Fifty years of soccer in Mervue

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

In the mid fifties, the corporation began to build the houses that make up what we now know as Old Mervue. Many young families moved to the area, and for the children, the open green areas in from Plunkett Avenue, and between Clarke and McDonagh avenues, became their playgrounds. They played all kinds of games here… Gaelic football, athletics, and especially soccer. It was on these green spaces that many well-known footballers first developed and honed their skills.

Life is absurd - but let’s get involved

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

This year’s Galway Arts festival succeeds yet again in giving some insight into the minds of remarkable artists whose personal magic interprets our world. These include international journalists Niall O’Dowd, John Lancaster, several writers including Bret Easton Ellis, and the renowned theatre and opera director Sir Peter Hall. On Saturday afternoon, the playwright and poet Frank McGuinness teased out some paths through the labyrinthine mind of Ireland’s leading painter Brian Bourke.

Druids Lane restaurant and wine bar, Quay Street

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

Druids Lane restaurant and wine bar has been open at No 9 Quay Street for 11 years now, however the history of the building goes back to 1663. It was originally owned by King Charles II, who on May 1 1663 leased the building for 500 years to the honourable George Duke of Albermarie at a rent of £6 11s 9d (less than €10 per year). I am guessing that the current occupier, Camilla Cutlar, is paying a wee bit more rent in 2010. It is situated just the other side of the lane that borders The Quays bar and is set out much as it would have been when it was a house. The décor is old world and, being practical, I don’t think any other type of ambience would work in a building with that history and architecture.

Brown Thomas raises the fashion stakes for Race Week

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

With Race Week fast approaching Galway fashionistas will be looking for that perfect statement outfit that will see them come out on top in the style stakes.

Birthday bargains at Anatomy

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

Anatomy celebrates its fifth birthday this week, and to celebrate it is offering loyal customers 50 to 70 per cent discount bargains. Anatomy promotes healthy lifestyles and fit bodies. A loyal and discerning clientele has kept it trading successfully and the company continues to bring unique high performance apparel to you.

Anatomy is not just about clothes and products, but about reminding you to take time out for yourself, to seize the day and value what you have. Take a walk, run along the beach, move out of your comfort zone, cycle, take up yoga, relax... whatever it is you enjoy, do it. Move your body and feel better mentally as well as physically, even more so in comfortable, flattering, exercise wear.

Notes for the Season

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

Whether packing for a festival or business trip, taking stock of your wardrobe, and editing ruthlessly, is ultimately a cleansing and worthwhile chore. Every item in your wardrobe should only be there if it is working hard for you, on a regular basis.

Space and colour

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

Colours can dramatically change the way a small room looks. You can easily make it look taller, wider, or bigger depending on what colours you use.

Cosy up to King Koil’s new lumbar support mattress at Furniture Connexions

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

Leading furniture store Furniture Connexions, in conjunction with one of Ireland’s most recognised bedding brands, King Koil, has just launched a fantastic new model onto the Irish market.

Fashion fixes

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

1. If you have wide hips, avoid clingy fabrics, anything tight waisted, brightly patterned dresses and pleated skirts. Steer away too from heavily textured fabrics and knitted outfits. Opt instead for tailored trousers and boxy jackets.

Nutrition and training — get the balance right

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

The core of good nutrition starts in the supermarket with the foods you buy, and in the kitchen with the meals you prepare. It is important to understand that nutrition is not a “one size fits all” science. Each individual has varying needs and requirements, based on a variety of factors such as food intolerances, age, activity level, sex, etc.

Up to 45 per cent of the Irish population suffer from food intolerances. Maev Creaven, nutritionist with the Galway Nutrition Centre, believes it is important for anyone who thinks he/she might have a food intolerance to get tested for a proper diagnosis. Whether your aim is to improve your athletic performance or lose weight, avoiding these harmful foods can make all the difference.

IdealWeddings.ie makes dream weddings come true

Thu, Jul 22, 2010

What is better than getting the wedding of your dreams while doing something for charity? Well, a Galway-based businness, IdealWeddings.ie, is offering just that, helping couples to better plan, and afford, the big day while at the same time raising money for children’s charity ISPCC.

