Get your water woes sorted with Grant Water

Thu, Dec 02, 2010

Water hardness, protection of household appliances, rainwater harvesting, or simply having a drink of nice tasting water, these are just some of the main concerns for Galway households and businesses, but Grant Water has the high quality and professional services which will have your water flowing in tip top shape.

The finest floors and doors from Timeless Floors

Thu, Dec 02, 2010

Timeless Floors specialises in supplying and fitting wooden floors and doors. The company also provides a dust free sanding and restoration service.

From Galway to New York in 1952

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

The Aisling was a rig kedge which was built in McDonagh’s Boatyard in 1946 by John McNally to a design by AA Pemberthy, who was a district engineer with the ESB. It was intended for Mediterranean cruises. Most of the vessel was of timber cut in County Galway and it also included part of the recently demolished stand at Ballybrit. John McNally unfortunately died before the boat was built, and a man called Tony Jacob from Rosslare bought the half finished vessel. He had gone to school with Fionn and Christopher Darby from Killiney, with Anthony Blyth from Athenry, and with David Webb from Nenagh.

That strange English passion for Ireland

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

In the early years of the 20th century the Irish language increasingly was associated with poverty and backwardness. In the national school system, which was established in 1831, children had been beaten with what became known as a ‘tally stick’ if they were caught speaking Irish. Apparently every time a child was heard speaking Irish, a notch was cut on the stick, and the poor child received the same number of blows.

Far from being upset by this, many parents enthusiastically endorsed it. They felt that the future of their children depended on their ability to speak English. Understandably, Ireland experienced a steady decline in native Irish speakers*.

The power of the dress

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

The party season is around the corner and now is the best time to think about your party dress. At the Glamour in Galway event which took place recently in the Radisson Hotel, I had a little chat with Brendan Courtney from Off the Rails. When I asked him what was his top tip for women in Galway he quickly answered, “Wear a dress!”

Chic maternity wear at the Bump Boutique

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

With the help of Galway’s newest maternity boutique expecting mothers can dress up their bump rather than hiding it. At the Bump Boutique the aim is to source the most stylish, fashionable maternity wear and provide a shopping experience you will want to repeat. Galway native Orla Loughlin endeavours to cater for all maternity needs, be it work wear, party wear, casual, and of course those special occasions such as weddings, christenings, and black tie events.

All the labels stocked have been carefully designed to go with you throughout your pregnancy. You will find labels such as Seraphine (exclusive to the Bump Boutique), Bellybutton, Mamalicious, Ripe, QueenMum, and many more. Also instore you can purchase a full range of skincare products designed especially for mums-to-be and the new bundle of joy. The shop stocks many great gift ideas for mum and baby including Mama Mio and BooBoo.

Notes for the season

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

You know that feeling you get the minute you see the heroine slip down the dark staircase to check the noise in the basement and you silently scream at the telly, “Runnnnnnn!”. Below is a list of five beauty pitfalls that should elicit the exact same response.

First pitfall to avoid — shambolic heels. Every girl knows living in Galway is hell on high heels. The picturesque cobblestone pathways have a devastating effect on our shoes. Even if you feel as though you spend half of your life queuing up at the cobblers, that is better than walking around in ground down heels. Take heart though, as Kurt Geiger has a good range of super flat ballet style and slipper style shoes, all bang on trend at the minute. Now you can keep your high heels for indoors and still brave the pavement in style.

Café 8 and Galway West Wine Club

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

One of the nicest new buildings in Galway in recent years, if not the nicest, is the Galway City Museum at the Spanish Arch. However I wonder how many of you have been there? The antiquities and cultural exhibits are, I am afraid, very scant although what is there is very well presented. There is now one very good reason to visit the museum and that is for some interesting food and to relax in what is quite a special building. The building is beside the Spanish Arch and the main entrance faces the big open courtyard area. If you are in town with some members of your family during the Christmas period it would be a good place to arrange to meet, if people are left waiting then they can amuse themselves by looking at the items on exhibit, then go in to the café for some refuelling.

Treating sports injuries with traditional Chinese medicine

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

Playing sports is a wonderful way to stay in shape and have fun with friends. Whether you are a casual sports player, a weekend warrior, or someone who trains hard every day, acupuncture can be extremely valuable for you.

