There is a cyclical nature to the life of a town or city that is fascinating to monitor from afar. When I say afar, I mean in terms of time. There is nothing like a dollop of wisdom, hindsight and context to bring meaning to any aspect of our lives that we may choose to revisit from time to time. Perhaps this is why I love local news, the humanity of it, the rawness, the pomp and the circumstance; the stories and events that are important because of their grandiosity; or their relevance because the stakes are so low.
What is most fascinating though is just how much we can learn from looking back at what we did before. Indeed, for any of us, we only evolve because we learn from mistakes or not having taken the correct fork in the road of life.
Here in the Advertiser, as well as prioritising the here and now, the immediate and the imminent; I have always felt that it has been so important that we retain an element of where we have come from. The evolution of Galway over the centuries; the people who made such a contribution; the organisations and events that have shaped us all. In this regard, if I were Pep Guardiola, we are fortunate to have two Erling Haalands in our team — Tom Kenny and Ronnie O’Gorman. In documenting the events, not of far distant time, but of eras that just preceded our own; they have for fifty years given our readers a sense of context every week. Both have contributed to the accumulated knowledge with their writings and their 2021 book Old Galway Diary (which sold out in aid of Galway Simon ), was a taster of all that they have done. To let you in on a secret, a second one might be in the offing, but don’t say I told you.
Anyway, where was I. Yes, to Tom.
At the moment, to mark his half century of writing his Old Galway column in these pages, an exhibition of some of the finest photographs from his columns is being held at the Kenny Gallery at Liosban — and I heartily recommend that you get along to see it.
It was also very gratifying to see Tom’s achievement marked by a letter from our President, Michael D Higgins this week.
It read...
Dear Tom,
On August 12, Tom Kenny’s old Galway column in the Galway Advertiser was 50 years old. Over the past five decades, his dedication to chronicling the history and essence of Galway city has been nothing short of Herculean.
As a part-time columnist myself for Hot Press for 10 years and just fortnightly – I am lost in admiration for Tom‘s achievement. May I express my heartfelt, congratulations and warmest regards to Tom as he celebrates this extraordinary accomplishment. Tom, as a dear and valued friend through your works in the weekly Galway Advertiser you have managed; may I say how with influence curiosity and pleasure; you have transported readers back in time, allowing them to experience the rich tapestry of the city’s past, both recorded and hidden.
Your ability to infuse dry humour, an outstanding personal gift, into your columns has been a great source of joy, making history not just informative, but also engaging. Your unwavering commitment to this endeavour has enriched lives of several generations.
It has also contributed significantly to the preservation of Galway’s local heritage. I have so many fond memories of visiting Kenny’s Bookshop over the years, both on the High Street and now in Liosban, it truly important institution in Galway city.
The decision to create an exhibition featuring past images of Galway is a fitting way to bring history to life, and I have no doubt that traversing this visual journey will undoubtedly captivate visitors too and offer them a unique perspective on the evolution of Galway city.
May I commend you, Tom for your tireless efforts and dedication to your work, which goes beyond columns and images, and is a testament to your passion for history and your familiy’s deep rooted connection to Galway city.
The impact you have made is immeasurable and your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
May I extend my warmest regards to you for the success of both your anniversary celebration and your exhibition, and may I wish you many more years of continued excavation and provocation of the secrets of Galway city and its people.
With every good wish and affection.
Your friend,
Michael D. Higgins.
Well done Tom.
