Galway Bay fm newsroom – The family of a well-known Galway athlete say it will haunt them forever to know that someone they’ve known since they were children killed him.

68-year-old Noel Lenihan stabbed Christopher McGrath to death at his home on Cardinal Cushing Road in Mervue.

Noel Lenihan claimed he was acting in self-defence when he stabbed 38 year old Christy McGrath in the early hours of March 12th 2016.

He told Gardaí he armed himself with a steak knife during a struggle, during which he claimed Christy was on his back choking him.

A post-mortem revealed he was stabbed five times.

A blood drop found on his shoe suggested he was facing him when it fell from a height.

The court heard Lenihan was a friend of the family’s and had known Christy since he was a boy.

Christy was in and out of homelessness and used to stay with Lenihan from time to time.

His sister Jessica placed a framed photo of him in the witness box facing the dock as she read out her victim impact statement.

She described him as a “loving, kind and inspirational” person who protected her and their brother, as well as his half siblings during a difficult upbringing.

Lenihan will be sentenced for manslaughter in two weeks time.

Micheal Breathnach are the Connacht Junior Hurling Club Champions after beating Naomh Eoin from Sligo in the final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence at Bekan. Micheal Breathnach winning by 1-12 to 0-8.

Tomas Keating reports

After the game, Tomas spoke to the manager Cárthach Bán Breathnach

Corofin are through to the Connacht Senior Club Final after beating Mayo Champions by 1-10 to 0-11. They will face Padraig Pearses in the final.

Full-Time report from Kevin O’Dwyer

After the game, manager Kevin O’Brien spoke to Tommy Devane

Galway Bay fm newsroom:

Galway City Council has adopted its draft budget for 2020.

The budget draft was passed successfully last evening in council chambers, but saw a number of issues and proposals made at the meeting.

The total budget for 2020 will be 100 million euro, up from 87 and a half million euro in 2019.

The biggest spend in the city next year will be on housing and building, taking up 33 per cent of funds.

The biggest source of income is expected to come from the collection of rates, which is expected to account for over a third of all revenue.

The biggest increase was for Homeless Services Grants by 3.6 million and Funding For Arts grants by 2.8 million euro.

The biggest issues raised at the meeting were the necessity for flood lights in public parks and the way money was money was allocated to certain clubs in the city and not others.

Three different amended budget proposals were put forward at the meeting.

The main amendments that were passed include, increasing vacant property rates by 3.5 percent to 63.5 percent, as well as additional funding for flood defences in the Claddagh, cycling enhancement funds and replacing fencing at the all weather pitches in Mervue.

For more on this story, tune into the Galway Bay fm news…

Nora Concannon nee Blake

The Meadows, Ballybrit.  Reposing at her son Liam Concannon’s home in Polkeen, Castlegar tomorrow wednesday from 4 until 7.  Removal on Thursday to St. Brigid’s Church, Ballybane for mass for Nora Concannon at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Carrowbrowne cemetery.  Family flowers only, by request.  Donations if desired to Galway Hospice.

Micheál Lally

Ard Aoibhinn, Castlegar and formerly of Fairhill, Claddagh.  Reposing at his residence today from 4 until 7.  Removal tomorrow Wednesday to St. Mary’s Church, The Claddagh for mass for Micheál Lally at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Rahoon cemetery.

Brother Alphonsus McGrath

Christian Brothers, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare and formerly of CBC, Cork and Monivea.  Reposing at Carrigoran Nursing Home, Newmarket on Fergus this evening from 6:30.  Removal at 8 to St. Joseph’s Church, Ennis followed by evening prayers.  Mass for Brother Alphonsus McGrath tomorrow Wednesday at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Monivea cemetery.

Mary Bane nee Martyn

Keernaun, Headford.  Reposing at Carey’s Funeral Home, Claran Road, Headford his evening from 5.  Removal at 7 to St. Mary’s Church, Headford.  Mass for Mary Bane tomorrow Wednesday at 12.  Funeral afterwards to Cloughanover cemetery.  Family flowers only, by request.  Donations if desired to Galway Hospice.

The Claregalway Hotel Ladies Football Dream Teams for 2019 have been announced, honouring the best fifteen players from the recent club championships in Galway at senior and intermediate level. The senior team is dominated by Seven-in-a-row champions and All Ireland finalists Kilkerrin/Clonberne who have 8 players on the team, with 4 from Claregalway, 2 from Maigh Cuilinn and 1 from Corofin.

The Intermediate team features players from no fewer than seven clubs, with champions Glenamaddy Williamstown rewarded with 7 players. Finalists Tuam/Cortoon have 3 players selected and there are also awards for players from Menlough/Skehana, Leitir Mór, Barna, Clonbur and St James.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A new site has been identified for St. Teresa’s Special School in Ballinasloe.