Bluebird Care Galway wins the Bluebird Care office of the year award

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

Bluebird Care, a premier provider of home care services for young, old and disabled people, has named Bluebird Care (Galway) as the winner of the Bluebird Care Irish Franchise of the Year award 2010.

Budget conscious decorating

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

Do you ever flip through home design magazines and catalogues and dog-ear pages with the looks you like? Do you wish you could achieve that look in your own home without breaking the bank? If you are looking to redecorate your home without spending a fortune, here are some smart tips on how to get the look you want for less.

Living with loss

Thu, Nov 25, 2010

It was Easter weekend 2005. The Murphy family were looking forward to a short break in Co Cork.

Dr Dan, a Salthill based GP, and his wife, Rose were taking their three children Orlaith (15) Eimear (12) and Daniel (eight) to visit his mother in Bandon.

Father Michael Griffin

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Ninety years ago this week, Galway was abuzz with the news that Fr Griffin, a junior curate for the parishes of Bushy Park and Barna, apparently responding to a sick call, went out into the howling gale in the company of three men who were said to have trench coats and rubber boots, and disappeared. The suspicion was that he had been decoyed from his house. It was significant that he did not take the Blessed Sacrament with him. His housekeeper heard very loud knocking as if with the butt ends of revolvers on the front door near midnight, as did one of the neighbours. Apparently Fr Griffin opened his window, spoke briefly to the men, and then left with them shortly afterwards.

The mystery of little Eliza Murphy of Island Eddy

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Among the serious articles in the current edition of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society*, renowned for its hard facts and forensic research, is a surprising story as tender as its subject. It concerns two people, one a child of 17 months, the other a sculptor, who, up to now, have been unknown. Who are they?

How to dress up and dress down your favourite dress

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

I have been asked on several occasions about the best ways to dress up and dress down for various occasions. This week I want to focus on how to dress up and dress down your favourite dress. Let’s take the example of this elegant red dress from Standun boutique. It is versatile and feminine, comes in green, purple, or black, and it will suit most shapes.

For a fun day look team it with black tights, kitten heels or boots, and a cropped leather jacket. Finish the look with a warm coloured knitted scarf wrapped around your neck.

Bridal wear for less at Áibhéil of Adare

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Are you looking for a gorgeous wedding dress that will not break the bank? Áibhéil of Adare in Co Limerick always has a selection of sample dresses that can be bought off the rack at greatly reduced prices. These wedding dresses have only ever been tried on in the shop and have never been worn. They are a brilliant bargain and, unlike some second hand dresses, they have never been altered to fit someone else.

Notes for the season

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

First thing every girl should have — a signature scent. How you smell says just as much about you as how you look. A familiar smell instantly floods us with memories of a certain person. Every time I smell Estée Lauder’s Beautiful I think straight away of my best friend, who actually only wore it one summer many years ago. One to try at the moment is Tom Ford’s Black Orchid. It is warm and sensual and I love to wear it when it is raining outside — it the perfect scent for this time of year. Come into Brown Thomas’s fragrance wall and Joan or Ali, fragrance experts on counter, will get you sorted with your own signature scent.

Golden skincare event at Heaven Scent Beauty Spa

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Heaven Scent, located on St Augustine Street (above Provedance Market Kitchen), offers a wide range of treatments such as facial, massage, chocolate body wraps, manicures, pedicures, Gold Experience waxing, air brush make-up, threading, and the two week miracle polish, Shellac.

Rare chocolate, great paté, and cooking on a stone

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

I had some great feedback about last week’s article, where I suggested that we support our local restaurants and food producers. The best commend I had was: “Use them or lose them.” I think that about sums it up and it is a great message to keep in the back of our minds when shopping generally.

Acupuncture as a treatment for pain relief

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy that works miracles for different diseases, especially for relief of acute pain. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, there are energy pathways called meridians that flow through your body. A blockage of these pathways results in health related issues. When needles are inserted in the areas which influence the energy flow through the meridians this relieves the pain.

Recent research shows positive results for people who were treated through acupuncture for post surgery pain and chemotherapy. Acupuncture is helpful in treating patients in rehabilitation after a stroke as it helps the patient in relearning the skills lost due to the effects of stroke. Acupuncture is also very useful for treating patients of osteoarthritis. In this health issue the cartilage and the tissue that cushion the joints break down. Recent studies also indicate that knee pain can be reduced by acupuncture.

E-paper

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