The Final Whistle

An episode from the St Mary's at 50 podcast series, celebrating 50 years of St Mary's GAA & LGFA club in Sligo. This episode was recorded in front of a clubhouse audience at Kent Park, as part of National Heritage Week. The guests were: John Kent, Tommy Breheny, David Cummins and TJ Kilgallon, as the four looked back on the 1990s and the club's return to the top table of senior championship football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's boxing all the way on this week's edition of 'The Final Whistle'. First - we pay a visit to the home of Paddy Doherty in Donegal - the last Irish boxer to fight at Croke Park on the Muhammad Ali-Al 'Blue' Lewis card at Croke Park in July 1972. Then - as the Katie Taylor fight at Croker looms, we call to the Gateway Boxing Club in Sligo - a club which has been championing women's boxing since its inception in 2018.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo Rovers are looking to change the way the club is organised an run. Club Chairman Tommy Higgins talks us through what they’re proposing. It's golf glory for Co Sligo’s Young Guns in the Fred Daly Cup. It's a make-or-break weekend for north Leitrim hopes in the Leitrim club championships Plus - Westlife’s Shane Filan on the return of Relay For Life Sligo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the current lifts on the Sligo GAA club football championships for 2026, we’ll take you through this weekend’s opening matches - with the Homeland and Connacht Gold senior champions Shamrock Gaels beginning their title defence against the neighbours, Eastern Harps. The women’s championships begin in Sligo and Leitrim in the coming weeks. We’ve been to both championship launches to gauge expectation levels among the main contenders. Plus – the new Sligo Rovers manager Darren Purse has had a busy first week in the job. We’ll hear from him as he prepare his team fo Friday night’s trip to Dundalk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Dublin gaelic football manager Jim Gavin talks to Austin O'Callaghan at St Mary's GAA Club in Sligo.  Last Saturday, the club launched a new podcast series 'St Mary's at 50' to mark the 50th anniversary of the famous Sligo town club in 2026.- with Gavin the special guest on the night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Donegal come to terms with their All-Ireland football championship exit, we listen back to the Donegal GAA podcast from Croke Park last Sunday. It's hosted by Paddy McGill.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Exercise is the best medicine of all... The story of the phenomenon that is Exwell. Founded by former Dubling gaelic footballer Noel McCaffrey – and one of the leading exponents of it outside of the capital has been Sligo. From heart attack and stroke survivors to cancer and arthrtiis patients... For the last decade, hundreds of people from Sligo and beyond have benefited hugely from these Community-based supervised exercise classes, Exwell celebrates its10th birthday next week (June 24th). We hear from some of the original participants whose lives have been transformed by it – and from those who helped develop the programme locally over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Taylor was in studio this week.We’ll give you another chance to hear herr interview. Ahead of the biggest championship weekend of the year so far in gaelic games, Mary Coughlan is with us to talk Donegal against Cork - and keeping off the grass at the refurbished MacCumhaill Park. We’ve London-Sligo reflections – plus Eamonn O’Hara on this Saturday’s Talteann Cup quarter-final in Enniskillen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo head to Ruislip for a Tailteann Cup showdown with London. We hear from Sligo joint-manager Dessie Sloyan on what they need to do to get in and out with a win. We've reflections on a clean sweep for Donegal clubs at last weekend’s All-Ireland Comortas Peil na Gaeltachta finals in Kilcar. The host club’s Eva Gallagher and Glen’s Clodagh Ellis will share their All-Ireland final joy. Plus – Sligo will have two swimmers on the Ireland team at the European Championships in Paris. Mona McSharry, you know all about.....but we’ll introduce to Danielle Farrell, who’s also part the Ireland Euro team in France this August.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s All-Ireland Comortas Peile Na Gaeltachta finals weekend in Kilcar. The Towney club has pulled out all the stops to ensure a big cead mílle fáilte for the 21 competitng teams over the next four days. We get a tour of Towney from Kilcar sisters Joanne Sweeney and Glenda Dolan. Plus the club’s Uachtarán Aodh Cannon shares some of his football memories. Sligo Rovers lose Jad Hakiki for the rest of the season, but they’ve signed attacking winger Kevin Zefi today. And - we’ll hear from the Ballisodare man who’s going to run from Collooney to Letterkenny - that’s 122 kilometres - for North West Stop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth McElroy signs a new two-year contract with Sligo Rovers, just days after completing his final exams at University. Can Donegal beat Kerry this weekend, for the third time this year alone? Manus Boyle will assess Saturay’s heavyweight championship clash in Killarney. Plus - we’ll hear how Donegal GAA is giving you the chance to win a quarter of a million euro.