The Central Hospital

Thu, Feb 27, 2014

“The newly constituted County Hospitals and Dispensary Committee met for the first time on the 25th of February, 1922, in the boardroom of the old gate lodge of the old workhouse to organise the transfer of the Galway Hospital (Infirmary) on Prospect Hill to the workhouse site.” The hospital (which was where the county council buildings are today) had come under the control of the county council the previous year and it wisely decided that it should be closed and the workhouse developed as a central hospital to serve city and county. The Prospect Hill unit was phased out and ultimately closed in December 1924.

‘Mr Huston would you like a little night-cap?’

Thu, Feb 27, 2014

It was John Huston’s wife Ricki, who first saw St Clarens, a large Georgian house, and gardens near Craughwell, Co Galway. She had been staying with Derek and Pat Trench at Woodford House for the Galway Races. When she heard the house was coming up for sale by public auction she went to check it out. Once owned by the O’Hara Burkes,* it was then a virtual ruin, and in the hands of the Land Commission.

Edward VII in Galway, 1903

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

At the beginning of the last century, the Prince of Wales would have been one of the most famous personalities known to most Irish people. He had been to County Galway on a few occasions hunting, but when it was announced he was going to make an official visit, it aroused very mixed emotions. There were a lot of objections locally, led by an umbrella group known as the National Council. They disrupted preparatory meetings by shouting and heckling. Nationalists were not impressed either and other objectors included Edward Martyn, WB Yeats, Maud Gonne, and George Moore.

Ricki Soma - Anjelica’s beautiful mother

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

Anjelica Huston’s mother, Ricki Soma, grew up over a popular Broadway Italian restaurant called Tony’s Wife on West Fifty-Second Street in New York. At 14 years of age she was already a beauty, and a ballet dancer. She looked like the Mona Lisa, in fact she was considered so beautiful that a few years later her photograph appeared on the cover of Life magazine.

From Communions to christenings, here is what to wear

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

In this week’s column I want to focus on the conundrum of dressing for Communion, christening, and confirmation. I believe that if you look the best you can and feel good in what you wear, you will be confident.

Time for tea at The Ardilaun

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

It is no secret that the Irish love their tea. The Irish drink more of this hot beverage per capita than any other country. The presence of tea making facilities is considered essential in any hotel or bed and breakfast room and is offered at breakfast, 'elevenses', lunch, dinner, and any time in between. Lately we have even begun to embrace that very English tradition of afternoon tea. Legend has it that the ritual of afternoon tea owes its origins to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. As a young women in the early 1800s at this time, it was common to eat only two main meals a day, with breakfast scheduled in the morning and dinner taken late in the evening. When kerosene lamps were introduced in wealthier homes, eating a late dinner became increasingly fashionable, widening the long wait between meals.

Experience the benefits of nutritional therapy and iridology

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

Denise Coyle comes to the Elmtree Clinic in Oranmore with full qualifications in both nutritional therapy and iridology. As a nutritional therapist first and foremost, she works with clients to create diet, supplement, and lifestyle plans to suit individual needs and goals. Nutritional therapy can assist in easing and regulating a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Nutritional therapy can also help with needs such as weight loss, increasing energy levels, general wellbeing, and improved health outcomes.

Expand your life in three weeks

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

Harvey Wasserman’s Expand Your Life In Three Weeks workshops have one major purpose — to demonstrate that many emotional problems can respond to simple techniques. Wasserman will present exercises that help with depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems. They will help identify negative thinking and the many beliefs and experiences that limit personal growth and expansion.

Special offers on quality flooring at A&D Carpets

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

A&D Carpets was established in March 2011 by brothers Arnold and Darragh McDonagh. Both brothers have more than 20 years’ experience in the carpet business, both in sales roles and as professional carpet fitters.

Be kinder to the environment and save money with Natural Green Energy

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

In an age where the State is being fined up to .35,000 per day for being over its CO2 emissions, it is more important than ever that we, as a nation, become more responsible for our carbon output. We have become too dependent on fossil fuels — turf, coal, oil, and gas — when in reality we need to be looking at renewable sources such as solar, wind, and wood. We have the ability to heat our homes on a purely carbon neutral basis; making no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as a result of carbon offsetting.

The Home Improvement Show to take place in Castlebar in April

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

Connacht’s largest home and garden event, the Home Improvement Show, will take place in the Breaffy House Events Arena, Castlebar, on April 12 and 13. Whether you are planning a new home or looking to make practical changes to your existing home or garden, the Home Improvement Show is the event for you. Get tips and advice, be inspired, and meet all the leading suppliers, all under one roof.

With the recently announced Home Renovation Incentive Scheme providing a much needed tax break to homeowners, many are choosing to transform their house into a home this year. The Home Improvement Show is a one-stop shop where families can go along, enjoy a great day out, and get all the information they need to make those plans a reality.

Storm-proof fencing from Colourfence

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

Has your fence been blown down or damaged? Are you looking for a long lasting low maintenance solution? If you are, it’s time for a Colourfence.

Results made easier at the Coast Club

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

Set on the Connemara Coast overlooking Galway Bay, the Coast Club leisure centre is the ideal place if you want to improve physical fitness, pamper yourself, or simply escape the pressures of modern life. The club is packed full of activities and services that make it a pleasure to visit for both young and old. Opening at 6.30am, the Coast Club can accommodate early birds.

Food intolerance testing at Health and Herbs

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

A food allergy happens almost immediately, usually within one hour. This reaction is very evident.

Lose up to two stone in ten weeks

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

There are three keys to a genuine weight loss (real fat loss) plan — diet, exercise, and metabolism correction. All three keys interconnect — one will not work without the other.

Problems with digestion, get relief with Care Cure Acupuncture

Thu, Feb 20, 2014

Digestion problems can be debilitating to say the least, with symptoms ranging from cramping to nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and IBS.

Renmore Barracks, a brief history

Thu, Feb 13, 2014

Because of its strategic location, Galway was always an important centre for the military. The original fort in Renmore was known as St Augustine’s Fort and featured prominently in the 1641 rebellion, after which it was abandoned, the purpose for which it had been built having been accomplished.

The Galway ladies who ride

Thu, Feb 13, 2014

John Huston was an expert rider, and expected his children to be so too. From an early age both Anjelica and her brother Tony were given horses. St Clerans, a magnificent Georgian house on a large estate at Craughwell, County Galway, had a full stable, watched over and trained by Paddy Lynch, a former jockey. Huston brought his family to live there in the 1950s while he travelled the world making films. He would come home for energetic holidays usually with Hollywood friends, and at times with his latest mistress. Once home, however, the sometimes lonely childhood lives of his two children would burst into action. Huston impressed upon them that the most important things in life were courage, and not to be a ‘dilettante’. He explained, as he smoked his brown cigarillo, that a ‘dilettante’ was a ‘dabbler, an amateur, someone who simply skims the surface of life without commitment.’

Going for gold

Thu, Feb 06, 2014

As we emerge from winter our skin can appear dry and dull. We all know the beauty benefits of a seamless foundation but did you know you could give your whole body the same treatment in an instant too?

Top coats

Thu, Feb 06, 2014

A trench coat is always a winner whatever the season. It is the perfect cover-up when the skies open and the rain pours down or if you are dashing out between the showers. Even on bright and breezy days it looks great.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.