GalwayIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.galwayindependent.com Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:11:43 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.galwayindependent.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.galwayindependent.com GalwayIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22245&Itemid=82 The funeral of Druid Theatre co-founder Mick Lally took place today at Newlands Cross Crematorium Chapel in Dublin. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:08:22 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22244&Itemid=82 There has been a 30 per cent drop in the number of redundancies in Galway. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:06:21 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22243&Itemid=82 The Galway jobs market is set to benefit from the announcement that life, pensions and investment products provider Canada Life is to create 50 new jobs as part of its Irish expansion plan. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:05:04 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22135&Itemid=82 Tributes have been pouring in for one of Ireland's best known actors, Mick Lally, who passed away yesterday at the age of 64. Best known for his role as Miley Byrne in beloved rural soap 'Glenroe', the Druid theatre co-founder died on Tuesday morning following a short stay in hospital. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22136&Itemid=82 Trade union officials met with HSE West representatives at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in Dublin yesterday for crunch talks on the health service's projected €90 million budget overspend. The talks follow two weeks of local negotiations throughout the HSE West region aimed at introducing cost-cutting measures without affecting frontline services. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22137&Itemid=82 Representatives from Galway Airport and Galway Chamber have called on the Government to retain the airport's subvention funds, which they see as vital to the future of the airport and its 175 jobs. The call comes in the wake of Aer Arann entering interim examinership last Thursday. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22138&Itemid=82 As well as being a worrying period for Aer Arann's 320 staff, the company's high-profile sponsorship deals have now been cast into doubt. Aer Arann is the main sponsor of the Galway men's football teams and is also the official airline of Connacht Rugby. As a result of the company entering interim examinership, both deals must now be under serious doubt. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22139&Itemid=82 Galway homes and farms could be decimated by flooding again this winter, due to lack of action by the Office of Public Works. That is the view of Michael Silke of the IFA Flood Project Team, who was part of a delegation that met with concerned local residents in Gort in recent weeks in an effort to highlight the large amounts of remedial work that remain unfinished across the county. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22140&Itemid=82 The price of Irish farmland now appears to have stabilised, and if anything, is showing a very marginal increase in some parts of the country, according to reports from independent global property consultants Knight Frank Ireland. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22141&Itemid=82 Galway Gardai are studying CCTV footage in a bid to identify a silent robber who attempted to rob a city centre shop at gunpoint on Friday. A man brandishing what appeared to be a gun attempted to rob the Mace shop on Forster Street at 9pm on Friday last, 27 August, but fled the scene empty handed without having said a word. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22142&Itemid=82 A Galway City Councillor has called for wheel clampers to be banned from operating on private lands in the city. A recent decision by the British Government to ban clamping on private lands has been widely welcomed by motoring organisations and Cllr Niall McNelis is urging Galway City Council to lobby for the introduction of appropriate legislation in Ireland. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22143&Itemid=82 Galway Gardai are looking for witnesses to an assault, which occurred on Eyre Square in the early hours of yesterday morning. At approximately 1.30am at the top of Eyre Square near Supermac's restaurant a young man in his 20s was assaulted by two other males. The man was involved in an altercation with two other males and subsequently fell and hit his head. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22144&Itemid=82 Galway hoteliers have rowed in behind plans for a Christmas Market in the city. Galway Branch Chairman of the Irish Hotels Federation Paul Gill has called on Galway City Council to give their backing to the proposals, which would act as a boost to local businesses. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22145&Itemid=82 Despite Galway being classified as ‘moderately littered' in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey, it seems that local residents are determined to keep their communities clean, as the results of this year's Galway City Tidy Towns and Garden Competition were announced yesterday. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22146&Itemid=82 Three local children cheated death at the weekend, when there was another accident at one of Galway's worst accident blackspots. One man and three children obtained non-serious injuries when the car in which they were travelling collided with a jeep at the notorious Cregmore Cross on Saturday afternoon. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22147&Itemid=82 One of the best-known staff members at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) is to retire from today, Wednesday 1 September. GMIT Registrar Bernard O'Hara is one of the original staff of the college, having begun his academic career as a lecturer in Business Studies when it opened in September 1972. