Galway is saddened this week by the passing of a woman whose service in the name of Galway across, media, commerce and culture was unmatched.
I first met Maeve Joyce-Crehan as a colleague in the media when we used to cover local authority meetings for the local press. Maeve was employed by the Galway Observer newspaper and even then, her observations and humour whiled away many a long and arduous meeting on the press benches. She had this wonderful manner of being able to deliver nuggets of gossip, humour and news while maintaining that wonderful smile, topped by the most marvellous hairstyle.
The contacts and nuances she picked up then armed her well for her life ahead — a life alas that came to an end too soon when she passed away last Thursday morning after a long illness. The news was conveyed to me by a mutual friend who was similarily bereft at the loss of such a loyal and entertaining friend. We cannot believe she is no longer with us, but we both have no doubt that she is, and that somewhere she is telling us to ‘stop going on about her.’
But if her life was short, her impact was large. She stayed in the communications field after the Observer and joined Galway Chamber in 1999 as a Public Relations Executive and dedicated over two decades to supporting the Galway business community.
This role was fuel to Maeve’s rocket — and it enabled her to spread the goodness of her communication skills across a wide range of Galway projects. Her light touch and persuasuve ways enabled the Chamber to maximise its involvement across a wide range of local enterprises, both commercial and cultural.
Every project and initiative in Galway worth its salt had Maeve at its heart, either in a direct role or a beneficiary of her advice. To read the tributes on the Chamber’s social media pages, is to see a who’s who of people and organisations touched by her presence and sound advice.
Through her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment, she rose to the role of General Manager, leaving an indelible mark on the Chamber’s growth and its impact on businesses across Galway.
In 2021, Maeve was rightfully honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the Galway Chamber Business Awards.
This award celebrated her unparalleled dedication, reflected in initiatives such as the publication of Tribes to Tigers (the history of Galway Chamber ), the establishment of the Galway Chamber Business Awards, and countless other projects that fostered collaboration and growth among Galway’s businesses.
Beyond her work at the Chamber, Maeve’s contributions to education and community development were equally profound.
She was a teacher of English and French, taught communications to adults through VTOS and GRETB, and served on the boards of GRETB and GTI.
Maeve’s passion, talent, and dedication will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Galway Chamber and the wider community have lost an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend.
I recall the day she told me of her illness. Breaking the news gently so that we her friends wouldn't be upset, unselfish even in the most testing of times.
I am proud to say that I have known Maeve through my sojourn through Galway. In a period in which the city and county has lost many great people, we can ill afford to lose another.
To Mick, and to Sarah and her extended family and friends, I send you my deepest sympathies. The impact of Maeve on this city has been immense.
Her spirit will live on in the continuation of the projects and causes she espoused.
