Maamtrasna - beginning the search for truth

Thu, Feb 11, 2010

Week III

The Castle Hotel

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

“An important addition to the accommodation for visitors in Galway is provided by the Castle Hotel. This hotel is conveniently situated in Lower Abbeygate Street, opposite the Pro-Cathedral. The proprietors claim that it is not only the newest of Galway’s hotels, but it is also the most comfortable and central tourist, family, and commercial hotel in the city, and with this contention, many who stayed there would fully agree. The Castle Hotel is within a few minutes walk from the railway station and docks. It is fully licensed. Parties are catered for.”

The Maamtrasna Murders, August 17 1882

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Early on Friday August 18 1882, John Collins, a tenant farmer, having heard disturbances during the night coming from his neighbours’ house, the Joyces, went to check if all was well. He must have feared the worst because he brought with him two neighbours, Mary and Margaret O’Brien. They discovered an appalling sight. Even today, when our senses have been hardened by so many atrocities, it was a scene of savage murder that cried to heaven. No mercy was shown to this unfortunate family.

Stylish ski gear

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Hitting the slopes in the coming weeks? Then you'll need some fantastic outerwear that won't break the bank.

The comfortable way to eliminate unwanted body hair

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

The array of laser technology throughout the world has been nothing short of miraculous, and over the past 20 years this field has continued to grow and expand with the continuing appearance of new technology.

Ten reasons to lose weight in 2010

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Have you ever been asked if you were pregnant, refused to go swimming, or avoided looking in the mirror? These are just some of the reasons why you should start your weight loss journey in 2010.

If you take up the challenge this month and join LighterLife, in just two months you could be nearly two stone lighter and well on your way to a healthier life.

GMIT — a tour of the hospitality and culinary arts department

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

I had often wondered just how big our local college of catering is, so with the help of Robert Dagger, head of the hospitality and catering arts, I was given the ‘tour’. I also met Gerry Talbot, head of hotel and tourism management. These two departments are what make up the school of approximately 900 students and 40 staff who are partaking in the many courses that the hospitality and tourism industry world require. I use the word ‘world’ as the skills are extremely portable and equally applicable in any corner of the globe. Many graduates occupy some of the highest posts around the world in hotel management and as executive chefs.

Back to basics for anti-ageing

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Going to extremes to cheat the clock has become the norm for many women when it comes to face creams and skincare. While in boom times treatments like Botox and microdermabrasion were growing in popularity, now with changing times we find ourselves getting back to basics.

Good health and wellbeing come with ease and convenience

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

The Ondamed® device is now exclusively available in Ireland through Galway practitioner Aine Delaney in Health and Herbs.

Look your best with Shelley’s

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Shelley’s Health and Beauty is a three storey, 12-room clinic located on Upper Abbeygate Street. It was set up by Shelley Murphy in 2001 and was the first salon in Ireland to specialise in the state of the art Ellipse IPL hair removal, skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, and thread vein treatments to give a younger and more radiant look to the skin.

GMIT — a tour of the hospitality and culinary arts department

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

I had often wondered just how big our local college of catering is, so with the help of Robert Dagger, head of the hospitality and catering arts, I was given the ‘tour’. I also met Gerry Talbot, head of hotel and tourism management. These two departments are what make up the school of approximately 900 students and 40 staff who are partaking in the many courses that the hospitality and tourism industry world require. I use the word ‘world’ as the skills are extremely portable and equally applicable in any corner of the globe. Many graduates occupy some of the highest posts around the world in hotel management and as executive chefs.

Decorating a rental apartment

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Are you renting an apartment? Just because you're renting doesn't mean you can't create your dream home. Most rentals are decorated to be very neutral so that they will not put off any prospective tenants. Consider your home a blank canvas to which you can add your personal touches, personality, colour, and style, to turn bland and boring to appealing and exciting.

Improve your diet for the New Year

Thu, Jan 28, 2010

After the excesses of Christmas and the New Year many of us are waking up to the reality that it is time to embrace a healthier diet.

A Galway Textile Printers XV

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

A challenge hurling match and a return game played between Galway Woollen Mills, Newtownsmyth, and the Post Office was the seed that led to the inauguration of an inter-factory hurling competition. A meeting was held in the CYMS in February 1954 and the following committee was elected: Jimmy O’Connor, GPO, chairman; Tommy Connellan, CIE, secretary; Tom Mooney, the Hat Factory; Sean Duggan, ESB; Sean O’Connor, Galway Woollen Mills; Jimmy Duggan, O’Gorman’s; Paddy Purcell, Sisk’s; Mick McGrath, AA Stuart’s; and Cronan Treacy, McDonoughs.

Saving old buildings with new ideas

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

When it comes to planning applications in Galway, whether it is for a new building, or the renovation of an old building, modernisation or improvement, there are two strands of thought that can affect the decision from the local authority. I may not have all the technical jargon, but I understand that one side of the argument insists that pretty well every building that is a few generations old should be preserved. Any additional building must use the same or similar materials so that the addition appears to be a seamless add on.

Paying roads repair money by kilometre is fairest

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Now that the ice has melted and the snows have disappeared, people are really appreciating the opportunity to get out of the house and travel in a manner that was denied them during the cold snap.

However, this now represents a new danger as the ice and cold have left our roads network in the terrible shape. Road surfaces have been ravaged by the ice and grit, and at a time when the country is in the throes of economic misery, our already inadequate network has gone backwards and needs major refurbishment immediately.

Daydream your way to better health

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

“Pay attention”. How often have you heard that command as you are firmly jolted back to reality from the world of fantasy?

How to decorate a small bedroom

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Decorating a small bedroom can be a challenge. You want a comforting space to unwind in, yet you don’t want your bedroom to feel cramped or cluttered. Here are some easy decorating ideas for turning your small bedroom into a cozy retreat.

The perfect burger — now in Galway

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

The making of a perfect burger has been the aim of many a chef over the years and recently we have seen the arrival of gourmet burger restaurants where the whole focus is on providing you with a substantial meal in a bun. The meat has to be right, the cooking (preferably chargrilled) has to be perfect, the bun itself has to be well chosen, and then you decide which additions will make it a finished product. I am surprised how long it has taken for this type of food to catch on as 25-plus years ago I survived on a diet of such burgers in Birmingham, served in a basket with fantastic chips and salad.

Asian noodle bar opens

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Street Wok, an exciting new concept in fast food has just opened its doors in Eyre Square promising tasty, healthy, fast food for the iPod generation. The menu is delicious with hundreds of combinations such as firecracker beef with egg noodles, or Malaysian satay with curly fries. Street Wok promises to have something tasty for all ages throughout the day or evening.

E-paper

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