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Down head to Newry on Saturday in the Tailteann Cup -Underdogs, understrength but ready to give it a crack. Martin McGowan will assess Leitrim’s prospects for us. Another Down team will take on Sligo in next week’s All-Ireland under-20 B football final. Sligo under-20 bainisteoir Stephen Henry is on the programme. And Glenview Stars celebrate an impressive collection of soccer trophies this season – all in women’s soccer. We’ll hear from some of their heroes from last Sunday’s Connacht Cup final success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tailteann Cup begins for Sligo this Sunday, with Tipperary the visitors to Markievicz Park. We’ll hear from Eamonn O’Hara on Sligo’s search for consistency, and from Luke Towey on the players need to perform. Sligo’s hurlers have a Nickey Rackard Cup showdown with Mayo on Saturday. A win would set them up for a semi-final against New York. Four Sligo-Leitrim soccer clubs will contest Connacht cup finals this weekend. We get a sense of the anticipation in Ballymote Celtic. They’re the first Sligo-Leitrim team to make a men's Connacht final for eight years The women’s teams have been reaching provincial deciders for fun in recent seasons.... Three of them are in finals this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo Rovers say the time has come to re-examine how the club is funded and run. Officials say the days of relying so heavily on community fundraising and a volunteer-led club administration are no longer sustainable. So, what are the alternatives? We’ll discuss with club chairman Tommy Higgins. Leiitrim women’s gaelic footballers take on Roscommon in Sunday’s Connacht LGFA intermediate football final. Manager Jonny Garrity will assess their chances. We’ve Dessie Sloyan on Sligo’s Tailteann Cup round 1 clash with Tipperary. If there is an club volunteer or unsung hero worthy of recognigation in your local GAA club, Eirgrid wants to hear rom you. Sinead Dooley will tell us about the Community Heories competition for 2026. Plus - Ballyshannon Badminton Club has been named as Ulster’s Club of the Year. Chris Young will tell us about the sport’s recent revival in the town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do Leitrim have any chance against Galway this weekend? "There’s always a chance," says Martin McGowan. We’ll talk Saturday’s Conancht football semi-final in detail. Saturday is also a huge day for Sligo rugby. The men’s senior team play UL Bohs in their Division 2B promotion final. Ken O’Neill attempt a drop at goal on Sligo’s chances. Plus, are you one of those people who love to try a triathlon? Then, maybe your time has come... Sligo Triathlon Club are in studio to tell us about their men’s Try-a-Tri series next month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a listen back to the closing stages of this week’s Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Golf Championship at Co Sligo Golf Club. Tuesday’s final brought together, 19 year old Mark Cadden from Roganstown Golf Club near Swords and Warrenpoints Colm Campbell who was beaten in last year’s final – and was hoping to go one better this time around. Coming up, we’ll listen to the In the Clubhouse podcast, which was our review of each day’s play. But first let's hear the dramatic closing moments of the final itself on Tuesday afternoon – as described by the Ocean FM Sport commentary team of Shane Flanagan, Kevin Flanagan and first Robbie Fitzpatick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's programme:  Donegal captain Michael Langan on facing Kerry at Croke Park for the first time since last July’s All-Ireland final. Sligo hurling manager Tom Hennessy on Saturday's Division 4 league final against Longford at Markievicz Park. Plus - Leitrim and Sligo women’s gaelic footballers go head-to-head in Sunday’s national league semi-final. We’ll hear from both managers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our season preview of the new women's League of Ireland Premier Division season. Sligo Rovers begin their season at home to Athlone Town this Saturday. Austin O'Callaghan chats with new Rovers head coach Gavin Hughes, team captain Emma Hansberry, vice-captain Leah Kelly, Alana Doherty, Keela Scanlon, Mairead McIntyre and Ella Karolack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donegal remain unbeaten in Division 1 of the National Football League following last Sunday's 1-17 to 0-20 draw with Galway in Ballyshannon. The home side came from seven points down to rescue a point - and they did it with 14 players for much of the second half, between Michael Langan's black card and Stephen McMenamin's red (for two yellows). Paddy McGill reflects on the day's events in the company of Pauric McShea, Brian McEniff and Peter Campbell. Plus - there's team reaction from manager Jim McGuinness and corner-back Eoghan Ban Gallagher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's programme: We hear from the two Sligo footballers who lifted