It’s after negotiations on the purchase of a site fell through in recent months.

At present, St. Teresa’s operates from temporary accommodation on the grounds of St. Brigid’s in Ballinasloe.

The school was founded in 2008 and caters to pupils between 4 and 18 years of age.

Roscommon-Galway Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins says a new site has now been identified and is being assessed for suitability – for more on this story, tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…

Galway camogie players Catherine Finnerty, Carrie Dolan, Niamh Hanniffy and hurler Evan Niland were among over 100 Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) members who descended on the Johnstown Estate in Enfield in County Meath on Saturday, November 9th for the second annual GPA Rookie Camp.  The event is aimed at players who have recently made the step up to senior inter-county panels, as a tool to help them balance their playing, study, work and personal lives.

The recent GPA report A Juggling Act: An Insight Into The Lives of Student Inter-County GAA Players highlighted how players are struggling to balance their playing and study commitments and recommended the further development of the GPA Rookie Camp and its promotion to young players from squads across the country.  

The theme of the day was Preparing the Person Behind the Player in recognition of the fact that, while they may be known for their performances on GAA fields the length and breadth of the country, this is not what defines them as people. Induction programmes, such as the GPA Rookie Camp, are recognised worldwide in elite sport as a fundamental aspect of an athlete’s transition from the development squad to elite level.

Speakers on the day included Dublin Senior Footballer and Sports Psychologist Kevin McManamon who delivered sessions on Building Resilience; Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University Dr. Brendan Egan who concentrated on Nutrition Education; Kieran File who is the Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick and who spoke to Healthy and Harmful Social Media; and Performance Coach Declan O’Connell who took the attendees through workshops on Personal Development. 

Attendees were also provided with practical education and information on their responsibilities around anti-doping which was delivered by Siobhan Leonard from Sport Ireland and Irish Canoeist Jenny Egan.

The day was divided into a mix of group information sessions and smaller interactive workshops where players could discuss common challenges that they face in their burgeoning inter-county careers.

Speaking about the event GPA CEO Paul Flynn said; “I know from my own experience that when I have balance in my life, I am better positioned to perform on the field of play. We want to assist all our members to find this balance. The GPA Rookie Camp is a great opportunity to introduce new members to their association, and provide practical tools and information about how best to maximise their time as an inter-county player on and off the field.”

This was the second year of the Rookie Camp with WGPA members attending for the first time.

Chairperson of the WGPA Maria Kinsella said; “We were delighted to join with the footballers and hurlers from the GPA at the Rookie Camp for the first time, in exploring what a modern inter-county lifestyle looks like for our young players.  We want our players to reach their full potential while staying healthy, mindful and fulfilled throughout and the Rookie Camp represents a step on that journey.”

A man jailed for hijacking a car and taking it on a high speed chase through Galway city, with its frightened owner in the back, must wait to hear the outcome of an appeal against his conviction.

24 year old John Conroy, with an address at Lakeview, Donaghpatrick in Headford, denied thirteen counts of dangerous driving at locations in the Galway City area, between Ballymoneen Road, Knocknacarra and Ballinfoyle, Headford Road, on May 31, 2016.

To hear the case in full, tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…

This week on Galway Talks with Lisa Regan we’ve teamed up with Ecofuel, Ballybane, Galway for a giveaway that is sure to warm up your winter evenings. How would you like to win a €100 Ecofuel voucher, well, tune in each morning 9 to 12 noon and find out more. 

In 2014, ecofuel.ie opened its online doors and began their venture into the business of getting natural and sustainable heating products into Irish homes.

In a country reared on the annual turf haul the task was no small feat! Over the past five years EcoFuel has expanded from an online start up to a bricks and mortar shop based at 32 Ballybane Industrial Estate, Bother Na Mine in Galway City. The idea, driven by Managing Director Janis Vitols, was to encourage customers to welcome a sustainable, and environmentally sourced heating product into their home.

From a passion for eco-friendly products, a keen eye for the best quality suppliers, and a desire to give the best customer service possible, a dream project was born and has grown from strength to strength.

With an ever expanding product range EcoFuel provides everything you need to build a cosy winter fire while limiting your carbon emissions and supporting the environment. Including their new PlasticFree Pinikay wood logs. The product is made from recycled or waste wood and comes to you without any unnecessary and wasteful plastic wrappings making it their most environmental product to date.

On their fifth birthday EcoFuel want to give back to the customers who helped them become the business they are today and so are offering all existing customers 10% off on their orders during their birthday week (11th-17th of November). New and existing customers will also receive double EcoCoin loyalty points on all orders this week when they sign up to the EcoFamily loyalty program in store or online at www.ecofuel.ie. 

