I have great memories of the GIAF since I was born in Prospect Hill and could walk to all the events. One of the highlights for me was the Macnas parade, and also for my children. I have volunteered for many organisations over the years, Enable Ireland, GRCC, Galway Hospice, and Galway Simon. I work in the James Hardiman library in Nuig, and because I only work the semesters, I am privileged to have the time to volunteer.
I then decided to volunteer for GIAF, and they had just introduced a new role Ambassador. That involved distributing the programmes to the public at different venues. I relished this role as being Galwegian I knew all the locations. Then I progressed to visual arts and my love of theatre.
I am starting my second week of GIAF and absolutely loving it. What it brings to Galway city of Arts and Culture it is so spectacular. The atmosphere in our city is electric. With so many events to choose from for young and old. Credit to all the organisers for making the GIAF so brilliant year after year.
Without the volunteers, it would not be possible. They are enthusiastic at being volunteers for GIAf. The volunteer managers are superb also and easy to deal with. On the GIaf web page, you can volunteer online and choose which you like it is user-friendly, that way you know your schedule in advance. I have met volunteers who take holidays from different countries to volunteer and fund themselves. How enthusiastic is that? They have heard great reports from abroad. Giaf has grown from strength to strength every and I'm so happy to be a volunteer for such an amazing organization. I will continue to volunteer for many years to come as it is the highlight of my summer.
Roll on next summer. A happy volunteer. Monica Coughlan.
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