Get to know Galway’s county towns to visit

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

Athenry, one of Ireland’s hidden jewels, is medieval heritage town surrounded by five towers of the town’s ancient walls and full of picturesque ruins. One place worth having a look at is Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre which has plenty of hands-on activities to illustrate life in the old days. Children can dress up in period costume, take out a long bow and arrows, and act out a scene from medieval battle. A selection of displays and puppets help to explain the history and significance of the walled town and the buildings that will survive. The restored Norman castle, the only one of its kind in Ireland, should be your next stop. Nearby is also a beautifully preserved Dominican priory dating from 1241, and the original market cross.

There’s lots to do in County Galway

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

There certainly is a lot going on in terms of entertainment in Galway city. We already enjoyed April’s Cúirt Literature Festival, June’s Galway Film Fleadh, and the Galway Arts Festival. All of those attracted great crowds and made those attending experience unforgettable moments. We can now enjoy lasting a full week Galway Races in Ballybrit. There is no need to introduce anyone to this splendid event.

Atlantic Hotel and restaurant

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

With the weather finally warming up there are few more delightful places to dine than on the sun deck of the Atlantic Hotel in Clifden.

The Atlantic Hotel serves home-made soups, famous sandwiches, stews, pasta, and seafood, as well as traditional and vegetarian fare at prices that make you wonder why you would ever bother cooking at home. Accommodation is available at very reasonable rates. Enjoy the laid back atmosphere in this idyllic Connemara town.

Adjustments and arguments

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

AS THE Galway Races gets under way the latest Fianna Fáil ‘cutback’ - or ‘adjustment’ if you prefer - will be obvious to one and all. The Fianna Fáil tent is no more. Is this a sign of the times or just a sensible move by new Taoiseach Brian Cowen?

City councillors saw payments rise in 2007

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

The earnings and expenses of the 15 Galway city councillors rose by €30,000 between 2006 and 2007, with left leaning councillors enjoying the biggest sums with payments between €30,000+ and €46,000+.

Big spenders and ‘Frugal Four’ noticeable in county councillor’s expenses

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

The earnings, allowances, and expenses of the 30 councillors in Galway County Council rose by €118,429 between 2006 and 2007, with three councillors earning more than €50,000 for the 12 month period.

Crowe ‘disappointed’ Saw Doctors did not play Festival Big Top

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael J Crowe is demanding answers as to why The Saw Doctors did not hold their 20th anniversary concerts in the Galway Arts Festival Big Top last weekend.

Enter the dragon

Thu, Jul 31, 2008

Galway received its first glimpse of its entry into this year’s Volvo Ocean Race when it sailed into the city on Sunday amid of flotilla of supporting yachts.

Family of coma woman settles case against Galway Clinic

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

The family of a Claregalway woman — who collapsed into a semi-vegetative state for three years before dying, after undergoing a routine gynaecological procedure — last evening settled an action against the Galway Clinic for €580,000.

Two more give evidence in school abuse case

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

Two more men yesterday gave evidence of being sexually abused by a Christian Brother in a Galway industrial school some 40 years ago.

No decision on outer bypass until end of August and then it will go before EU Commission

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

Speculation that An Bord Pleanála would make a final decision on the controversial Galway City Outer Bypass has proven unfounded. Instead, the Bord will not make a decision for at least another five weeks, and no matter what is decided, the matter will end up before the EU Commission for final decision.

O’Connor case a reminder of how vulnerable we all are

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

The very sad case of Sandra O’Connor reached a sort of conclusion yesterday when her family settled their case against the Galway Clinic.

HSE apology too late for Sean but it could save someone else, says family

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

The HSE West has apologised to the family of a man with serious speech and hearing problems, after he was killed on his way home from a hospital appointment last February.

Hefty fines for no-show Oughterard motorist

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

An Oughterard woman who failed to appear before Galway District Court this week was convicted in her absence of motoring offences.

Airport blasts O’Leary comments out of the sky

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

Galway Airport bosses have lashed out at Michael O’Leary’s recent suggestions that there is no future for the airport.

State of the art Mervue childcare facility to open in September

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

A state of the art childcare facility will open in Mervue in September which will cater for a mix of 70 infants, toddlers, and children and will offer day care, pre-school and afterschool services.

Care cuts to be felt next month at Clifden nursing home

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

Two full-time nurses at St Anne’s community nursing home in Clifden will lose their jobs at the end of August, according to HSE management.

The HSE have confirmed to the SIPTU health union that the nurses’ contracts will not be renewed from August, and further bed closures are now imminent at the hospital.

Man held in custody in connection with death of Czech teenager

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

A 22-year-old Czech national was remanded in custody at a special court sitting in Galway on Tuesday afternoon in connection with the discovery of a woman’s body near Inverin, Connemara, in the early hours of Monday morning last.

Fourth annual Ireland cycle and climb for Chernobyl

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

The fourth annual cycle and climb to Croagh Patrick for Chernobyl Aid Ireland will take place on August 17.

Minister for the Environment asked not to restrict one- off rural housing

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

Minister for the Environment John Gormley has been strongly criticised for restricting planning applications for one-off rural housing in the countryside.

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