A time to mourn and support

Thu, Feb 13, 2025

The wind howled through Galway two weeks ago, not just in the physical tempest that uprooted trees and left scars upon the land, but in the sorrow and upset that swept through the hearts of its people. A county that has so often roared in triumph, lifted by the feats of its sporting heroes, this week bows its head in mourning.

Homes left in the dark as frustration reigns

Thu, Feb 06, 2025

The past week has tested the resilience of the people of the west of Ireland, as the storm swept through, leaving families and senior citizens in the dark and the cold—both literally and figuratively. Power lines crumbled under the relentless force of the wind, and entire communities found themselves without electricity, without heat, and, in many cases, without the means to stay warm or connected.

Unforgiving storm highlighted our vulnerabilities

Thu, Jan 30, 2025

Galway and the west coast of Ireland bore the brunt of the storm's fury last weekend, lashed by winds that howled like banshees, tearing through the land with a reckless, unrelenting force. The skies darkened, the rain fell in torrents, and the record-speed wind bent the world to its will. Trees, once proud sentinels of the roadside, succumbed, their roots torn from the earth, their limbs flung like discarded matchsticks. Roofs groaned, ridge tiles loosened and scattered, while fragile sheds crumpled like paper in a giant’s grasp.

The need for compassion in a world where it feels rare

Thu, Jan 23, 2025

In a week when it seems like everyone is out to get the "small guy," it’s hard not to feel disillusioned. Compassion, mercy, and empathy — qualities that should be at the heart of human interaction—feel increasingly absent. Instead, we are bombarded with a world where people act not because they should, but because they can. It’s difficult not to be turned off by the toxic environment, especially in politics and public discourse, which appears to have abandoned humanity in favour of power plays.

Framing the worldview

Thu, Jan 09, 2025

Did you know that many Americans cannot locate the US on a world map? I recently had a video show up on my social media that proved just that, as an anonymous camera person asked seemingly random people to locate North Korea on a blank map, with several pointing to Canada, Europe, and even the USA.

A new era looms for the world

Wed, Jan 08, 2025

As we step into the new year, a strange, anticipatory tension hangs in the air. This sense of flux and uncertainty is palpable, amplified by the imminent return of Donald Trump to the White House for his second term. January 20 marks a moment that many see as a fulcrum for global change—or chaos.

In our own country, political stability remains almost intact as the government formation drags on after November’s election. However, concern is not as extreme as the broader international unease, where the unpredictable shifts in U.S. politics echo globally. The resonance of American culture and policy extends far beyond its borders, infiltrating economies, policies, and even societal norms worldwide.

Fill yourself with the good stuff this coming year

Thu, Jan 02, 2025

The beginning of a new year often brings with it an air of optimism, hope, and the promise of change. Many of us approach this annual reset by resolving to give up bad habits or vices, believing that doing so will lead to a better version of ourselves. But what if we shifted our focus? Instead of dwelling on what to give up, why not concentrate on what to embrace? The idea of adding good habits and acts of kindness—both for ourselves and others—can be far more uplifting and impactful.

And so it is Christmas....

Thu, Dec 26, 2024

Normally at this time of the year, as people head away for the holidays, I end up being the last one to lock the door or switch on the alarm as I leave this building. A place normally so busy, but on those days you get to thinking about the year just past, and the possibilities of what lies ahead past the stroke of midnight on Wednesday week.

And so it is Christmas....

Mon, Dec 23, 2024

Normally at this time of the year, as people head away for the holidays, I end up being the last one to lock the door or switch on the alarm as I leave this building. A place normally so busy, but on those days you get to thinking about the year just past, and the possibilities of what lies ahead past the stroke of midnight on Wednesday week.

The unravelling of the world continues

Thu, Dec 12, 2024

In recent years, the world has undergone profound changes. The sense of an "unraveling" has deepened in the past few months, driven by global crises, domestic turmoil, and unexpected events that have reshaped our understanding of stability.

Show up and shape the future

Thu, Nov 28, 2024

As the eve of polling day descends upon us, we stand on the threshold of a momentous decision that will shape not only the composition of our next Government but the trajectory of our nation as we approach the cusp of 2030. This election isn’t merely a ritual of democracy—it’s a call to action for every eligible voter to exercise their right, claim ownership of the outcome, and influence the coalition of parties that will steer our society through the opportunities and challenges of the coming years.

A dark week for the county

Thu, Nov 14, 2024

A place is defined by its people; those who awake at dawn and from that moment contribute to the betterment of life for their community. To offer a hello, to whistle, to hum. Those who speak and advocate; and those who don’t. Those who lift the hearts through song, through sport, through artistic excellence, through being there when a helping hand is needed.

Places become what they are because of the calibre of the inhabitants. This week, the Galway community is hurting from the tragedy that befell it on Tuesday when two swimmers lost their lives in the fog-covered waters off Silverstrand. At time of writing, the search for one continues, and our thanks go out to all the searchers and their support teams as they rally around the family of the woman who is missing since she went swimming on Tuesday.

CRITICAL EYE / SÚIL GHRINN: Pandora's Box of Politics

Thu, Nov 14, 2024

“You’re a true believer, right?”

The fast approach of the end of year

Thu, Nov 07, 2024

The hammering noise from outside my window here in Eyre Square caught me by surprise; the Christmas Market starts tomorrow, the earliest it has ever been, and a reminder once again of how the year has been concertina-ed into what feels like six months.

A big week for the world. Or is it?

Thu, Oct 31, 2024

My first interaction with the American political and military machine came not long after my fifth birthday.

CRITICAL EYE / SÚIL GHRINN: The rhythm of our stories

Thu, Oct 10, 2024

I look forward to the first full week in October every year, as announcement of the Nobel prizes introduce me to some of the greatest accomplishments of humanity. For a moment, I can have a glimpse at the most impressive work in the sciences, literature, and human rights. The awardees - often recognised for work completed decades earlier - remind us of the immense body of effort behind the scenes that underpin the technologies we use every day. Last year’s winner of the prize in medicine, Katalin Karikó, was never granted tenure by the University of Pennsylvania, and yet she persisted.

Remembering those who never came home

Thu, Oct 10, 2024

She'd still be the apple of their eyes. The steely determination she showed as a teenager evident in whatever career she chose to place herself in.

The benefit of the kind word

Thu, Oct 03, 2024

I don’t envy teenagers in the world we live in. Granted, outwardly they may seem to have many of the things that other generations could only dream of, but the possession of those riches brings with it added pressure to conform in levels unprecedented.

Yet, I was saddened and surprised by a survey which came out this week from the mental health charity Jigsaw which revealed that the vast majority of teenagers had not received a compliment in months. That a kind comment their way was not forthcoming says a lot about the restrained nature of modern interaction and the laissez-faire that many of us have about passing on a little bit of ‘sound’-ness to those we come in contact with.

The need to appreciate the wisdom in our communities

Thu, Sep 26, 2024

It seems utterly daft that in modern society, a person is trusted to fly a plane, perform an operation, impart information...and then, the next day, they are not.

And with the passing of that one day, people fall into a different category. One that sees their contribution unvalued, their wisdom just humoured and not appreciated; their efforts doted patronisingly and not given the respect they would have held a short time before.

The benefit of resourcing small towns

Thu, Sep 19, 2024

I love towns, small towns. Those that get insulted if they’re ever called a village. Those that are laughed at it if they’re ever referred to as a city. Towns that have a bit of attitude about them, an identity, a ballsiness. Towns that have notions.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.