Whip out the clichés, the white flag has been raised

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

The white flag has been raised and every racing cliché is under starter’s orders in media across the country as the thousands of punters flock to Ballybrit to have a flutter on the geegees. Every socialite (ie, anyone who can afford a new gúna) will be heading west. As the luvvies ship out, having swooned at Cillian M for two weeks, the cheap suits will dash in and locals grin nervously in a “smile cos it’s good for ya” sort of way. Yes, next week gives the region the cash boost — the fat on which we’ll live for the long lean winter. Yes, folks, forget the pools of puke and public displays of urination, ignore the traffic jams, the forced holidays, the smell of stale ale that hangs like a cloud over our heads and say “yes, this is all good for us. Offer it up, offer it up.” This is part of what we are. This is the diesel which drives the Galway engine, so grin and bear it and smile the smile of all smiles.

But who are the nags on whom we can bet our few shillings next week?

A ‘vintage year’ for Galway Arts Festival

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

With the final curtain getting ready to come down on the Galway Arts Festival this weekend organisers are already describing the two weeks of top-class music, theatre, art, and comedy as a success, with managing director John Crumlish describing the 2011 festival as a “vintage year”.

Promoting historical attractions key to ensuring Galway is a top destination, says Kyne

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Historical attractions play a major role in ensuring that Galway is Ireland’s premier tourist destination, that is according to Galway West TD Seán Kyne.

Drom prepares for 2011 edition of Umbro Cup

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Drom Soccer Park is gearing up once again to host to the prestigious underage Umbro Galway Cup.

Galway fitness guru leads new sport of kettlebells

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Galway fitness guru Sarah Smith is leading a new sports craze in the west - the ancient art of kettlebells.

City man charged with fourteen counts of rape

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

A man has been charged with 14 counts of rape which took place over a prolonged period at two locations in the city more than 25 years ago.

New diocesan appointments effective from tomorrow

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

The Most Reverend Martin Drennan, Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora, has made the following Diocesan Appointments with effect from tomorrow.

Garda appeal for fatal car collision information

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Gardai in Salthill are continuing their appeal for information regarding a road traffic collision which resulted in the tragic death of a 42-year-old pedestrian.

Plans for major Harvest Festival in Ballinfoile

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Community activists in the Ballinfoile Mór area are calling on local residents to attend a meeting at 7.30pm next Tuesday in the Menlo Park Hotel and get behind efforts to organise a Community Harvest Festival in September that could become a major activity in the Galway city events calendar.

According to one of the organisers, Brendan Smith: “We want to use the opportunity of the Festival that will take place on September 10 to celebrate the work of volunteerism in the neighbourhood and to demonstrate how residents working together for the common good can improve the quality of life in their community. So the festival will be more than a display of locally grown fruit, herbs, and vegetables. It will also showcase the artwork, path-laying, performance stage, raised beds, fence-hurdling, willow sculptures, hedgerow planting, nature trails, scarecrow-making, multi-ethnic cuisine, carpentry, electrics, and plumbing carried out by volunteers of all ages and of all backgrounds in this wonderful eco-learning resource.

Tuam footballer sues surgeon over alleged misdiagnosis which he feels forced him to quit game

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

A young Gaelic footballer from Co Galway who quit the game due to a knee injury suffered 10 years ago that has not healed, has claimed before the High Court the nature of his injury was initially misdiagnosed.

Concerts, films and family fun at aWest End Street Party

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

The Kanyu Tree in concert, an outdoor showing of Raiders Of The Lost Ark, and a Family Fun Day will all be part of Galway’s West End Street Party.

Bail for city man charged with possession of child pornography

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

A 31-year-old man charged with being in possession of child pornography has been further remanded on his own bail with strict conditions for the service of a book of evidence.

Declan Hegarty with an address given as 29 Cuirt Seoige, Bohermore, appeared in custody before Galway District Court on Monday charged with allegedly being in possession of child pornography, to wit a Dell desktop computer containing five video files, a Freecom classic mobile hard disk drive containing nine video files and a Dell Vostro laptop containing 35 video files and 27 image files at 29 Cuirt Seoige, Bohermore, on May 17 2009, as well as being in possession of child pornography, to wit, a ‘Freecom’ 120GB external hardrive containing eight images and 23 movie files at Mount Kenneth Place, Limerick, on February 20 2008, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking and Pronography Act 1998.

Walsh calls for funding to expand Galway women’s refuge

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Funding of €100,000 is essential if COPE is to realise its plans to increase the capacity of the Waterside House women’s refuge and expand the range of services it offers.

This is the view of Fine Gael Galway West TD Brian Walsh who is calling on the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to sanction the funds for the refuge for victims of domestic violence in Galway city.

Autumn Gathering to focus on Lady Gregory’s influence on arts and culture

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

The highly successful Lady Gregory Autumn Gatherings continue in Coole Park, Gort, Co Galway, running from Friday to Sunday, 23 to 25 September, and will this year recognise the remarkable influence of Lady Augusta Gregory on the development of Irish theatre and literature.

ConnQuest Connemara to be launched this weekend

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

ConnQuest Connemara takes place on September 17 and promises to be a unique event that will take you to some of Connemara's amazing mountain tops. Imagine the views while summiting the north face of Ben Choona (584 metres) and then traversing three more peaks in the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex while taking in a test of your skills with some conventional and quirky tasks in the outdoors.

Ardrahan man sentenced to life in prison for grandfather’s murder

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

A 24-year-old Ardrahan man received a life sentence for the murder of his elderly grandfather almost two years ago.

Probation Act for student who caused €2,000 damage to cars

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

A student who caused nearly €2,000 worth of damage to a number of cars, throwing a traffic cone through one car window, has been given the benefit of the Probation Act.

Alan Gilligan (22) with an address at Tully, Rathcormac, Sligo, appeared at Galway District Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a blue Toyota Yaris, a Citroen Berlingo van, a silver Mercedes Benz, and a black BMW at Sea Road on January 18 2011.

Druid prepares for third US visit of 2011

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Druid Theatre Co will make its third and final visit of 2011 to the USA when it presents its staging of Sean O’Casey’s The Silver Tassie in New York.

Galway Airport strategy team to deliver report

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

The board of Galway Airport has this week announced the formation of a strategic project group charged with developing a strategic plan for the airport in light of the Government’s recent announcement that PSO and Operational Expenditure Support is to be withdrawn.

The strategic project group, drawn from the company's board, management and Galway Chamber of Commerce, supported by external consultants Venture Advancement Ltd, will deliver a draft report to the board on August 30 2011.

Final weekend of music at festival Big Top

Thu, Jul 21, 2011

Galway Arts Festival will host its final weekend of music acts at the Festival Big Top with a limited ticket offer of €35 to the Silent Disco on Friday and De La Soul on Saturday.

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