Galway Bay fm newsroom:

The Craughwell National School extension has gone out to tender

The project will consist of a two-storey extension of over 1600 square metres to the existing school, replacing the prefab classrooms.

The extension will include eight new classrooms, a sports hall, administration offices, a lift, toilets, a multi-purpose room and a new car park

Junior Minister and Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon says the project is expected to go to construction early in the new year.

Lisa Regan looked at several topics on today’s programme including a Winter Wonderland coming to Galway, the Siobhan McKenna Gallery and the Gardai looked for your assistance. There was also the Job Spot and Polly from Evergreen was in studio to answer your questions.

On Wednesday Ronan Lardner is going to be turning up the heat! Join Ronan for the afternoon as he broadcast The Liv Wire from Ecofuel, Ballybane. It’s all about natural and sustainable heating products for the afternoon along with great music and all Ronan’s entertaining features – is sure to warm a wintery Wednesday. Tune in from 12 noon.

In 2014, ecofuel.ie opened its online doors and began their venture into the business of getting natural and sustainable heating products into Irish homes.

In a country reared on the annual turf haul the task was no small feat! Over the past five years EcoFuel has expanded from an online start up to a bricks and mortar shop based at 32 Ballybane Industrial Estate, Bother Na Mine in Galway City. The idea, driven by Managing Director Janis Vitols, was to encourage customers to welcome a sustainable, and environmentally sourced heating product into their home.

From a passion for eco-friendly products, a keen eye for the best quality suppliers, and a desire to give the best customer service possible, a dream project was born and has grown from strength to strength.

With an ever expanding product range EcoFuel provides everything you need to build a cosy winter fire while limiting your carbon emissions and supporting the environment. Including their new PlasticFree Pinikay wood logs. The product is made from recycled or waste wood and comes to you without any unnecessary and wasteful plastic wrappings making it their most environmental product to date.

On their fifth birthday EcoFuel want to give back to the customers who helped them become the business they are today and so are offering all existing customers 10% off on their orders during their birthday week (11th-17th of November). New and existing customers will also receive double EcoCoin loyalty points on all orders this week when they sign up to the EcoFamily loyalty program in store or online at www.ecofuel.ie. 

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Galway West TD has been branded racist in the Dail today during leaders questions, after questioning the amount of money being sent from Ireland to Nigeria.

Independent TD Noel Grealish raised the subject of the large sums of money being transferred abroad in personal remittances.

During his speech in the chamber, Deputy Grealish spoke of how 10 billion euro has been sent abroad in personal remittance over the last 8 years.

According to figures presented by him, the countries that receive the most transfers are Poland at 1.5 billion euro, the UK at 2.7 Billion Euro and Nigeria at 3.54 billion euro:

Responding to the Galway TD, Leo Varadker says that the Irish people have a long history of sending money home:

Then, heated scenes erupted in the chamber as Deputy Grealish called for stricter controls on personal remittance, with Deputy Ruth Coppinger accusing the Galway TD of ‘disgraceful racism’. To hear this story in full, tune in to FYI Galway@5…

Sunday the 10th of November will be known as an historic day for Carnmore GAA Club after they won the County Minor A Hurling title for the first time following a 2-8 to 0-11 win over Athenry in Pearse Stadium.

Here is another chance to hear the commentary from Niall Canavan with Cyril Donnellan and Sean Walsh. Comments from Cyril Farrell.

This is the Full-Time Match Report From Niall Canavan

After the game, Niall spoke to selector Richard Donovan

Niall also spoke to a delighted club secretary Mike Fox

Niall then spoke to Enda Collins

Last, but by no means least, Niall spoke to Gary Fox and Conor Flaherty

Miko Donoghue

Taramuid, Clarinbridge.  Reposing at Suimhneas in the grounds of Clarinbridge Church today from 4 until 7.  Mass for Miko Donoghue tomorrow Thursday at 12 in Church of the Annunciation, Clarinbridge.  Funeral afterwards to adjoining cemetery.  House private tomorrow morning and family flowers only, by request.  Donations if desired to Alzheimers Society of Ireland.

Eileen Anglim nee O’Malley

68 Dun na Mara, Renmore and formerly of Rosmuc.  Reposing at Aras Naofa in the grounds of Renmore Church today from 4:30.  Removal at 7 to Church of St. Oliver Plunkett Church, Renmore.  Mass for Eileen Anglim tomorrow Thursday at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Moycullen cemetery.  House private, by request.

