’s dominance; 13 titles in a row and a second Senior team· Club hurling over in Waterford by the end of August! Then Joe Hession looks ahead to Round 3 of the Senior & Premier Intermediate Championships upcoming at the weekend: · The final 12 teams will be known in both championships by Sunday evening· Who will join Tommie Larkins and Athenry directly in the Senior quarter finals? And Skehana Mountbellew Moylough & Ballinderreen in the Premier Intermediate quarters?· Big implications in some games: For instance Castlegar v Oranmore Maree and Carnmore v Killimor – winner into knockouts (though draw will do Castlegar), with loser into relegation.

Tonight on 'Over The Line' with George McDonagh and Darren Kelly; With the groups decided in the Bon Secours Senior Football Championship and Sweeney Oil intermediate, Gareth Bradshaw joins us to look back on the weekend action and we have the Galway Bay FM Team of the Week; And we hear from Jonathan Higgins to chat about a good weekend for Galway United and the action in the Premier League cross channel; All this and more. == 'Over The Line' with George McDonagh and Darren Kelly broadcasts every Monday evening from 9pm on Galway Bay FM.

Galway United produced a stunning comeback from two goals down in Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday (29th August 2026) to secure a crucial win in the SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division. After going 2-0 down inside 16, Abbie Callanan halved the deficit by half-time. Second half strikes from Isabella Beletic and Lucy-Jayne Grant ensured the home side's return to their traditional home venue was a winning one. Afterwards, Galway United manager Phil Trill chatted with Galway Bay FM's James Doyle. == Galway United's next game is at home to Treaty United next Saturday (5th September). Kick-off at Eamonn Deacy Park is 7.35pm.

Mervue United began the new FAI National League with a 1-1 draw against Donegal's Cockhill Celtic in Fahy's Field on Saturday (29th August 2026). The visitors looked set to spoil the day thanks to Tiernan Ruddy's goal two minutes into the second half.  But Gavin Smyth stepped up with a 94th minute equaliser for Mervue United to leave four teams tied at the top in Group 1 (the others are Bonagee United and Home Farm DCU). Afterwards, Mervue United manager Brendan O'Connor shared this thoughts with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty. == Mevue United's next game is away to Lucan United next Satuday (5th September). Kick-off at Westmanstown Road is 3pm.

Racing in Ireland on Monday is in Downpatrick and Roscommon (31st August 2026). The feature in Roscommon is the first race of a seven-race card at 4.50 - the €25,000 Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race. Downpatrick begins at 2.12 with their feature being the last of seven races - €15,000 Downpatrick Racecourse Style Handicap Steeplechase at 5.30. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Sean Carley looks back on the sporting weekend, including: The final round of group games in the Galway Senior and Intermediate Football Championships Galway United's late draw against Shelbourne Galway United Women's comeback victory against Cork City Salthill Devon win and Mervue United draw in the opening round of the FAI National League

The draws took place for the Preliminary Quarter Finals of the Bon Secours Senior and Sweeney Oil Intermediate Football Championships on Sunday evening following a dramatic weekend of games.  Here are the draws done in Kenny Park and broadcast on Galway Bay FM on Sunday evening with Jonathan Higgins, Shane Walsh and Football Committee Chairperson Michéal Geraghty.    The Draws IFC Preliminary Quarter Finals An Spideal v Oileáin Arann, St Brendans v Claregalway, Corofin v Glenamaddy, Micheal Breathnach v Kilconly   SFC Preliminary Quarter Finals Claregalway v Barna Na Forbacha, Tuam Stars v Mountbellew Moylough, Dunmore MacHales v Oughterard, Milltown v Monivea Abbey   IFC Relegation semi-finals Clifden v Kilkerrin Clonberne, Cortoon Shamrocks v An Cheathru Rua   SFC Relegation semi-finals Naomh Anna Leitir Mór v Killannin, Caltra v St James

In this extended US Sports Segment, John is joined by David and Tommy as they look at the changes affecting College Football in the US, the new plans for the NFL and all else that is happening in sports in the USA.

Friday, October 9th will be historic in the history of Irish Boxing as that is the date that Killimordaly's Louise Creaven will challenge for the Boxing Union of Ireland Women's Welterweight Title at the Pariochal Hall Arena in Cork.  Standing in her way is Christina Desmond who is 5-0 as a professional.  For Creaven, this will be her 9th fight as a pro and she comes into this fight following a stoppage win over Thanchanok Phanan on Wednesday night at the Gold Coast Convention in Australia.  Louise spoke to John Mulligan from her home in Australia as she prepares to come home for the biggest fight of her career.

