Ellie’s journey to Ireland began by sailboat, first docking in Dingle before fellow musicians and locals urged her to head straight for Galway’s renowned arts culture. Having played fiddle since the age of eight, Ellie combines musical performance and classical ballet energetic, multi-disciplinary flair to her street sets and contribute to the character of what makes Galway so unique.

When not performing on the street, Ellie is an active participant in Galway’s pub trad session circuit, playing the Crane Bar, the Cellar and Taafes Bar. For more info, follow Ellie on instagram, and listen to the full interview below

https://www.instagram.com/elliespencer.24/

Today on the Breakfast Show we were delighted to dedicate an hour of the program to Steps4Peace, friends of the show and friends of the station. This hour long program features talks from the organizeers of Steps4Peace, poetry and music from the artists who will be a part of this month’s Steps4Peace, and is a chance to relax and learn about the helpers in the world.

We invite you to listen below, and of course, to attend Steps4Peace, the first Sunday of every month, meeting at the Claddagh Hall at 11.30 am.

Links
Steps4Peace – https://www.instagram.com/steps4peace/
Sharon Murphy – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6g73X2SC45nsnh0bHS1kj4

The Galway Commuters Coalition has launched a petition against plans for a new Starbucks drive-through at the Galway Shopping Centre on Headford Road, located beside the existing Supermacs drive-through. With almost 800 signatures gathered in just two days, the petition highlights growing local concern over increased car dependency and congestion at one of the city’s busiest junctions. Cathal emphasised that the development directly contradicts the Galway City Development Plan, which prioritises dense, sustainable urban design, improved pedestrian permeability, and active travel over car-centric infrastructure.

As well as a call for peition signatures, Cathal invited all residents of Galway to the Galway Commuters Coalition AGM to discuss ongoing proposals, campaign updates, and committee elections. Everyone who leaves their house regularly is a commuter, and the Galway Commuters Coalition want to make sure that that shared experience is better for all of us. They also have some REALLY cool stickers – snatch those up quick, otherwise Jason’s buying the whole run.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, 9th September at 7:30 PM
• Location: Murray’s Coffee House, Salthill, H91 AT1F
• Details: Open to all members of the public

Get Involved and Learn More

• Website & AGM Details: galwaycommuters.ie/agm
• Petition & Information: https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/object-to-another-starbucks-in-galway
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galwaycommuters

Listen to the full interview below.

Órflaith Foyle joined Jason on The Breakfast Show to discuss storytelling, self-doubt, and the upcoming release of her short story collection, The Other Poet Drives a Black Mercedes.

Foyle shared her experience as a storyteller, and an explanation of the accidental theme of ‘pilgrimmages’ that emerged from the works that make up her upcoming collection. Follow the links below to pre-order her book, buy one of her already published works – we recommend Three Houses in Rome! – or read the title piece of the upcoming collection to get an experience of why critics have such difficulty describing Órflaith’s work without regular comparison to contemporary icons.

• Pre-Order the Collection: Available directly through Doire Press at doirepress.com.
  Official Book Launch: 12 September at 12:30 PM, Town Hall Theatre, Galway City
• Preview the Title Story: Read the title piece online at The Stinging Fly.

Listen to the full interview below!

Galway Educate Together Secondary School students speak about Global Education Time (GET) Project, a three-year project co-founded by the European Union through the DEAR Programme. 

The GET project aims at enhancing the capacity of the education system in eight European countries through the application of Global Citizenship Education (GCE).  Sonia and Lian meet Jason on the Breakfast Show to talk about the project in it’s second year. Listen to the important conversation below.

Gather for Palestine comprises an open, inclusive, reflective space for those who work or study at SETU. They gather in ‘sincere resistance’ The impact of gathering and taking part in an action is powerful and gathering to show solidarity creates palpable impact that is experienced in the mind and the body, and the spaces around us. Jason hosts Tricia in the interview and they talked about Coffee Morning fundraiser for Palestine.

A new name, a refreshed identity, a stronger focus – Voices & Impact with Isla.

Formerly Isla & Friends, we’re excited to introduce Voices & Impact with Isla — a space for real conversations, diverse voices and the issues that matter to our communities and society.

From personal stories and community experiences to social issues, culture, inclusion and the conversations shaping Ireland, the show goes beyond simply talking — we listen, we question, we connect and we explore the impact.

Because every voice matters.
Every story has value.
And every conversation has the potential to create impact.

Join us every Wednesday at 12 noon on www.gocomradio.ie or find us on Radio Garden.

Come with your voice. Leave with a new perspective.

Listen back to all episodes below.

Episode 4 part 1, Nora Flaherty

Nora is a screenwriter, a lecturer, and a storyteller at heart. Nora brings something deeper to this conversation with Isla— her lived journey as a mother, as a woman, and as someone who has navigated complex personal and societal histories with courage and honesty. From reflecting on motherhood and raising a child on the autism spectrum, to confronting Ireland’s past through her personal connection to Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, Nora uses story not just to tell — but to reveal, to challenge, and to heal.

Episode 3, Abdulai Kelly

In this episod Isla meets Abdulai Kelly, an award-winning law graduate and human rights advocate. The conversation explores how lived experience shaped his life, why fairness and representation matter in our increasingly digital world, and what must be done to ensure technology protects rather than excludes vulnerable communities.

Episode 2, Catherine Joseph

In this episode, Isla meets  Catherine Joseph, an Integration Specialist, political commentator, and a strong advocate for ethnic minority communities in Ireland, for a powerful conversation around integration in Ireland, and why speaking up — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Episode 1, Joe Loughnanne

In this first episode,  @the_islammiyah_radiogal meets @joe.loughnane Underwriter and Community Activist, for a powerful conversation that moves from mental health and suicide prevention to misinformation, racism, and rising social tensions in Galway and beyond.

We caught up with Global Activist and CODEPINK Founder Medea Benjamin at the July Steps for Peace organised by Steps4Peace Siúlóid Síochána in Galway. In this powerful conversation, she reflects on decades of peace activism, the role of grassroots movements, and why ordinary people still have the power to create real change in today’s world.

The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, multicultural performances, African cuisine, children’s activities and community stalls, celebrating the diversity and cultural contributions of African communities across the county.

Organised by the Galway County Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the event aims to bring people of all backgrounds together in a vibrant celebration of culture, inclusion and community.

Africa Day is celebrated annually to mark the founding of the African Union in 1963 and honour the rich heritage and traditions of the continent.

What does it take to transform a tree into a living work of art? That was the focus of our special conversation with Marek Zemla, founder of the Connaught Bonsai Club following a successful bonsai exhibition at Claregalway Castle.

Speaking with Islammiyah on the Brekafast show, Marek spoke about the exhibition, which attracted visitors eager to learn more about the centuries-old art of bonsai, and reflected on the positive response from attendees and explained why bonsai is often described as “living art.” He also shared insights into the patience, creativity and dedication required to shape and care for each tree.

For those inspired to begin their own bonsai journey, Marek discussed how accessible the hobby can be for beginners and highlighted the welcoming community offered by the Connaught Bonsai Club. He also spoke about the growing interest in bonsai across Galway and the West of Ireland, and outlined the club’s plans for future events and activities.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply curious about this unique art form, the interview offers a fascinating look at the beauty, discipline and mindfulness that make bonsai so enduring. The Club meets monthly at Galway centre Complex on Headford Road. Details on the website

🎧 Listen to the full interview to hear Marek Zemla’s story and discover how bonsai is taking root in Galway. Video available on our YouTube Channel.