An exciting new element, The Golden Mile of Galway Talks and Walks, has been added to the Golden Mile of Galway Project this year, with the announcement of nine events open to the public, free of charge, taking place throughout the county in spring 2014.
The Golden Mile of Galway is a countywide project which encourages rural communities to come together to identify a mile long stretch of road in their local area and to recognise and celebrate the elements that make up rural roadways, stone walls, flora, and fauna. This initiative is rolled out on an annual basis by Galway Rural Development Company Ltd (GRD ) and Galway County Council in partnership with Comhair na nOileán Teo and FORUM Connemara.
The launch of the 2014 Golden Mile of Galway competition took place in the Athenry Heritage Centre where details of the upcoming events were announced. The launch was attended by Mayor of Galway county, Councillor Liam Carroll and representatives of the GRD. The team directly involved in the organisation of these events and the production of the information pack were Frank Keane, Michael Burke, Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Máirín O’Reilly, Zena Hoctor, and Christy Cunniffe.
The Golden Mile of Galway first began in 2004 and has successfully run for 10 years. During that time 149 different communities entered their local Golden Mile. The Golden Mile of Galway Talks and Walks, led by Zena Hoctor and Christy Cunniffe, will take place in Johnston Hall, Kinvara ( 10am-1pm Saturday February 8 ), Lackagh Parish Centre (1pm to 4pm Sunday February 16 ), Craughwell Community Centre (10am-1pm Saturday February 22 ), Woodford Youth Club Hall (10am-1pm Saturday March 1 ), Solus Resource Centre, Headford (1pm-4pm Sunday March 2 ), Killimor Hall (10am-1pm Saturday March 8 ), Tuam Stars GAA Complex (10am-10pm Saturday March 22 ), Glenamaddy Community Centre (10am-1pm Saturday April 5 ), and Ballymacward Hall (10am-1pm Saturday April 12 ).
Suitable footwear, warm clothing, and rainwear is recommended for the 90 minute guided walk on the Golden Miles. A hot cuppa will be offered in the centres for all participants. In an effort to encourage more communities to consider taking part in the Golden Mile project, each attendee will receive a newly produced information pack which gives information on The Golden Mile of Galway project.
For those interested in joining a Golden Mile Talk and Walk, contact Máirín on 089 4083008 or the Galway Rural Development Company on (091 ) 844335, visit www.grd.ie for more information, or email [email protected]. These events are free of charge and all members of the public and local community are welcome to attend.
