Melanie McGovern, Deirdre Curran, and Donna Hallinan of Steps4Peace were guests on the Breakfast Show with Jason Browne, where they spoke about a new monthly initiative inviting the public to take collective steps for peace in Galway.

Steps4Peace is launching a community peace walk that will take place on the first Sunday of every month, beginning this Sunday, 7th June, at 11:30am. The inaugural walk will set off from Claddagh Hall and proceed to Blackrock, Galway, offering participants a shared space for reflection, unity, and peaceful action.

During the broadcast, a song by Áine Tyrell was also played, with organisers noting that she will be present and participating in the upcoming walk.

The initiative aims to bring together people from all backgrounds to promote peace through consistent community engagement and presence in public space.

Listen to the full interview below, and remember to be there on Sunday

A new art exhibition by Headford artist Emer MacDermott is set to offer visitors a unique glimpse into the daily lives of Franciscan Friars who lived at Ross Errilly Friary during the 16th century.

The exhibition, which runs from Monday, June 1 until the end of August, will take place at the historic Ross Errilly Friary and will officially open with a guided walking tour led by Marcus Wynne.

Located on the banks of the Black River, Ross Errilly Friary was founded in 1350 and remained active until the early 1700s, when the friars were forced to flee the site.

Through a collection of specially created artworks, MacDermott explores the friars’ simple way of life, centred on devotion, community, and a vow of poverty. Her work reflects the important role the friars played within the local community for centuries.

“They tell stories about their lifestyle, the meaning of their lifestyle, and how they served the community. They were highly educated,” said Ms MacDermott.

Following extensive research into the history of the friary and the lives of its residents, the artist hopes to help visitors imagine what life was like when the friary was home to as many as 144 friars during the 1500s.

Listen to the full interview below.

The growing interest in practical, hands-on learning was highlighted recently as DIY Academy founder Martin Glynn appeared on a Galway breakfast show to discuss the continued success of the initiative.

Established more than four years ago, the DIY Academy has helped people develop essential DIY and practical life skills, with demand for courses increasing steadily in recent years. During the interview, Glynn reflected on the academy’s growth and the positive impact it has had on individuals looking to build confidence, independence, and self-sufficiency through hands-on learning.

The discussion also examined the wider shift towards practical education, as more people recognise the value of gaining everyday skills that support personal development and empower them in daily life.

The DIY Academy website is here Contact them on info@thediyacademy.ie or +353831085145

Listen to the full interview below

Excitement is building across Galway as preparations ramp up for Africa Day 2026, with organisers promising a vibrant celebration of culture, diversity, and community spirit.

Speaking on the Breakfast Show with Jason Browne on GOCOM Radio, Frank Owusu from Africa United Galway and Oliver Lydon of Galway City Council shared insights into this year’s event, highlighting its growing importance in the city’s cultural calendar.

Africa Day, which celebrates the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent, has become a key platform for promoting inclusion and intercultural dialogue in Galway. For organisers, the event is not only a celebration but also a powerful statement about belonging and community.

“This event is for everyone,” they emphasised during the interview, noting that Africa Day continues to bring together people from all backgrounds to learn, connect, and celebrate diversity in a meaningful way.

The main event is set to take place in Galway City on May 23rd, featuring a packed programme of live music, dance, food, fashion, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can expect performances from local African artists, cultural showcases, and opportunities to engage with community organisations working across the region. Football match between Africa United Galway and Galway Garda All Stars holds Wednesdays at 5pm, at East United Football Club, Ballybane Old Monivea Road, Galway.

Organisers say the events reflect the evolving identity of Galway as a multicultural city, with African communities playing an increasingly visible and influential role in shaping its cultural landscape.

Beyond the festivities, a strong message of unity and inclusion remains at the heart of Africa Day. “It’s about recognising the contributions of African communities and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued,” they said.

Despite some organisational challenges, including coordination and resources, the continued support from Galway City Council and community partners has been key to delivering this year’s celebration.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend, participate, and support the event, with organisers promising something for all ages and backgrounds.

As Galway prepares to mark Africa Day 2026, the message is clear: the celebration is not just about one day, but about building lasting connections and a more inclusive city for all.

Listen to the full interview below.

A landmark event marking the United Nations International Day of Families 2026 has taken place in Ireland, bringing together experts, practitioners, and community voices to address pressing issues affecting families and children today.

Hosted by Eniola Oke Consulting, the event focused on the theme “Family Inequalities & Child Wellbeing: A Cross-Sector Dialogue Connecting Lived Experience, Practice and Policy.” It created a platform for meaningful discussions on parenting challenges, youth development, mental health, and the realities facing families across diverse communities.

Speaking on the GOCOM Radio Breakfast Show with Jason Browne, event host Eniola Oke highlighted the urgent need for open conversations around family wellbeing. As a Systemic Family Psychotherapist, Parenting Coach, and Founder of Eniola Oke Consulting, her work centres on supporting families, strengthening parent-child relationships, and promoting emotional wellbeing through therapy, coaching, and training.

