Dr Connolly admits to taking ‘the occasional glass of ale’

Thu, Nov 10, 2022

The complaint made against Dr Connolly, the medical officer of the Moycullen dispensary district in October 1876, for neglect of duty, drunkenness and using improper language on the evening that Patrick Barrett’s wife was gravely ill in child-labour, was taken very seriously by the Local Government Board. At a disastrous first meeting between the Board’s inspector, Dr T Brodie, with the members of the Dispensary Committee, and Connolly, Connolly completely lost his rag. He insulted the committee, claiming they were ganging up against him, and had pushed himself against the committee’s chairman, John Kyne, in a threatening manner. So it must have been with some interest that the Board awaited a letter from Connolly offering some explanation for his extraordinary behaviour. Of course the letter, when it arrived, was charm itself. Connolly immediately stated that Mrs Anne Barrett ‘sustained no injury’ from the time between the ticket (supplied by the Relieving Officer, which entitles the bearer to a free service), delivered to the doctor’s housekeeper, and ‘the few hours delay’, that the doctor took to see the patient. Furthermore the doctor claimed he was frightened of Patrick Barrett’s, threats. His housekeeper was alarmed when she heard Barrett say that ‘he would have the doctor’s life’. The letter went on to say that Tom Conneely, Barrett’s brother-in-law, who accompanied Barrett that night, was asked the next day about the patient, repeated that Barrett had said, if ‘the doctor goes to Ballinahalia he will not return alive’. Of course this was a blatant lie. Conneely worked for John Geraghty, the most powerful man in Moycullen, who owned a pub, and the post-office. In addition he was the poor-law rate collector, and a friend of Dr Connolly. The doctor’s letter goes on to explain that a few years ago a gentleman’s windows were smashed at night, and that the police had questioned Barrett about the incident. ‘A threat from such a person’, the doctor wrote, ‘might justly excite terror’.

The Galway shawl

Thu, Nov 10, 2022

The Galway shawl was a specific type of heavyweight shawl worn by women during the cold season. It was very popular during the 19th century and was still being worn by a few older, more traditional, women up until the 1950s. It was worn by women all over Ireland, but for some reason was known as the Galway shawl. It was a winter-weight outer garment and was worn over a lightweight one.

Cloaks in old Galway

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

The Irish cloak was a standard 19th century garment worn by women all over the country. It is described as a sleeveless garment reaching to the ankles, open in front and fastened with a hook-and-eye or with ribbons. One width of material goes into the back and a half width into each side. On the shoulder, the material is tightly gauged, and attached to the back of the neck is a large hood which hangs down the back when not in use. The hood, which is lined with satin, silk, or sateen, is made of a rectangular piece of material drawn into pleats at the back. It was constantly used when the cloak was worn, even on hot days, when the hood could be drawn to shield the eyes of the wearer from the sun. The cloak formed very graceful drapery, fell well and folded well, was very elegant and usually large enough to envelop the whole person.

Distraught husband said doctor was drunk

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

On October 2 1876 Patrick Barrett of Ballynahalia, wrote a long letter to Dr T Brodie, the Local Government Board inspector, bitterly complaining about Doctor James Connolly, who failed, ‘through drunkenness’, to promptly attend his heavily pregnant wife. Barrett demanded a sworn inquiry into the whole sorry business, causing a row that fiercely divided the community of Moycullen, where old loyalties silenced witnesses from giving evidence, leading to a stunning finale of bribery and corruption that would turn the one street county Galway village into a Ken Bruen landscape. Barrett, accompanied by his brother-in-law Tom Conneely, set out briskly to call Dr Connolly, the local dispensary doctor, as his wife, Anne, was dangerously ill in child labour. The doctor’s housekeeper told them the doctor was gone into Moycullen, and not expected home till around 10pm. The two men walked to Moycullen as fast as they could. Just as they passed John Turner’s public-house they saw the doctor standing by the wall. The doctor began to move off towards John Geraghty’s pub, when Barrett asked him to come to his home immediately as his wife was very ill. The doctor asked: ‘Have you a ticket? (at that time for a doctor to make a home-visit a ticket had to be got from Mr Griffin, the Relieving officer for the area), Barrett said ‘No’, but if the doctor came he would get a ticket later. The doctor then asked Barrett to give him one shilling for his fee, to which Barrett replied that he had no money. Doctor Connolly turned away saying: ‘Go to the devil, or to the poor-house’, followed by abusive and derogatory language too unseemly to be included in the report. The doctor walked away leaving Barrett ‘excited’, and at the point where he almost lost his temper; but instead, he thought he would have the law on him. ‘Do I have to go into Galway to get a doctor?’ he asks.