The University Of Galway Mystics are busy preparing for the new basketball season that begins on October 3rd when they play Cleveland Rockets at the Kingfisher. Already, the team have been holding trials with one more taking place this Thursday.  The team also have a new Head Coach in Jose Rodriguez who has been overseeing the trials ahead of the new season.  He spoke to John Mulligan.

SOCCER: Galway United manager John Caulfield with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty after their 1-1 draw with Shelbourne

Jimmy Keohane's equaliser on 94 minutes rescued Galway United a draw in Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday evening (28th August 2026) in the SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division. The visitors got in front 10 minutes from when after Hugo Cunha saved Daniel Kelly's penalty, James Norris got a rebound into the net but United found a way to rescue the spoils. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team were Mike Rafferty and Derek Rogers. == Galway United's next game is their FAI Cup quarter-final against Drogheda United next Friday (4th September). Kick-off at Sullivan & Lambe Park is 7.45pm.

The final round of group games in the Bon Secours Senior Football Championship takes place this Saturday and Sunday (29th-30th August 2026). Tuam Stars are the biggest name not guaranteed their place in the knockout stages just yet as they face St. James' on Sunday in Kenny Park (5pm). Annaghdown will top Group 4 if they avoid defeat to Oughterard at the same time in Pearse Stadium. Dunmore MacHales and Naomh Anna Leitir Móir go head-to-head with in a potential winner-takes-all encounter on Saturday in Pearse Stadium (4.15pm). Maigh Cuilinn will win Group 3 if they don't fall to Monivea-Abbey i Tuam Stadium. Salthill-Knocknacarra have already secured a quarter-final place in Group 2 as they prepare to face a Caltra team who need victory on Sunday in Tuam Stadium (3.15pm). Milltown and Bearna na Forbacha also battle for survival in Kenny Park. Claregalway clash with Mountbellew-Moylough to decide 2nd and 3rd in Group 1 on Saturday (6pm) in Tuam Stadium.  Corofin are already group winners against relegation bound Killannin when they meet in Pearse Stadium. Galway Bay FM's Kevin O'Dwyer joined Darren Kelly on 'Over The Line' this Friday to look ahead to the action.

Racing in Ireland on Friday is in Wexford and Down Royal (28th August 2026). The feature in Wexford is the €25,000 Brendan Cullimore Electrical Rated Novice Chase at 6.32. The €16,000 Denny  Hurdle at 6.47 is the feature in Down Royal. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Cyril Farrell joins Sean and Niall on this week's Hurling Chat podcast to look back at the weekend's Championship games. They discuss... Hurling for Charity, big changes in the Cork backroom team, Round 2 of the Senior & Premier Intermediate championships, big score lines, plenty conceded and dramatic finishes as things beginning to take shape.

This week on 'Over The Line' with George McDonagh and Darren Kelly: Niall Canavan reviews the weekend's action in the Forvis Mazars Senior Hurling Championship and we have our Galway Bay FM Team of the Week; We chat to teenage golf sensation Ella Cantwell about her upcoming invitation to the Irish Ladies Open; And Rob Murphy looks ahead to the rugby season which is fast approaching. All this and more. == 'Over The Line' broadcasts every Monday evening from 9pm on Galway Bay FM.

Ella Cantwell was the inaugural winner of golf's West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship in Castledargan back in June. The result put the 17-year-old into the lead in the Bridgestone Order of Merit, adding to a 13th placed finish in the Irish Women's Amateur Open Championship, and eighth place in the South of Ireland Amateur Open. She recently set a course record in Gort, and will compete in the this week's Irish Open. Ella chatted to Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh on 'Over The Line.'

Sean Carley looks back on the sporting weekend, including: Some teams learn their fate in the in the Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling Championships Mixed fortunes for Galway United teams including a penalty shoot-out defeat in the Women's FAI Cup semi-final Connacht miss out on the Women's Interprovincial Rugby Final All this and more == The Full-Time Whistle with Sean Carley broadcasts every Sunday evening from 8pm on Galway Bay FM.

Racing in Ireland on Monday (24th August 2026) is in Ballinrobe. The feature is the €20,000 Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Hurdle at 5.26. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Tommy Larkins became the first team to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Forvis Mazars Senior Hurling Championship following this eight-point victory in Kilbecanty on Sunday (1pm). Gort led at half-time before being overturned by their opponents.  They'll now face Loughrea in the next round to determine second and third in Group 1, with Moycullen now condemned to the relegation play-offs. Afterwards, Tommy Larkins manager Niall Kelly chatted to Galway Bay FM's Ollie Turner.