Josephine also known as Josie Flaherty nee Connaire

Knockroe, Attymon, Athenry.  Reposing at Gardiner’s Funeral Home, Athenry this evening from 5.  Removal at 7 to St. Iomar’s Church, Killimordaly.  Mass for Josie Flaherty tomorrow Thursday at 12.  Funeral afterwards to adjoining cemetery.

Nora Concannon nee Blake

The Meadows, Ballybrit.  Reposing at her son Liam Concannon’s home in Polkeen, Castlegar today from 4 until 7.  Removal tomorrow Thursday to St. Brigid’s Church, Ballybane for mass for Nora Concannon at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Carrowbrowne cemetery.  Family flowers only, by request.  Donations if desired to Galway Hospice.

Brother Alphonsus McGrath

Christian Brothers, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare and formerly of CBC, Cork and Monivea. Mass for Brother Alphonsus McGrath today at 11 in St. Joseph’s Church, Ennis.  Funeral afterwards to Monivea cemetery.

In what was a thrilling Salthill Hotel County Senior Hurling Final, St Thomas beat Liam Mellows by 1-13 to 0-14 to bring the County Cup back to Kilchreest, Castledaly and Peterswell for the fourth time.

Here is another opportunity to hear Galway Bay FM’s commentary of their win presented by John Mulligan with Commentary from Sean Walsh, Cyril Donnellan and Niall Canavan.

First Half

Second Half

After the game, members of the victorious St Thomas team and management joined Sean, Niall and Cyril in the commentary box.

Awards celebrated the 450,000 volunteers contributing to sport in clubs and communities across Ireland

The Federation of Irish Sport recognised a volunteer from each county, an ‘outstanding contribution’ award and a ‘team of volunteers’ at the awards ceremony

Galway’s Derek Niland was honoured at the ‘Volunteers in Sport Awards’, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport in partnership with EBS, yesterday (Tuesday 12 November) in Farmleigh House Dublin.

Derek received the Galway sports volunteer of the year award for his commitment to the Galway Corinthians Rugby Club. The award was presented by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD.

Derek has contributed countless hours to volunteering with Galway Corinthians and has had a lifelong love of rugby.

The Volunteers in Sport Awards were created to recognise the contributions, commitment and dedication of the 450,000 volunteers who give their time to Irish sport each year.  This equates to approximately 37.3 million hours of volunteering across Ireland’s 14,000 registered sports clubs and associations.

A total of 34 awards were presented at the ceremony, including 32 county-level awards, an overall ‘outstanding contribution’ award and a ‘team of volunteers’ award.  Swim Ireland’s Mary Dunne received the outstanding contribution award and Limerick based ‘Women on Wheels’ received the ‘team of volunteers’ award. 

Commenting at the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said:

“Sport matters. It contributes to our health, binds us together as a community and supports the economy, while bringing a sense of pride to us all.

“This would not be possible without the volunteers who share their time and expertise on pitches, tracks, gym floors and swimming pools across the country each and every week.  To this end, the Volunteers in Sport Awards is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate these volunteers.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to all our award nominees as we celebrate their contribution to sport across Ireland today.”

Also speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD said:

“It was a real honour for me to attend the Volunteers in Sport Awards. As somebody who has been involved in sport at an amateur level since I was a child myself, I have always marvelled at the commitment that so many club members show to their communities up and down the country.

“It is a real privilege to recognise the contribution made by those who do so much for others in fulfilling the less glamorous but most definitely vital and often overlooked tasks involved in almost any sport you can imagine. The men and women honoured today may not be household names across the country but in their own communities they are real treasures. I was delighted to speak to many of them today. My thanks to the Federation of Irish Sport and all those who made this ceremony such a memorable occasion for all the recipients.”

For more information, visit www.volunteersinsport.ie.

Galway Bay fm newsroom:

Just 17 million euro a year is sent from Ireland to Nigeria, contrary to claims from Galway West TD Noel Grealish

The Independent TD cited figures from the World Bank saying 3.6 billion euro was sent from Ireland to Nigeria in personal remittances over the past 8 years or 425 million euro a year

However the Central Statistics Office here says the figure is actually only 17 million annually.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the government has serious concerns about the World Bank numbers

For more on this story, tune into the Galway Bay fm news…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A County Councillor says crash data for the N84 Headford Road clearly supports the urgent need for upgrade works.

Councillor James Charity claims Garda figures show that 29 separate collisions have taken place along the road since January 2016.

He says the vast majority of accidents have taken place on the section between Corrandulla and Galway City.

It’s hoped a feasibility study to assess the road will get underway next year – but concerns have been previously raised that it may take years for the project to be fully realised.

Independent Councillor Charity says he’ll be presenting the latest crash data for the N84 to Transport Minister Shane Ross.

To hear more, tune into Galway Bay fm news at 4…