The Old Galway Diary
The Old Galway Diary podcast is brought to you by two of Galway’s finest writers and storytellers, Ronnie O’Gorman and Tom Kenny. Ronnie and Tom have been writing in The Galway Advertiser newspaper for over five decades and have amassed a wealth of knowledge of all things Galway over this period.Both wonderful storytellers, Ronnie and Tom are now available on The Galway Advertiser’s podcast series on a weekly basis. Elaborating on topics they have covered in the paper, and many other aspects of Galway life and history, they bring their inimitable style to allow you relax, listen and enjoy.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 21 minutes
- Episodes
- 224
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 24 - The Galway Fire of 1971 & Fr Peter Daly
In this episode, Tom looks back at the great fire that roared through Galway in 1971 on its 50th anniversary. Ronnie looks at Father Peter Daly, a real Galway character.
You can find the articles re…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 23 - Taffes & A Galway Delegation goes to London
In this episode, Tom looks at a photo of the iconic Taffes shop on shop street. Ronnie looks at the a Galway delegation sent to London hoping to get funding for Galway harbour.
You can find the artic…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 22 - Race Week & an unsolved murder in Galway
In this episode, Tom looks at the great history of the Galway Races from 1869 to now. Ronnie a suspicious murder that took place in Galway years ago.
You can find the articles referenced in this podca…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 21 - Hurling & James Joyce's holiday to Galway
In this episode, Tom looks the Galway minor hurling team from the 1941 who lost to cork in the all Ireland final. Ronnie is looking back and James Joyce trip to Galway when he was moonlighting as a j…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 20 - Salthill in the 50's & Clare Sheridan comes home to Galway
In this episode, Tom looks at the changing face of Salthill from the 1950's. Ronnie is finishing up his series on Clare Sheridan, in the final chapter of her life she retired to Galway and lived happ…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 19 - The Birth of Druid Theatre & Clare Sheridan and Charlie Chaplin
In this episode, Tom looks at the birth of 'Druid Theatre' 46 years ago. Ronnie is still looking at Clare Sheridan and this time explores one of her more famous dalliances.
You can find the articles …
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 18 - Currach Races & Clare Sheridans Trip to Russia
In this episode, Tom looks at the Currach Races that used to take place in salthill. Ronnie is looking again at Clare Sheridan, and her wild trip to Russia.
You can find the articles referenced in thi…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 17 - Galway Buskers & Clare Sheridan's Statue
In this episode, Tom looks at the great tradition of busking of in Galway throughout the years and some of the memorable characters involved. Ronnie is looking again at Clare Sheridan, who's Madonna …
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 16 - The SS Dun Aengus & Galway Adventures in the Wild West
In this episode, Tom looks back at the SS Dun Aengus, the great ferry that traveled between Galway and the Aran Islands in the 1800s. Ronnie looks at the escapades of Hugh Moreton Frewen.
You can find…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 15 - Galway Newspapers & The Clifden Train/Bicycle Race
In this episode, Tom looks back at the great history of newspapers published in Galway county and city. Ronnie at a race that took place between a young man on a bicycle and the Clifden train.
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The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 14 - The Amusements & Balfour's Gift
In this episode, Tom remembers the amusements in salthill and the time they were held in Fairlands. Ronnie is again looking at Arthur Balfour and his fans in Connemara.
You can find the articles refe…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 13 - The Country Butter Trial & The Railroad Shebeen
In this episode, Tom returns to a popular topic of country butter. This time looking at the trail that lead to a prison sentence and perhaps the end of the country butter. Ronnie is still on the Clif…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 12 - Dúidíns & More of the Connemara Railroad
In this episode, Tom looking at a photo of the staff of Hynes factory on Prospect Hill from 100 years ago. The factory was known for producing little clay pipes known as dúidíns. Ronnie is again look…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 11 - 100 Year Anniversary Of RIC Violence In Salthill & Clifden Railroad
In this episode, Tom is marking the 100 year anniversary of a violent RIC attack on an innocent men in Rileys Hotel in Salthill. Ronnie is looking out towards Clifden. He has been checking out Jim D…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 10 - May Sundays in Menlo & Rationing in war times.
In this episode, Tom is looking back at the tradition of 'Maying in Menlo', an old summer fare that used to take place in Menlo castle. Ronnie is looking at rationing during world war 2 and a phone c…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 09 - Salerno & Match Making in Ireland
In this episode, Tom is looking towards the 60th anniversary of Salerno school in salthill and their efforts to track down alumni. Ronnie is looking at the role of the matchmaker in Ireland 30's and …
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 08 - Country Butter in the Market and Roger Casement
In this episode, Tom discusses and laments the loss of country butter to The Galway market. Ronnie is still researching Roger Casement and this week looks at his failed and humiliating appeal. Ronnie…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 07 - The Claddagh & Eoin MacNeill
In this episode, Tom discusses Claddagh Parade and Ronnie briefly returns to Roger Casement before looking at Eoin MacNeill.
You can find the articles referenced in this podcast on www.advertiser.ie/g…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 06 - The Hanger Ballroom and the Salthill Development Organisation & Roger Casement
In this episode, Tom discusses The Hanger Ballroom and the Salthill Development Organisation. Ronnie has been researching Roger Casement.
You can find the articles referenced in this podcast on www.ad…
The Old Galway Diary Podcast - Episode 05 - William Street & de Valera's letters
In this episode, Ronnie briefly returns to Augustus John. Tom discusses a photo of William street from 1904 and the old trams that used to connect Galway city to Salthill. Ronnie returns to Twain Isl…