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The town of Galway was virtually an independent city state, self-contained politically and ecclesiastically, relying on its own resources as it was cut off from the central English authority until the 16th century. Then, the Tudors began to extend their influence westwards so that the city gradually came totally under their dominion. The real symbol of that growing influence was the fortifications, four in number, raised to defend this all-important location against all enemies, notably France and Spain.

Castlebar Fever Hospital was the first structure demolished in 1965 when works on what would become the Sacred Heart Hospital commenced. The Fever Hospital and the Workhouse that shadowed it are at the top of the list of former public spaces in Castlebar with a dark and terrible history.

A rare 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta has become the fourth most valuable Ferrari ever sold at auction, when it recently sold for $30.25 million (around €32.78m).

A rare 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta has become the fourth most valuable Ferrari sold at auction, when it recently sold for $30.25 million (around €32.78m).

On Saturday night, October 28 1922, a large force of anti-Treatyites made their way carefully and with as little noise as possible, into the silent streets of Clifden. They had already ‘taken’ Clifden the previous July, but were unceremoniously driven out by the National Army who approached Clifden by sea achieving total surprise.

After sporadic fighting in Galway during the summer of 1922, and the occupation of some buildings in the town, including the old RIC barracks in Eglington Street, and the former Connaught Ranger barracks at Renmore, the anti-Treaty forces withdrew into Connermara, and into the east Galway countryside.

Ninety years ago, on October 22, 1932, a Fox Moth plane piloted by Captain Armstrong took off from Oranmore carrying mails and two passengers, Peggy Kenny and Kitty Curran, thus starting the first Irish-Continental European air mail delivery and the first passenger service. The mails were handed to the pilot by the postmaster Mr C Lynch. Bad weather at Athlone meant they had to fly blind a few hundred feet above ground for some time. This ‘feeder’ part of the overall journey was sponsored by Galway Harbour Board to the tune of £80. The flight took 55 minutes, it took the ladies four hours to get home on the train.

Wolfe Tone Bridge was the third bridge to be built over the river. The West Bridge (now known as O’Brien’s Bridge) was the first and dates from medieval times. The Salmon Weir Bridge dates from 1820, and the Wolfe Tone Bridge was built in the mid-19th century.

Baz Luhram has a movie back on our screens this summer - it’s hard to believe this but in the last 30 years this is only his sixth film as director.

Baz Luhram has a movie back on our screens this summer. It's hard to believe this but in the last 30 years this is only his sixth film as director. I have found his films quite hit and miss. I loved his debut feature, Strictly Ballroom, I think its still probably the best thing he’s done.