All-Ireland intervarsities football titles in Dublin this week - Reflected glow for Curry and St Molaise Gaels GAA Clubs. Donegal manager Jim McGuinness was the special guest at the recent Leitrim Gaels Celebration Dinner Dance. He presented the winners medals to the history making county champions. Co Sligo Golf Club is getting ready for the 2026 Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland this Easter. We’ll tee the championship up with tournament director Enda Lonergan and the club captains. Plus - we’ll hear from the younger generation of driver competing in this Sunday’s Yeats Ridge Forestry Rally around Sligo and Leitrim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Donegal get ready to welcome All-Ireland champions Kerry to Fr Tierney Park in Ballyshannon this Sunday in a rematch of last July’s All-Ireland final, we’re going to tee up that game with the latest edition of the Donegal GAA Podcast. It was recorded after last weekend's win against Dublin at Croke Park. Introduced by Paddy McGill...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo GAA is making changes to the club football championships this year. We’ll give you the main headlines.The national football and hurling leagues start for the men this weekend.We’ll hear from Sligo’s new joint hurling captains Kevin O’Kennedy and Andy Kilcullen ahead of their Division 4 league opener against Monaghan.Donegal women’s footballers start their Division 2 campaign on Sunday, manager James Daly is on the programme.And - Eimear McHugh from Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership will be hear to talk about the return of the women in sport leadership programme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ursuline College Sligo break new ground in schools soccer. They’re the new FAI Schoolgirls Connacht Senior Cup champions. Team coach Brian Chambers will tell us how it was done.Here comes the start of the Lidl national football league for Sligo and Leitrim women’s gaelic footballers in Division four. Kieran Kilkenny and Jonny Garrity will lay out the  hopes in their respective counties.Plus - Sligo’s biggest Chess tournament just got a whole lot bigger...We’ll introduce you to the new 10-day Sligo Chess and Culture Festival – with the help of Festival director Craig Du Bose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Final Whistle of 2026 examines Easkey's road to Croke Park for Saturday's All-Ireland junior club hurling final - with contributions from Rory McHugh, Andy Kilcullen, Padraig Mannion - and the 'Feed the lads' crew.Plus - Tom Parsons of the Gaelic Players Associaiton talks sport, resilience and mental health - as part of a new series on Ocean FM Sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo’s John Murphy has joined the race to become the next President of the GAA. The Tubbercurry man explains the rationale behind his bid.European Gold medallists in their respective sports, Gearoid McDaid, Paddy Reape and Cian McMunn, are honoured by Sligo County Council. We  hear from all three.Fermanagh gaelic footballer Darragh McGurn shares what life is like under new manager Declan Bonner.Plus - Four Sligo students have raised more than €10,000 for the MS North West Therapy Centre in Sligo, thanks to their 'Coldvember' extravaganza in the sea!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ireland’s elite swimmers return home with their biggest haul of medals ever from a European Short Course Championships, what inspiration might our younger local swimmers take from that? We chat to some them from County Sligo Swim Club.As the PDC World Darts Championships begin in London, we visit the Sligo Youth Darts Academy on the Mail Coach Road, where close to 100 young players have found the perfect environment to throw darts and learn about the sport.The beanie hats are back!Leitrim’s 50 miles challenge returns in the New Year. County LGFA Chairperson Kathy Butler joins us for more on that.And - Sligo Tennis is getting ready to celebrate its 40th birthday with a big celebration bash - and a name change. We’ll play a few rallies with Tomás Kelly and Siobhan Parker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We go Davey Drifting with the Ballinafad family who are accomplished competitors in one of the fastest growing motorsports around right now.2025 has been a landmark year for the Gurteen Celtic and Arrow Harps women’s soccer teams. The two Sligo-Leitrim clubs won the two main cup and shield titles in Connacht. They were honoured last weekend by Sligo County Council.ATU Sligo women’s gaelic footballers underline Sligo LGFA’s growing prominence by winning beating UCD to win third level football’s Quill Cup - we get reflections from manager Liam Gilmartin.Plus - the north Sligo trio cometing for Ireland this weekend at the 2025 World Junior Surfing Championshps in Peru.