The First Thought series of talks from Galway International Arts Festival returns this July.  Presented in association with the University of Galway, the talks will feature debates and discussions on important contemporary issues.

These include Ukraine v Russia, for which the International Editor for Channel 4 News, Lindsey Hilsum, will be in conversation with journalist and author of We Didn’t Know Ourselves, Fintan O’Toole. That’s on Saturday, July 22.

The Hospital Manager who ‘doesn’t do trolleys’ will feature the Manager of Waterford General Hospital, Grace Rothwell, in conversation with health journalist Danielle Barron, while Ireland’s economy will be in the spotlight when John McHale of the University of Galway is in conversation with TCD’s John Fitzgerald in Two Economists.

In I Left my Heart in Afghanistan, Gaisu Yari, who left Afghanistan during the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021, will be in conversation with journalist Róisín Ingle. Women’s rights activist Yari was Commissioner for Women’s Employment in the Afghan civil service before the Taliban took power. Now US-based, she’s Director of Afghan Voices of Hope, an oral history project for Afghan exiles.

Also on July 22, photographer, film maker, DJ and chronicler of hip-hop, Brian Cross (aka B+), will be in conversation with broadcaster and actor Ray ‘Wingnut’ Cuddihy. Cross, who’ll have an exhibition at the Galway City Museum during GIAF, was director of photography for the Academy-nominated documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop.

From Galway to Global; The G-Town Records Story with KETTAMA and Shampain will kick off the talks on July 23. Founded in 2021 by DJs KETTAMA and Shampain, G-Town Records has had four releases and sold-out shows across Europe, while maintaining strong links with Galway. This talk is ahead of KETTAMA’s show at the Big Top

Also on Sunday is What did we learn from the Decade of Centenaries?, a conversation between historians Diarmaid Ferriter, Anne Dolan and Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh. Before that, What Exactly is Irish Neutrality? is the theme of a discussion with Diarmaid Ferriter; Irish Times Crime and Security Correspondent, Conor Gallagher; Fintan O’Toole, and Catherine Connolly, TD. They’ll be in conversation with RTÉ’s Katie Hannon.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.