Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe

Thu, Sep 16, 2010

On the 1820 map of Galway, the site of the Taibhdhearc was part of the then Augustinian Church. When the present church was built in the 1850s the site became derelict. The late Ned Joyce remembered a large tree growing on the site, a tree which stretched across the street to a tenement known as ‘The Windings’. The occupants used to hang their washing on the tree on fine days.

In 1912 the Augustinians built the present building as a parish hall, which functioned as a social club where they put on dramatic productions as well as playing billiards and table tennis, etc. This club became defunct and, in 1928, a committee of 10 under the chairmanship of Dr Seamus O’Beirne took it over and equipped it as a theatre. Their idea, and that of the Government of the time, was to use An Taibhdhearc and An Céad Cath, the Irish speaking army battalion based in Renmore Barracks, as vehicles for the regeneration and promotion of the Irish language in Galway. The committee invited Mícheál Mac Liammóir and Hilton Edwards to produce the first play which was Mícheál’s own Diarmuid agus Gráinne.

Notes for the season

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

All those sacrifices your parents made. Those years of commitment, the hard work, and the studying, the walking to class in the rain. The exams. Today is the day it all pays off. Today is graduation day. Today you get that dress. I mean, your degree. Today you get your degree.

The Corrib Club

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

“The Galway Corrib Club held their annual regatta on the splendid river of the Corrib at Menlo. The day was as fine as ‘sunshine and pageantry’ could make it, and the ivy-mantled Castle of Menlo, the residence of Sir Thomas Blake, Bart, was decorated with flags of all nations, and waved gracefully in the breeze. There was not a ripple on the bosom of the lake unless what was created by the oars of the several beautiful little crafts which were constantly scudding up and down the river, freighted with some of Nature’s fairest daughters. There was a band in attendance and during the day discoursed some beautiful music. Great credit is due to the commodore, PT Grealy, Esq, and the members of the club for the satisfactory manner in which the whole arrangements were carried out. After five races between four oared gigs, outriggers and punts, the sports of the day terminated with a duck race, which was most amusing. At seven o’clock, the amusements terminated and the delighted spectators returned home, highly pleased with the day’s sport. Although there were places of refreshment, there was not a man to be seen the worse for liquor, so that the whole affair was a complete success.”

Get dramatic results with a Jet Peel at Therapie

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

If chemical facial peels scare you, but you still want a treatment that will give your skin dramatic results, why not try the Jet Peel facial at Therapie on Shop Street.

This treatment uses a saline solution which is sprayed over your skin at supersonic speed to slough away dead skin cells. Your therapist then chooses a prescriptive vitamin solution to add to your skin after discussing your own specific concerns.

Romance meets elegance with the new VILA range at Paco

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

VILA is a luxurious collection focusing on feminine elegance. The VILA range is based on a separate trend story to enhance a unique and luxurious feel. These pieces can be styled individually as well as together, with other must-haves within the VILA collection.

Griffin’s Bakery, tea room, and pizzeria

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Practically every person in Galway knows of Griffin’s Bakery, just at the end of Shop Street where it turns into Quay Street. It is one of the oldest continuously running businesses in the city, dating back to 1876, and to the Griffins’ credit the façade of the building has not changed much over the 100-plus years. The building is medieval and dates back 500 years. A Saturday morning visit to Griffin’s is for many Galwegians an integral part of the weekend and it is not unusual to see a queue at the door, particularly at Christmas.

Discover the wines of South Australia

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Wine Australia will host an event exploring the wines of South Australia in Galway City Museum this evening. Entitled It’s a long Way from Clare to here, the evening sets out to tell the story of one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, the Clare Valley in South Australia.

The Pagodas Temple, the one stop shop for martial arts in Galway

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Pagodas Temple martial arts centre was started by Chris Hickey, fourth degree dan black belt, the highest graded judo black belt in the west of Ireland. Hickey always wanted to have his own dojo (training centre) where he could pass his skill and knowledge on to others with a passion for the martial arts. This is due largely to the training and mentoring he received travelling around the world, representing Ireland at the highest judo level.

What Community Catering is all about

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Michael, a retired psychologist, has been using COPE Galway’s Community Catering service since January of this year. Michael initially read about the meal delivery service in the Advertiser which prompted him to contact Community Catering based in Ballybane.