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ocean FM Sport meets the Davey family from Ballinafad in county Sligo who are big into the sport of drift racing or 'drifting'.16-year-old Jake Davey recently won the National Pro 2 Drift Championship.Jake, his elder brother Dean (19) and dad Nicky spoke to Austin O'Callaghan about drift racing's growing popularity in Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen back to some of the highlights from the 2025 Ocean FM Sports awards - including our interview with special guests Ray Houghton and John Aldridge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Sligo Athletic Club’s Chris O’Donnell becomes the first man to be accorded the Freedom of County Sligo. We hear from the Grange athlete about his fresh plans for the next phase of his international running career.Sligo’s European Surfing Champion Gearoid McDaid flies out to El Salvador this weekend for the sport’s Global Tour Finals. He’s on the programme - as are the three North Sligo surfers who are part of the Ireland team for the Junior World Surfing championships in Peru next month.They’re currently trying to fund their trip to South America.And - Sligo GAA breaks new ground this Friday when the county enters a combined colleges team into the Connacht senior A colleges football championship. Liam Óg Gormley will explain the rationale behind it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shamrock Gaels will launch a new book 'Shamrock Gaels 1972-2022 - A History' to mark the 50th anniversary of the club at a special event on Saturday, Nov 15th in Sligo's Clayton Hotel. Club Chairman Andy Kearins, Lauri Quinn, Vincent Henry and Andrew Hannon joined Austin O'Callaghan in studio to talk about the new publication.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part two of the recent Sligo GAA Celebration Dinner of the county’s Connacht Championship winning team from 1975.The event, at Sligo’s Clayton Hotel, marked the 50th anniversary of that breakthrough success as surviving members of the team, along with family and connections of those deceased panel members gathered for a night of nostalgia.Contributions from Mickey Kearins, Des Kearins, Paddy Henry, Matty Hoey Mick Laffey, the match referee Tommy Mora and others.Journalists Jim and Leo Gray, twin brothers, who reported on Sligo’s Connacht Championship run in 1975 for the Sligo Champion newspaper, are also part of the conversation.From The Clayton Hotel in Sligo, here is Part 2 of Sligo GAA’s 1975 celebration dinner,Introduced by Sligo GAA Communications Officer Padraig McKeon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from Sligo GAA Celebration Dinner at the Clayton Hotel on Friday, Oct 10th, 2025 to honour the county's Connacht Championship winning team of 1975.Part 1 begins with the address given by GAA President Jarlath Burns on the night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's county final week in Sligo - and The Final Whistle on Thursday night came live from McDermott's Bar & Restaurant in Castlebaldwin.Introduced by Austin O'Callaghan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven games to go in the League of Ireland - Can Sligo Rovers put their FAI Cup humiliation behind them and keep it between the ditches on the road to Premier Division safety? We’ll hear from manager John Russell on the programme.For Roisin Molloy and Athlone Town, their European adventure has come to an end. We’ll hear from the Gurteen woman.Collooney handballer Travis Gibbons is celebrating the biggest win of his young career: An All-Ireland minor title at Croke Park..Plus - we pay a visit to North Sligo Athletics Club's 400,000 euro track on the eve of their big Culture Night fundraiser in Grange.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Championships in Waveski and Surf Kayaking come to Easkey this weekend.Autumn O’Donnell from Paddlesurf Ireland is on the programme to explain all.We’re approaching the business end of the senior club football championships in Sligo and Donegal this weekend. Manus Boyle will take us through the key round four matches in the Michael Murphy sports and leisure senior championship as the Donegal clubs bid to reach the knockout stages.And - Westlife’s Shane Filan talks about the inaugural Relay for Life Sligo – the 24-hour charity event coming to ATU Sligo on September 13th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen back to commentary highlights of Thursday evening's Leitrim Connacht Gold SFC round three game between Aughawillan and Glencar/Manorhamilton, which the north Leitrim club won by 0-24 to 1-18.Match commentary came from Ray Lannon and Martin McGowan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen back to Thursday night's live coverage of the All-Ireland Masters football semi-final on Ocean FM between Sligo and Donegal, as broadcast on 'The Final Whistle'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo has a new hurling manager. He’s Limerick man Tom Hennessy. He sets out his stall on the programme for the season ahead.Last weekend’s National Senior Athletics Championships were memorable for several young athletes based in Sligo. Two of the local medal winner interview each other about their Santry exploits.And we’re in Castleconnor to tee up the start of the Sligo LGFA Connacht Gold adult club football championships this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo have got their men.The two new co-managers of the Sligo senior football team are two of its most decorated former players - and they’re homegrownEamonn