Open day at St Nicholas’ Parochial School

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

St Nicholas’ Parochial School is holding an open day on Friday November 11 from 9.30am to 2pm. On this day the principal, Ms Wendy Lynch, and the staff look forward to welcoming you and giving you a tour of the school and having a cup of tea and a chat.

University of Galway to hold on-campus postgraduate open day

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

University of Galway's autumn postgraduate open day takes place on Tuesday November 8 from 12 noon to 3pm in the Bailey Allen Hall. The open day will have a strong focus on the affordability of postgraduate studies and the multiple funding and scholarship opportunities that future students should explore when considering investing in their education and career.

How parents can help their children with maths

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Parents often wonder how they can best support their child with maths and numeracy.

ATU to host open day at Galway city campus this weekend

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway city is hosting an open day this Saturday, November 5, from 10am to 10pm, for secondary school students, parents, teachers and mature applicants, highlighting the range of courses on offer across the university and information about student life and study.

Enjoy a great customer experience at Better Bedding

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Better Bedding on the Sean Mulvoy Road is a great shopping destination in Galway. The new look store has developed a reputation for providing quality pieces at affordable prices. Making a purchase here means that the new addition will not only complement, but in many cases will transform your home for the better. It will also stand the test of time.

In early 2021 owner Neil Kilmartin welcomed manager Michelle Fahy to the team. Michelle was thrilled to join Better Bedding as it is known for its customer service and its exceptional knowledge of Respa beds. Michelle brings her own wealth of knowledge and expertise from her previous role with An Siopa Troscán.

Christmas is covered at Home Gallery

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Sometimes you visit a store and your breath will be taken away. That is what will happen when you take a trip to Home Gallery’s showroom at Briarhill Business Park.

Get a festive glow in time for Christmas

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Sisu Clinic is a doctor-led aesthetic destination committed to offering unparalleled care and results. The company's mission is to empower patients to take control of their appearance and live their best lives. It has 19 clinics across Ireland, the UK, and the US, including one in Galway, located at Urban Wellbeing, Tuam Road, Galway.

New study suggests older adults can benefit from hitting this protein goal

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Changing your protein intake may be the solution if you find it tougher as you age to gain (or even maintain) muscle.

Discover the ultimate immersive fitness experience at POWER Galway

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

POWER, offering world leading fitness classes and amenities, has opened the doors to its fourth location at The Dean Galway. Taking up residence on the lower ground floor, POWER is a space like no other. The club utilises and highlights the original vaulted brickwork railway tunnel that connected Galway to Clifden, which has been transformed into a boxing studio, making it one of the most striking features of the hotel. This is just one of the special features of this luxury health club, which is the first of its kind in Galway.

OxyGeneration — reversing long Covid

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Clients of OxyGeneration continue to report ‘phenomenal results’ for long Covid symptoms. Some have come because the Beacon Hospital Long Covid Clinic explained to them the reasons for the benefits.

Mum Talks to hold meet-up in Galway

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Mum Talks is an event company and community that supports, inspires, and empowers women throughout their journey of motherhood with online and in-person meet-ups, events, talks, and workshops.

Exciting new venue for Galway as Barnacles Bar and Kitchen opens in Salthill

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Barnacles Bar & Kitchen, now open at 163 Upper Salthill, is the newest venture from long-time friends and business partners, Mark Commins and Conor Graham.

Find the perfect wines for your festive occasion at Cavavin Ireland

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Louise’s Special Selections are ideal wines to begin to discover, taste, and consider for this Christmas season. The selection, put together by Louise O'Brien, head of wine, Cavavin Ireland, includes a mix of reds, a rosé, and a Champagne.

Winner, winner

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

A chicken dinner is perfect any day of the week. Bord Bia is encouraging everyone to explore how nutritious, delicious, and infinitely versatile chicken is, with a range of recipes featuring our favourite bird.

Delicious festive fare at Moores Butchers

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Moores Butchers, situated in Terryland Shopping Centre, is now taking orders for Christmas with a great selection of meats for Christmas dinner, including dairy and gluten free options at affordable prices.

A boutique hotel on the edge of Galway's promenade

Thu, Nov 03, 2022

Sitting around the corner from the Prom, The Nest Boutique Hostel and self-catering apartments in Salthill is a truly unique and comfortable space that champions local, providing guests with a taste of what Galway has to offer.

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