Speed work training

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

In order to get fitter we have to take our body out of the comfort Zone and put a little stress on it. Our bodies learn to adapt to the new training thus making the new training less of a challenge. This is what happens when you hit a ‘Training plateau’. for example when you first start lifting weights maybe you can only bench press 20kg but after a few weeks of repeating the bench press you find this weight easy and will be able to add on more weight.

Bring some colour to your living room

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Are you tired of the same old sofa but cannot afford a new suite? A few simple changes can help your living room look and feel like new without the outlay of new furniture.

Recovering our lost heritage

Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Week II

The Eglinton Canal

Thu, Sep 02, 2010

In 1498, during the mayoralty of Andrew Lynch, an attempt was made to open a passage from the River Corrib along the Sandy River and through land to Lough Atalia, thus connecting the river to the sea.

A Christian heritage lost in ivy

Thu, Sep 02, 2010

Last Easter Sunday, I was privileged to attend a dawn Mass, near Cong, on the Lough Corrib shore. About 300 people stood close to a blazing fire, as daybreak slowly lifted the darkness revealing the wide expanse of water, its wooded islands, and in the distance, the mountains of the Maam valley. It was perfectly silent and peaceful. Fr Ray Flaherty welcomed us with these opening words: ‘It was here many saints like Meldon, Fursey, Brendan and Feichin made their homes of peace and prayer. There are many sanctuaries scattered today in ruins along the shores of this lake, silent ruins where the soft tones of bells and the church’s solemn chant floated over the waves...’

The Mass was celebrated within sight of Inchagoill, the largest of the 145 islands on our lake. Inchagoill has been inhabited for approximately 1,400 years. The last resident was Tom Nevin, the caretaker for the Guinness family, who maintained the pathways and graveyard. Large boats were being built on the island as recently as 1956. But the Nevin family house is an overgrown ruin now, and its remains lie close to two of the most beautifully preserved early Christian churches, that even today radiate a presence of peace and spirituality.

Twenty-one beauty tricks

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

1. Experiment with different foundations. You can mix two together to get the perfect result. When choosing a foundation opt for one that suits your skin type. Do you have a shiny or dehydrated complexion or is it balanced? Are some fine lines creeping in around your eyes and lips? A natural looking foundation will enhance your colouring and disguise any imperfections. If you are buying a new shade test it on your jawline to ensure there is no difference between your face and neck colour.

The Gallery Restaurant, Furbo

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

You may be wondering where is the Gallery Restaurant in Furbo? It is part of the Connemara Coast Hotel, and the reason that I have separated it out from the hotel name is that I think it needs special consideration. My memory of the Connemara Coast Hotel goes back to the days of Teach Furbo, and I am sure many readers have a similar association. That’s a long time ago and things have moved on drastically since those days. It is now a four-star hotel with a massive repeat business fom Irish people and a great reputation for excellent wedding receptions and functions. Many visitors book their next year’s holiday as they leave, similar to Kelly’s in Rosslare. The dining room is a large part of the attraction and to some extent is a well kept secret in the locality.

Vani-T is more eco chic than ever

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Recently described as the Victoria’s Secret of the organic and natural beauty market, Vani-T tan has set the standard for tans in image, delivery of results, quality, and purity, with a high natural and organic ingredient content, presented in glamorous recyclable packaging.

Get a fashion fix at BT month-long style event

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Fashionistas can learn about choosing the perfect coat at style events presented by top stylist Marietta Doran at Brown Thomas on Friday and Saturday September 10 and 11.

They are some of a series of fashion and beauty events taking place at the store next month. Experts will be available to help people “revive and rejuvenate” their current looks for the forthcoming season.

Be inspired and join in with the Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

This year’s Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon is expected to attract more than 1,000 runners. The event will take place on Saturday October 2 in Salthill.

Galway is twenty eight kegs lighter thanks to LighterLife

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

LighterLife’s weight loss and weight management counsellor Adam Butcher has been helping men and women in the Galway area lose weight and keep it off. Over the past 12 months he has helped his clients successfully lose an incredible 249 stone or 3,486lbs — the same weight as 28 kegs of Guinness.

E-paper

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