Well-known local radio presenter to retire after more than three decades on air

Well-known Galway Bay FM broadcaster Keith Finnegan is to retire after more than 34 years on the airwaves.

The 62 year-old Mervue native is one of the station’s best known voices, as the presenter of the flagship morning current affairs programme Galway Talks.

As well as his career behind the mic, he also served as the station’s chief executive officer for three decades until April 2021.

Keith feels the time is right to hand over the reins to a new voice and will host his last show on Friday, April 12.

"I joined Galway Bay FM, or Radio West at the time, in 1989 then it rebranded. At that stage I was doing a Saturday and Sunday afternoon music programme and then from there I went on to steer the company as chief executive and as an director under previous and current ownership. Then two years ago, I decided I would focus on the programme and that has worked extremely well," Keith said on Galway Talks this morning.

"I decided to hand over the reins of Galway Talks to somebody else and I wish them every success. I hope they get the happiness that I got out of it over the last 34 years."

He received an IMRO Hall of Fame award in 2022 for his distinguished service to the industry.