Dónall Mac Amhlaigh, gentleman, writer, exile

Thu, Feb 04, 2021

This photograph of some of the staff of the Rockville Hotel was taken in the summer of 1947. They were all well-dressed which would have been normal in hotels in Salthill at the time, porters would have worn swallow-tail coats and waitresses proper uniforms. The Rockville was originally a guest house owned by a Mr Kelleher who was a member of the RIC. It evolved into a small comfortable hotel owned by O’Neills (“Private bathing from the Hotel, Phone Salthill 70”) and later by people named Hynes. As the Rockville it had high standards and was fully licensed.

The saga of the great ship continues

Thu, Feb 04, 2021

During the last week of October 1860 members of the crew of the Connaught began to return to Galway. On October 28 the first to arrive came by train ‘where a large number of people on that afternoon were at the station to welcome them back.’

The Galway sword and mace

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

The Galway civic sword and mace are among the finest specimens of municipal corporation insignia in Ireland; the sword is particularly noteworthy and can be compared with the best of civic swords in these islands. Swords and maces were first carried by the king’s servants as symbols of the authority of the king himself. As time went on, the mayors and bailiffs of towns acquired swords and maces of their own, some following charter grants, others by mere assumption without specific authority. These were usually borne before the dignitaries concerned when they went in procession or were actively displayed when they acted otherwise in their official capacity. Maces, which were originally weapons, are staves of authority. Swords symbolise the legitimate use of force.

The fate of the valiant Captain John Wilson

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

We get an idea of the perilous position at sea that confronted Captain John Wilson of the Minnie Schiffer, his two-masted brigantine, laden with a full cargo of fruit and wine, as he was sailing from Marseilles to Boston, from this dramatic painting.

Following a number of engine mishaps, the PS Connaught, about one hundred miles out from Boston on its return voyage to Galway, was battling against a fire which had broken out in its engine room, and which was rapidly spreading across the deck out of control. Furthermore a leak in the ship’s bow was letting in a greater quantity of water by the hour. By the afternoon of Saturday October 6 1860, it became clear that the PS Connaught, the flagship of the Galway Line, and one of the finest paddle-steam liners of its day, was facing ruin.

New spring term at The Spanish Institute

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

The spring term at The Spanish Institute will start the first week of February and will offer a variety of group classes to all levels, as well as one to one classes. In line with Covid-19 regulations, all classes will be delivered online until further notice. The new schedule is available on the institute’s website, www.spanishinstitute.ie, where students can book their chosen course until January 31.

Upskilling opportunities available from GRETB

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) has launched a number of highly funded business courses, which are available online to employers and employees to help upskill staff and provide relevant and valuable skills for todays workplace.

Apply now for all PLC courses at GCC

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

Galway Community College (GCC) is now taking applications for all its Level 5 and 6 QQI accredited further education courses. Applications for all courses can be completed on www.galwaycc.ie, where information about modules, course qualification, progression opportunities, and fees can be viewed. Each course page has the email address of the course coordinator, who can be contacted to get more specific information about your preferred area of study. All courses are full-time, usually four days in college with one day on work experience in local businesses and industry.

Galway restaurants honoured in Michelin awards

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

By Una Sinnott
Three Galway restaurants are among the recipients of the new Michelin Green Star award, which recognises leadership in sustainable gastronomy.

Bacon, eggs, and spinach pies — the ultimate comfort food

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

These bacon, eggs, and spinach pies are a really tasty breakfast dish. Add some crusty bread, or potato wedges and salad, for a great lunch or dinner.

With this recipe, courtesy of Bord Bia, you can enjoy the ultimate comfort food during lockdown.

Registration for The Big Grow 2021 is now open for primary school teachers in Galway

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

Schools may be closed, but innocent and GIY are calling on teachers to sign up for free food growing classroom kits to welcome children back when the doors are open again.

Five things to do to carry through real change and transformation

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

I see a lot of people who have great intentions throughout the year, start something with vigour, and then it fades out over time. However, we see other people who break through and succeed in making real change. Why is this? Why do some people have a breakthrough and others do not?

Progressive therapies for pain relief at the Crane Clinic

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

Acupuncture, which originated in China, has been scientifically proven to be very effective to relieve most types of pain and is now used in hospitals and specialised pain clinics in Europe, the USA, and Australia.

Essential physiotherapy service remains open to treat bladder and bowel incontinence

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

Aoife Ni Eochaidh, chartered physiotherapist, provides face to face, phone, and video call physiotherapy for pelvic floor muscle treatment for bladder and bowel incontinence from her clinic in Suite 14, Bon Secours Consultant Clinic in Renmore. She also treats sexual dysfunction, prolapse, post-natal pelvic conditions, and osteoporosis. People can choose to have their pelvic physiotherapy consultation by regular phone call, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc, or to attend in person. Patients can get a referral from their GP or self-refer.

Enhance your kitchen this new year with vibrant colour

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

The arrival of a new year can see us all hoping to add a little extra colour to our lives and what better place to start than in the kitchen.

Make your dream home a reality with Komandor

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

It is an exciting moment when you receive the plans and renders of your forever home. But you still have a journey ahead before you can finally turn the key and move in.

Household chores can burn staggering number of calories

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

If you are running a busy household you will know that a daily gym session can often drop to the bottom of the priority list.

G Conboy Electrical — open for business

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

G Conboy Electrical, a Galway institution, is remaining open during the current Level 5 restrictions and is offering a call out service to repair appliances. Its New Road location is open for business, providing a walk-in service for clients' home appliances, and has a large supply of spare parts including elements, pumps, motors, and belts. Manager Jacqui Conboy says the staff are looking forward to seeing their regular and new customers.

"We are very much looking forward to seeing our customers, old and new, at G Conboy Electrical on New Road," she said. "Our store will be adhering to HSE guidelines on social distancing so we advise our customers to call 091 526202 before they visit to see if the item for which they are looking is in stock, and if we have it, we will have it ready for them to collect when they arrive. We understand people may be nervous so by calling we can lessen the need for waiting around.

The university man, the Headford ambush, and the 'Day of Rage'

Thu, Jan 21, 2021

For most of December 1920, Thomas Hynes, quartermaster of the Galway IRA, was in Queen’s College Galway - today's NUIG - hiding from Crown forces, sleeping on top of bookshelves, and assisting in the making of grenades.

Irish language classes at Áras na nGael

Thu, Jan 21, 2021

Are you looking to start the New Year with a new hobby? Why not start now and book your place on one of the Irish courses from Conradh na Gaeilge, and join a growing group of people, including Ryan Tubridy and Imelda May, in reclaiming your language.

Ciorcail comhrá on Zoom

Thu, Jan 21, 2021

Conradh na Gaeilge's weekly ciorcal comhrá will start once again on Thursday January 28. The ciorcal comhrá is suitable for Irish language learners at every level. It is a relaxed environment for you to practice your cúpla focal in the evening time.

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