IdealWeddings.ie is an on-line wedding broker service which has this month opened the doors of its office in Monivea, Co Galway, inviting couples to visit the premises and avail of all the services. IdealWeddings.ie helps couples by sourcing wedding service providers across Ireland who are willing to extend special offers, discounts, and incentives. Consultations are offered free of charge and all that is asked in return is that couples make a donation to the company’s affliated charity ISPCC.

Swimming in style

Thu, Jul 15, 2010

A glorious sun drenched holiday awaits you. Ice cold drinks, endless golden beaches, azure skies, leafy palm trees. No wonder you cannot wait to get to this exotic haven.

Chesney fireplaces

Thu, Jul 15, 2010

Established in 1983, Chesney's is the UK's leading supplier of reproduction, antique, and period fireplaces. Years of experience, outstanding craftsmanship, and innovative approach to fireplace designs has enabled the company to build a reputation for authentic, high quality, fireplaces finished to the highest of standards. Over the years it has built relationships and created a range of contemporary fireplaces based on the visions of some of the world’s leading interior designers including Jasper Conran, Kelly Hoppen, and Jane Churchill.

The Yoga Shala

Thu, Jul 15, 2010

David and Laragh Cunningham of the Yoga Shala have just returned from four months studying and working with Australia’s most respected yoga teachers and physiotherapists in Sydney. Simon Borg Olivier and Bianca Machliss have propelled yoga into mainstream Australian life through their innovative teachings over the past 25 years.

“It’s exciting to be the first to bring yoga synergy’s teachings to Europe. The style is a merging of elements of traditional and ancient hatha yoga styles and Simon and Bianca’s in-depth scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology,” Cunningham explained. David and Laragh have established themselves through their Yoga schools in Galway city and Barna among Ireland’s most respected yoga teachers. Their work with the Connacht rugby team and Galway footballers has encouraged more men to try yoga to help with their sport and wellbeing.

Disability group wants Government to reinstate essential services

Thu, Jul 15, 2010

An organisation which is campaigning against budgetary cuts to the Brothers of Charity services is calling on the Government to guarantee families that essential services already cut will be reinstated and that frontline services will not be curtailed.

Tips for choosing your hat for the races

Thu, Jul 15, 2010

A hat is one of the best parts of dressing up for the races. They add drama and balance the overall look. If wearing a hat, make sure it stays in place. If hats simply are not your thing, then try a fascinator, hair band, or flowers.

Notes for the Season

Thu, Jul 15, 2010

For those suffering from World Cup saturation, the focus is starting to turn towards glamour, and just in time to get ready for the just finished Film fleadh, Arts Festival and famous Galway Races, during which the g Hotel is hosting a Best Hat Competition. The fashion world is buzzing about what’s coming over the next few months.

We’re excited to see that tailoring is still timeless, yet we can swing to the other end of the spectrum too with asymmetrical short dresses, cleverly done in Love Moschino in jersey, and to a more structured, almost architectural degree, in Karen Millen.

Mount Falcon, Ballina

Thu, Jul 15, 2010

I recently had a very enjoyable and informative evening at Mount Falcon in Ballina. The head chef, Philippe Farineau has started a series of dinners where he cooks each course in front of all the guests and meanwhile the main kitchen is preparing the same items for serving just as he finishes the talk and demonstration. I was not sure how this would work in reality; however, I can now say that it was an experience worth recommending to everyone who likes good food. Philippe has a great passion for cooking and the dishes he chooses are well within the capability of any amateur cook. There was a champagne reception and I really have to compliment Mount Falcon as it is one of the very few “champagne receptions” that I have attended where they actually serve champagne, nicely chilled bottles of Tattinger were awaiting us as we arrived for the meal.

Get Glam for the races with key looks

Thu, Jul 08, 2010

In this week’s column get some hot looks ideas for the racing season

The egg and butter market, Woodquay

Thu, Jul 08, 2010

This photograph of that part of the Woodquay market at the corner with Eyre Street, was taken c 1890. It was here that country women gathered to sell their eggs and country butter. The market had a long tradition in Woodquay even at that time.

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