The event brought together voices from family therapy, psychology, youth work, human rights advocacy, and community development, combining professional expertise with lived experiences. Discussions explored how inequality, migration, social pressures, and limited access to support systems impact children’s wellbeing and long-term outcomes.

More than just a one-day event, the initiative aims to spark ongoing collaboration, awareness, and action, positioning family wellbeing as a shared responsibility across society.

Listen to the full interview below.

Headford is preparing to welcome back one of its most vibrant community events as Headfest 2026 returns over the June Bank Holiday weekend, bringing with it a packed programme of music, sport, and family activities alongside its popular Craft Fair & Country Market.

Speaking on the GOCOM Radio Breakfast Show with Jason Browne, Ray Jacques highlighted the importance of the Craft Market as a key platform for local traders and makers, showcasing a wide range of Irish-made goods, handmade crafts, and products from small businesses across the region.

Running from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st May, this year’s festival will once again transform the Moyne Villa F.C. grounds into a lively hub of entertainment and community celebration.

The Craft Market remains a central feature, offering free stalls to traders and supporting local enterprise.

Beyond the market, Headfest 2026 will feature three nights of live music, including performances from Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, Jenny Greene, Qween, and a mix of trad and contemporary acts.

Families can also enjoy a children’s variety show, sports competitions, a community fitness challenge, and the inaugural Headfest 8K Run, all supported by local volunteers and sponsors.

Headfest continues to celebrate Headford’s strong community spirit, bringing together residents and visitors for a weekend of culture, creativity, and connection.

For more information, visit www.headfest.ie or search Headfest on social media.

Listen to full interview below.

A fresh and dynamic voice in Galway’s arts scene, the Precipice Collective, took to the airwaves on GOCOM Radio’s Breakfast Show with Jason Browne, giving listeners an engaging insight into their work, vision, and creative journey.

The three-member team, led by co-artistic director Cillian, spoke about the formation of their new theatre company, which focuses on creating space for queer voices and stories. Their work blends tragicomedy and dark comedy, aiming to challenge audiences while still keeping them entertained.

During the interview, they discussed their upcoming debut production—a bold double bill featuring two original plays, Walls and Bursting, set to take place at the Station House Theatre in Clifden on Saturday, June 27th at 8pm.

Walls explores a family’s struggle with grief after the loss of their infant son, offering a surprisingly humorous take on the performance of tragedy as reality begins to unravel. Bursting follows a young man facing illness and isolation, using dark humour and surreal elements to explore themes of masculinity, communication, and inner conflict.

The group also shared the films and theatre works that have inspired them, along with their origin story and future plans. Their ambition is clear—to become a strong and distinctive voice in Galway’s theatre scene.

Their appearance on GOCOM Radio highlights the station’s continued commitment to supporting emerging creatives and amplifying diverse voices across the city.

Listen to the full interiew below, and remember to share.

Illustrator John Rooney is collaborating with Jam Art Factory in Dublin on a new “Dogs of Galway” print series, where local dog owners submitted photos of their pets for him to transform into illustrated portraits.
The project is part of Rooney’s wider “Dogs of…” series, which he began while living in Berlin and has since created across cities including Dublin, Derry, Brooklyn, Barcelona, Tauranga, and several Irish locations.
Each illustration captures the personality of individual dogs while reflecting the character of the city they belong to. The final works are produced as limited-edition prints available through Jam Art Factory.
Rooney describes the series as a playful way of documenting places through their animals, turning everyday pet photos into expressive, character-filled artwork. We can’t wait for John to bring Dogs of Galway to Life.

The African Village Institute is a community platform dedicated to uniting individuals of African descent in Slovenia, and those interested in African culture, history and future.

Daniel from the Institute, speaks about the exciting plans for Africa Day 2026 in Slovenia, while featuring on the Breakfast Show.

Daniel shared insights into this year’s vision—bringing communities together through culture, collaboration, and celebration. A key highlight? The inclusion of Burundi in this year’s programme, adding even more richness to the diverse African cultural showcase. The Africa Day celebration holds between 18 and 21 June, 2026.

From music and storytelling to food and community engagement, African Village is working to ensure this year’s Africa Day is more inclusive, vibrant, and representative than ever.
Listen to the full conversation below and what to expect this Africa Day!

A Mayo-based folk/Americana singer-songwriter, Tríona Moogan creates music rooted in powerful storytelling, blending stripped-back acoustic sounds with deeply reflective themes. She sits with Jason Browne on the Breakfast, sharing insights into her songwriting process, inspirations, and her journey as an independent artist building toward theatre and listening-room audiences.

With a single already released and new material set to be recorded at Monique Studios, Co. Cork, Tríona is definitely one to watch. She’s also one of the artist to watch out for at the Inishbofin Arts Festival; competing in the semi-finals of an upcoming songwriting competition.

Follow her journey: @triona_moogan_music. Listen to the full interview below, and remember to share