Fiona McGarry
Responsibilities
- Lecturer in Journalism
Fiona started her career in the local radio sector, and has worked as a broadcast journalist and producer with several leading local radio stations, including Galway Bay FM, Midwest Radio and Radio Kerry.
During this time she contributed, on a freelance basis, to RTE Radio One’s Drivetime; BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra and Today FM’s The Last Word.
At national level, Fiona worked as senior producer on the PPI Award-nominated Lunchtime Show on Newstalk Radio, with presenters including Damien Kiberd and Brendan O’Brien.
Fiona was commissioned by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), under the New Adventures in Broadcasting Fund, to produce a feature-length radio documentary. What happened to Barna? is an hour-long investigative report into allegations of corruption in the planning process at Galway County Council, and the impact of a high-rise development on the seaside village of Barna.
She also secured a BAI commission, under the Sound and Vision Fund, to develop a six-part documentary series for Newstalk Radio. Home Places explores the connections between prominent Dublin figures and their rural roots.
In print, Fiona has worked for titles including The Tuam Herald and The Connaught Telegraph. She worked as editor of The Mayo Advertiser, before taking up the position of news editor with The Western People. During this time she contributed, on a freelance basis to the Irish Daily Mirror, The Star, The Irish Times and the Irish Independent.
Fiona retains close links to the radio sector and is a trainer and board member with Community Radio Castlebar. She is currently developing a number of radio projects under the BAI’s Sound and Vision Fund.
She was closely involved in the development of new Irish men’s online magazine www.joe.ie, to which she regularly contributes.