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22148&Itemid=82 More than 50 per cent of those who applied for Back to School grants assistance are still waiting to have their submissions processed, the Galway Independent can reveal. While thousands of children across Galway will return to school this week, many families will be left with a hefty bill for uniforms and footwear as a huge backlog has meant they have received no assistance from the Department of Social Protection. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22149&Itemid=82 A wine, drinks and music extravaganza in aid of Croi and Cystic Fibrosis will take place on Thursday 23 September in the Salthill Hotel. This fantastic night, organised by Lohan's Bar and Restaurant, will include an opportunity to taste over 100 wines, speciality whiskeys, international beers and canapes, whilst being entertained by a selection of music from well-known local musicians. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22150&Itemid=82 The 33rd Clifden Community Arts Week programme was launched last week by Professor GearOid O Tuathaigh in Galway. Minster for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin will officially open the country's longest running community arts festival on Thursday 16 September and it will run until Sunday 26 September. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22151&Itemid=82 Betty Crocker staff will be visiting the Briar Hill Shopping Centre tomorrow, Thursday 2 September, to show mums and kids just how easy and fun it is to bake. The Bake Life Sweeter Betty Crocker Tour will show parents how to bake the Betty Crocker range of treats, which can all be made in under 20 minutes, including Chocolate Chip Cookies, Devil's Food Cake and the recently launched Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22152&Itemid=82 Medtronic has been announced as the main sponsor of the 2010 Baboro International Arts Festival for Children. The 14th Baboro Festival, Ireland's flagship festival for children and families, celebrates a programme full of wonder and delight this year. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22153&Itemid=82 Children's cancer charity CD's Helping Hands will host a charity Motorbike Ride this Saturday 4 September. The event will start from the car park of the Galway Shopping Centre on the Headford Road, with registration from 9.30am for a 10.30 am start. Entry is €20 and includes a free lunch. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22154&Itemid=82 A direct descendent of Arthur Guinness will be in attendance at this year's Irish Pubs Global convention, which will be held in the Galway Bay Hotel from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 September. Rory Guinness, a direct descendent of Arthur Guinness himself, will be attending the convention, which will bring together owners and managers of Irish pubs around the world. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22155&Itemid=82 When selecting a destination for a sneaky weekend getaway, the name of Waterford is oft thrown forward, but returned just as quickly because of the arduous four-hour drive to the sunny South-East. However, after hearing that Aer Arann now serves the beautiful region with eight flights per week with a flight time of 40 minutes in total, we decided to finally give it a go. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22156&Itemid=82 Galway has been named the most fun city in Ireland in a new survey. The poll by dating website MaybeFriends.com showed that while respondents found the city the most fun, it fell behind other cities when it came to best looking partners. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22157&Itemid=82 A fashion and fun event in aid of the Galway Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland is taking place tomorrow night, Thursday 2 September, in the exclusive setting of Kilcolgan Castle. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22158&Itemid=82 The inaugural Annual Kinvara RNLI Fundraising event took place recently in the centre of Kinvara to raise funds for the Galway RNLI Lifeboat. After raising €10,000 for the organisation, Chairperson Mary Roche said she was thrilled with the outcome. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22159&Itemid=82 The Athenry Environmental Network has announced a free talk with Dr Clare Dilis from Health and Herbs Galway on ‘Growing Herbs – Health and Nutritional Benefits'. The talk will take place in Athenry on Wednesday 1 September at 8pm. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22160&Itemid=82 Baroque Singers are currently auditioning to fill vacancies in all sections. The choir is recognised as one of the leading mixed voice choirs in the country and has worked with the RTE Concert Orchestra for the past 17 years. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22161&Itemid=82 Caoimhe McClafferty of Bushypark has been named Miss Galway 2010. Ms McClafferty was announced as the winner of the Galway heat and will go forward to represent Galway as Miss Latin Quarter Galway to the Miss Ireland Competition. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22162&Itemid=82 Last week we began the story of Robert O'Hara Burke, the leader of the great Victorian Expedition. This was the first expedition to successfully cross the Australian continent from south to north, from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1860 to 1861. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22163&Itemid=82 With Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour all likely to claim their usual seats in Galway West, it is likely that the Greens, Sinn Fein and Independents will be left to scrap for the one remaining seat. Eamon O Cuiv is as certain as any Fianna Fail-er is to pick up his seat, while Michael D Higgins should be a shoo in, if he chooses to punt for the Dail rather than aras an Uachtarain that is! Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22164&Itemid=82 Pressure is building on Minister for Social Protection Eamon O Cuiv to clear the backlog of social welfare appeals. City Councillor Derek Nolan headed the calls this week for the Galway Minister to provide additional staff and resources to clear the "huge backlog", with 22,000 currently waiting on assessment. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22165&Itemid=82 Galway Senator Niall O'Brolchain has called for the introduction of new legislation surrounding opinion polls. Senator O'Brolchain has said that new measures must be introduced to prevent bogus polls and adjusted polls from being published. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22166&Itemid=82 Oisin Folan from Moycullen says his prayers on his fi rst day of school at Scoil Bhride, Tulach Ui Chadain on Tuesday morning. Photo: Joe Travers Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22134&Itemid=82 Four people were injured over the weekend following a collision in Cregmore. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:24:31 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22133&Itemid=82 An inaugural race in memory of tragic jockey Jamie Kyne took place at Ballybrit Racecourse on Saturday. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:23:35 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22132&Itemid=82 Some of the world’s leading researchers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cognitive Science are in the city today for a conference at NUI Galway. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:21:27 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22131&Itemid=82 Aer Arann has stated that services to customers will not be affected by the company entering interim examinership. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:58:18 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22130&Itemid=82 HSE West is reportedly considering the closure of the oncology unit at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe in a bid to cut costs in the region. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:56:06 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22129&Itemid=82 The Galway Alliance Against War is continuing to stage lunchtime demonstrations outside Eason on Shop Street in protest at the book chain hosting a book signing by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:54:34 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22128&Itemid=82 A 100-megawatt wind far project has been given the go-ahead in Connemara. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:38:17 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22127&Itemid=82 A Gort student is turning his hard work into cash by selling his Leaving Certificate study notes on online auction site eBay. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:36:50 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22126&Itemid=82 Babies in Co. Galway are being put at a higher risk of contracting TB than children in the rest of the country. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:34:52 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22004&Itemid=82 The Chairman of the Galway Branch of the Irish Hotels' Federation has hit out at Bank of Scotland Ireland, saying it had left many local hotels in limbo. Paul Gill, who also owns and runs the Claregalway Hotel, said Bank of Scotland Ireland had specifically targeted hotels in the county and "encouraged them to expand". Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22005&Itemid=82 Multi-platinum selling artist David Gray is set to headline at the Arthur's Day celebrations at Folan Quay in Galway Harbour in September. Starting at 17.59 on Thursday 23 September, Galway will be joining in the festivities as Guinness once again celebrates the life and legacy of creator Arthur Guinness. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22006&Itemid=82 Hardworking Galway production designer Tom Conroy was back to work yesterday, just days after claiming a prestigious Emmy Award in Los Angeles. The Henry Street native was presented with an Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction for a Single Camera Series for his work on the Tudors in a glittering ceremony in the US on Saturday night. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22007&Itemid=82 IMPACT, SIPTU and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have banded together to launch a new campaign to save public health services in Galway. The 'SOS: Save Our Services' campaign has been established to resist HSE plans to cut €24 million from the hospital budget and over €18 million from community services in the area, according to IMPACT representative Padraig Mulligan. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22008&Itemid=82 Participants in the 'Freedom Flotilla' to Gaza will speak at a public meeting in Galway this Saturday, 28 August. Dr Fintan Lane and Issam Ben Ali were both onboard the flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli Defence Forces in May, when nine people aboard the MV Mavi Marmara died. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22009&Itemid=82 In last week's edition of the Galway Independent, in a story on page 6 headlined 'CEO defends drinks sponsorship', it was incorrectly stated that Heineken is the sponsor the Connacht junior schools cup. The Heineken junior cup is an adult competition and is totally separate to its junior schools counterpart. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22010&Itemid=82 As a top tourist destination, Galway should be fairing better in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey, An Taisce, which organises the survey, has said. The latest litter survey, which was released on Monday, indicated that Galway City was now "moderately littered". Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22011&Itemid=82 Senator Ronan Mullen has accused the Select Committee on Member's Interest of "bungling" a complaint made against him in relation to expenses. Despite the committee dismissing the complaint earlier this week, Senator Mullen has expressed his dissatisfaction at the response from the group and claimed they were content to allow the public to get the false impression that there were questions about his expenses. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22012&Itemid=82 Points for many courses in Galway's two third level colleges rose this year due to increased demand, with one NUIG course showing the largest fluctuation nationwide. The points requirements for the Engineering Innovation – Electrical at NUI Galway rose by 200 to 560, as students tried to give themselves the edge on a tough jobs market. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22013&Itemid=82 Students were left panicking on Monday morning, as a "malicious attack" on the CAO website left many unable to view or accept their college offers. As thousands of Galway students across the country prepared to log on to the site at www.cao.ie (http://www.cao.ie) at 6am on Monday morning to view their offers, the website crashed due to an attack on the server. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22014&Itemid=82 A new organisation representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the Traveller community took part in this year's Galway Gay Pride Parade. The LGBT Pavee members joined hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people on Saturday to celebrate the 21st Galway Community Pride Festival. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22015&Itemid=82 The Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Rev. Richard Henderson has called for an end to extreme debates around particularly sensitive subjects. Speaking to the Galway Independent in the wake of the Humbert School in Killala Co. Mayo, where he delivered the prestigious Bishop Stock address, Bishop Henderson also aired his hope that public figures would not be hounded from their positions because of small misdemeanours. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22016&Itemid=82 Galway City Mayor Michael Crowe has come under fire from his fellow councillors over his opposition to the proposed Christmas Market. Since Galway City Business Association's announcement that it was spearheading plans for the creation of Christmas Market in Eyre Square this winter, Cllr Crowe has been vocal about his opposition to the plans, saying the market would take valuable business away from local traders. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22017&Itemid=82 Deputy Micheal Kitt has said he will continue to support Fianna Fail, while maintaining his fight for the future of services of Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe. The Galway East TD last week said that "it would be easier to walk away" from politics than to withdraw support for the Government. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22018&Itemid=82 Kiwi skipper Ben Duncan on 'Sharkbait', who sails from Howth, is the 2010 Western Laser SB3 Champion, after rising through the 28-strong fleet on Galway Bay over two days last weekend. The Captain Morgan's SB3 Western Championships were hosted by Galway Bay Sailing Club (GBSC) and generously supported by the management and staff team of Galway Harbour Company. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22019&Itemid=82 Galway's Druid Theatre Company was celebrating yet another prestigious win this week, after claiming its third Edinburgh Fringe First Award in four years. The group won the award for the third time for its production of 'Penelope' by Enda Walsh, which proved a smash-hit when showcased at this year's Galway Arts Festival. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22020&Itemid=82 Local businessman Michael Burke was laid to rest in Dunmore at the weekend, after passing away suddenly while on holidays last week. Mr Burke, who is best known for founding the Stira attic stairs business, died while on holidays in Portugal and his remains were returned to his family in Ireland on Friday night. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22021&Itemid=82 A feast of traditional Irish music and dance is promised for the first annual Tuam Trad Festival, which will be held from Friday 17 September to Sunday 19 September. The festival will be officially opened by Dolores Keane at the Tuam Shopping Centre Plaza. Other artists performing during the weekend include Matt Keane, Gary Quinn, Eleanor Shanley, Don Stiffe, Patsy Hanly, Jimmy McGreevey, Pat Sweeney, and traditional group Shebeen. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22022&Itemid=82 A Galway girl is one step closer to winning a top modelling contract after being selected from hundreds of hopefuls to become a regional finalist in the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2010 competition. Rose McNena, a 22-year-old student, will join nine specs-wearing fashionistas from across Ireland at the regional final to be held at Specsavers in Dundrum Town Centre on Thursday 2 September. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22023&Itemid=82 As the first Galway City Marathon hits the streets this weekend, ESPA at the g Hotel has designed the ultimate warm up or cool down with the energising 'Gym 'n' Tonic' spa experience. Suitable for both male and female sports enthusiasts, kick off the trainers, soothe those blisters and treat yourself to a complete health and fitness overhaul in Galway city's leading urban retreat. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22024&Itemid=82 Looking to take up a hobby or meet new people this autumn? What better way to brighten up the darker evenings and make great friends than through music? The Galway Choral Association, Galway's premier community choral group, is currently seeking new members to join them for the coming season. Male singers are particularly welcome! Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22025&Itemid=82 An end of summer barbecue in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI)will be held at the NUIG College Bar this Thursday, 26 August. Tickets are priced at €25 which includes food, drink, music and Giant Jenga! There will also be a raffle for tickets for the 'Ireland vs All Blacks' match at the Aviva Stadium. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22026&Itemid=82 Galway man Johnny Donnelly marked the end of his 47th marathon last week by finishing in third place in the Inca Trail Marathon in Peru. As part of his Run Johnny Run campaign, Donnelly scaled dizzying heights of up to 13,779 feet over a period of ten days, despite breathing difficulties due to altitude. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22027&Itemid=82 The first MADRA 'Dogs on the Bog' Walk takes place on Sunday 26 September at Glenlosh Valley Country Cottages near Maam in Co. Galway. The charity walk will provide a fun day out for dog owners, their families and, most importantly, their pet pooches. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22028&Itemid=82 Lackagh Museum Art Group will hold their second Art Exhibition as part of Heritage Week in Lackagh Museum from Thursday 26 August to Sunday 29 August. The exhibition will display the works of students of the very successful classes, which have been run on an ongoing basis by County Galway Vocational Education Committee Adult Education Department under the excellent direction of local artist Aisling Kearney-Burke. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22029&Itemid=82 A new bingo night begins in Athenry on Tuesday 7 September and every Tuesday thereafter. It will take place in the Raheen Woods Hotel and the start time is 8.30pm. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22030&Itemid=82 Duchas na Gallimhe/Galway Civic Trust's Heritage Festival continues until Sunday 29 August, with all events free of charge. Today sees a visit to Galway's medieval sites with Michael Quinn of Galway Civic Trust at 2.15pm and a fascinating astronomy talk by Malachy Thompson takes place later this evening at 8pm in GMIT. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22031&Itemid=82 The life and career of veteran broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh is to be the focus of a special event in Salthill next month, as part of celebrations to mark his 80th birthday. The GAA commentator turned 80 last Friday, when it was announced that Raidio na Gaeltachta will broadcast a special programme on Friday 10 September celebrating the tremendous contribution that Micheal had made to Irish life. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22032&Itemid=82 Brides and grooms hoping to tie the knot in Galway are being invited to an Autumn Wedding Event at the Galway Bay Hotel. The wedding extravaganza will take place on Sunday 5 September, with wedding co-ordinators on hand to give expert advice on the big day. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22033&Itemid=82 Irish educational charity Camera is asking people to donate their unwanted computers to help children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The charity, which runs at drop-off centre at 18 Distillery Road in Newcastle, takes in second-hand computers before refurbishing them and packing them with educational materials. The computers are then distributed to schools in Ireland and several African countries. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22034&Itemid=82 Get a taste of the Spanish September celebrations – the annual Sherry Festival and the tasty Paella Festival - in Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar on Dominick Street, where they are marking the month with a very special promotion of 'Sherry and Paella'. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22035&Itemid=82 A Galway City Councillor has urged everyone involved in graffiti in Knocknacarra to immediately cease defacing public property. Last week the Labour Party councillor joined Fianna Fail Cllr Peter Keane in calling for an end to the racist graffiti that has plagued the area of late. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22036&Itemid=82 A Galway man who led the first successful expedition from South to North Australia was remembered last week in the city of his birth on the 150th anniversary of the mission's launch. The Australian Ambassador, Mr Bruce Davis, and the Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Michael Crowe honoured Robert O'Hara Burke – who was born in St Clerans, Co Galway – in a series of events throughout the city. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22037&Itemid=82 The new Miss Galway will be crowned in a tense final next Monday night. Over the past number of weeks, the search has been on to see who will be crowned Miss Galway 2010, sponsored by the Latin Quarter. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22038&Itemid=82 Two Connemara communities were left devastated this week after separate acts of vandalism on sporting facilities in their localities. In the first incident, a joy-rider doing a series of high-speed manoeuvres destroyed a soccer pitch that had just been opened three weeks ago in Indreabhan. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22039&Itemid=82 Tom Sheridan's Bar and Restaurant and COPE Galway have launched a fantastic new event for all soccer fans! Soccer Relief Sunday, in aid of COPE Galway, will kick off on Sunday 19 September from 12noon to 4pm at the Salthill Devon football grounds in Drom. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100