O’Hara and Dessie Sloyan are on the progamme.We’ll also give you the full rundown of football and hurling county managerial appointments in Sligo for 2026.Few League of Ireland managers have used the summer transfer window better than Sligo Rovers boss John Russell. We hear from his latest new recruit – midfielder Ciaron HarkinAnd despite their All-Ireland final heartbreak, thousands greeted Jim McGuinness and the Donegal footballers at Monday night’s homecoming in Donegal Town. We’ll bring you the manager’s address to the fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re with Sligo Pétanque Club ahead of Saturday’s Open Day at Mitchell Curley Park.As speculation grows over Reece Hutchinson’s departure from the Showgrounds, we’ll talk to the man Sligo Rovers have brought as defensive cover. Paddy McLean is back in a Rovers shirt for the second time in his careerNeuro Diverse FC  is a football club with a differnece. It’s designed to help children with additional needs reach their sporting potential. We’ll hear from its founder.Plus - The Streets of Sligo 5k made a welcome return to the local athletics calendar last weekend. We chat with the race winners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He didn’t have a winner at Sligo Races, but local jockey Colm Hayden has had a week to remember. He made his racing debut on Tuesday – at the age of 53. We hear from the man from Billa..Could the next Luke Littler be in Sligo? A new Darts Academy, just for kids is being set up in Sligo. We’ll talk to the man behind it.We'll hear about Sligo Rovers new coaching programme with inmates of Loughan House Open Prison in Cavan.And - life as manager of the Kilkenny women’s gaelic footballers - after shipping 8 goals and 28 against Sligo in last Sunday’s All-Ireland championship  game in Cloonacool, Cats boss Pat McDowell explains how he and the his players keep going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's another chance to listen to the latest edition of the Donegal GAA podcast, from Kingspan Breffni following last Sunday's big All-Ireland SFC Group 1 victory for Donegal over Cavan.Hosted by Paddy McGill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relay For Life is coming to Sligo for the first time this September.What is it? Where and when? Monica McElhinney from the Irish Cancer Society and Relay For Life Sligo’s Survivor Ambassador Mary Cullen join us in Studio to explain all.Plus - after that win over Galway Untied, Sligo Rovers head to the home of league champions Shelbourne this Friday night.We’ll hear from John Russell on the chances of putting back to back wins together – and from Westport’s Conor Reynolds on balancing his Leaving Cert studies with his League of Ireland tests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's another chance to listen back to the Donegal GAA Podcast's Ulster final programme from Clones last Saturday.Introduced by Paddy McGill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Ulster final double-bill weekend for Donegal.The LGFA is making a fresh appeal to encourage fans intending to travel for the men’s final to get to Clones early and get behind the women’s decider. We’ll chat with Donegal LGFA Chaireperson Joanne McKinney.Leitrim and Sligo men’s footballers hone in on the start of the Tailteann Cup.Sligo manager Tony McEntee is on the programme - It’s not such a long way to Tubbercurry for Sunday’s Tipperary test.Plus - Sligo Rovers boss John Russell on his team’s state of play 14 games into the League of Ireland Premier Division season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We remember Sligo GAA’s cycling referee – and goalkeeper – John Lee who has passed away this week.Reflections on Wednesday night's pulsating Ulster under-20 football final from Danny O’Donnell and Martin McHugh.Zoe Lee Nicholson on the jOYS of wheel-to-wheel racing at Mondello Park.The new Tag Rugby Season returns in Sligo. Sarah Mullen is recruiting new players. - and - she’s persuasive.Plus - Jonny Garrity and Muireann Devaney on Leitrim's promising start to the Connacht LGFA senior football championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donegal are back in the Ulster football final following Sunday's 1-19 to 0-16 semi-final victory against Down.Martin McHugh and Manus Boyle give their postmatch assessment - as Donegal get ready to take on All-Ireland champions Armagh on May 10th in the provincial decider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Sligo Rovers soccer and Sligo gaelic footballer, Sean Flannery, on suffering a stroke at the age of 44 , and the subsequent road to recovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin O'Callaghan introduces Ocean FM Sport's preview of the 2025 Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Championship - live from Co Sligo Golf Club in Rosses Point.With contributions from Tournament Director Enda Lonergan, Club Captain Robbie Fitzpatrick, Kevin & Shane Flanagan and Irish Golfer Magazine journalist Mark McGowan.Plus - former golf instructor Anthony Gray shares his memories of playing an exhibition game with Rory McIlroy at Tubbercurry Golf Club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.