SOCCER: Galway United manager Phil Trill with Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins after their women's FAI Cup semi-final defeat to Athlone Town on penalties

Galway United suffered a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat away to Athlone Town in their Club Orange Women's FAI Cup semi-final on Saturday evening (22nd August 2026). Cara Griffin's superb equaliser on 71 minutes put the visitors to Athlone Town Stadium back on terms and the sides couldn't be separated in the final 20 minutes and in the extra half hour that followed. Lucy-Jayne Grant, Eve Dossen and Anna McGough found the net with their resulting penalties but unfortunately for Isabella Beletic and Niamh Farrelly, they were denied. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team were Jonathan Higgins and James Doyle. == Galway United's next game is at home against Cork City in the SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division next Saturday (29th).  Kick-off at Eamonn Deacy Park is 5pm.

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.

SOCCER: Galway United assistant manager Richie Holland with Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins after their Premier Division victory over Dundalk

SOCCER: Galway United defender Anthony O'Connor with Galway Bay FM's Jonathan Higgins after their Premier Division victory over Dundalk

Galway United produced a massive result in the SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division in Oriel Park on Friday evening (21st August 2026). Goals from Ed McCarthy (9 mins) and Kris Twardek (55 mins) gave them a two-goal advantage as they spoiled the Dundalk centenary celebrations before Trevor Clarke pulled a goal back. United remain in seventh but are now only four points from fourth place, and five points clear of the relegation places. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team were Jonathan Higgins and Johnny Ward. == Galway United's next game is at home against Shelbourne next Friday (28th August).  Kick-off at Eamonn Deacy Park is 7.45pm.

Loughrea survived a major scare in Pearse Stadium on Friday (21st August) as they picked up their first victory in this year's SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division. The victors led by three point at half-time (1-8 to 1-5) but Moycullen got back on level terms and little separated them.  Moycullen got a second goal in injury time but that was ruled out for a square ball and Loughrea got the final score to take the three point victory. Afterwards, Loughrea manager Tommy Kelly shared his thoughts with Galway Bay FM's PJ Lynch. == Loughrea have two points along with Gort and Tommy Larkins in Group 1.  The latter two teams play in Kilbeacanty on Sunday at 1pm, LIVE on Galway Bay FM. Moycullen have suffered two defeats and need a Gort victory on Sunday to stay in the championship. The final group fixtures on the weekend of September 5th/6th, will see Loughrea play Gort, and Tommy Larkins take on Moycullen.

Racing in Ireland on Saturday is in the Curragh and Killarney (22nd August 2026). Cross-channel, there are meetings in Newmarket, York, Newton Abbott, Chester, Redcar and Lingfield. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

Racing in Ireland on Friday is in Kilbeggan and Killarney (21st August 2026). The feature races in Killarney are the €50,000 Irish EBF Vincent O'Brien Ruby Stakes at 6.20, and the €50,000 Kellihers Toyota Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap at 7.20. In Kilbeggan, the feature is the €20,000 Belvedere House & Gardens Handicap Steeplechase at 7.35. With a full preview, here's Galway Bay FM's George McDonagh.

On Hurling Chat this week, David Connors of the Galway Advertiser joins Niall and Sean. They look at: - The Round 2 games in the Senior and Premier Intermediate Championships - Some teams can book their place in the knockouts - Other clubs need to turn around disappointing opening round performances - Is this the moving weekend in the respective championships?

This week on 'Over The Line' with George McDonagh and Darren Kelly: Eddie Hoare looks back on Round 2 of the senior football championship and we have the Galway Bay FM Team of the Week; Ollie Neary and Caomhan O'Connell join us to look ahead to the start of the English Premier League; All this and more. == 'Over The Line' broadcasts every Monday evening from 9pm on Galway Bay FM.

Sean Carley looks back on the sporting weekend, including: Another dramatic weekend of Senior and Intermediate Football Championship action The Irish Close Championships at Portumna Galway United's victory over Bray Wanderers in the FAI Cup Round of 16 Galway United Ladies victory away to Waterford Racing in Tramore

SOCCER: Galway United manager John Caulfield with Galway Bay FM's Mike Rafferty after their FAI Cup penalty shoot-out win over Bray Wanderers

SOCCER: Galway United vs Bray Wanderers (FAI Cup penalty shoot-out with Mike Rafferty and Derek Rogers)

For the third time in four seasons, Galway United are through to the quarter-finals of the Club Orange Men's FAI Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Bray Wanderers in Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday (14th August 2026). Things appeared to be slipping away for the hosts when Bray Wanderers took the lead 10 minutes from time before David Hurley snatched an equaliser six minutes later.  They finished level at the final whistle and extra-time couldn't separate them.  But when it came to the penalties, Galway United struck all five through Hurley, Frantz Pierrot, Jimmy Keohane, Lee Devitt and Dylan Connolly, while keeper Hugo Cuhna saved Bray's second spot kick. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team were Mike Rafferty and Derek Rogers. == Galway United's next game is away to Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity League Men's Premier Division next Friday (21st August 2026).  Kick-off at Oriel Park is 7.45pm.