Galway County Council has hosted a Civic Reception in honour of Keith Finnegan who recently announced his departure from Galway Bay FM after a radio career spanning more than three decades.
The former host of the long-running ‘Galway Talks’ programme was joined by family and friends at the ceremony held in Áras an Chontae.
Launching his broadcasting career in 1989 with Galway Bay FM, then called Radio West, Keith hosted weekend music shows and was later appointed CEO of the radio station and the anchor presenter of the popular morning current affairs programme. He presented his final show during April.
Councillor Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “A Civic Reception is the highest honour that Galway County Council can bestow on any organisation, group or individual – and one that is – for Keith Finnegan – thoroughly deserved.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “For 34 years, Keith has been a familiar voice to the people of Galway. His programme reached tens of thousands of people every day and, importantly for listeners, they too were able to reach him. Combining social media and local radio has been central to the success of Galway Talks as it helped to strengthen community participation, especially for those whose voices otherwise would have gone unheard.”
Her added, “Throughout my career, I have always valued the importance role that local media plays in Irish society. Galway Bay FM affords local authorities like Galway County Council with a platform to communicate our message to the wider public but, more significantly, it also holds us to account in the work we do.”
“I wish Keith the very best for the future as I know he has plans for new projects and new adventures. His voice and the passion he showed for everything Galway over the past 34 years will be sorely missed from the airwaves,” concluded Mr. Conneally.
