Galway First

No January return for workers at Crown Control site

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Work at the multi-million euro Crown Control development in Mervue has stopped and will not be starting up again in January.

Are our students waking up?

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

The history of student activism is heroic, forceful, naive, idealistic, and often bloody.

Lyons calls on Council to heed Knocknacarra danger-spots

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

South Ward and Knocknacarra Councilor Donal Lyons has further turned up the heat on Galway City Council officials this week by issuing an open invitation to go walkabout on the roads of Knocknacarra after dark.

A nervous Christmas for FF as local election interviews take place

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

There were many nervous Fianna Fáilers in Salthill last Wednesday and they will continue to be nervous over the Christmas period as their political future and fate is decided.

Rally-Set-GO!

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

The Ford Escort Mark 2 was like a drunk girl in heels trying to make it to a nightclub. We were all over the road, spinning and sliding, the arse trying to escape into the bushes.

First class service at Leo Walsh Pharmacy in Knocknacarra

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Leo Walsh Pharmacy, located at Joyce’s Supermarket beside Xtravision, has been open for over three years and has become a valuable part of the Knocknacarra community. Open late Monday to Saturday, and closing at 6pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, it’s open when you most need it.

Courts won’t tolerate lethal weapons, warns judge

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Possession of “lethal weapons” such as flick-knives will not be tolerated by the courts, warned a District Court judge recently.

War games

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

At just after 3pm on Tuesday, a middle aged man heard his phone ringing. He picked it up to answer.

Briarhill gets a drive-through restaurant

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

The Briarhill Shopping Centre has announced the addition of a new drive-through restaurant and café with the creation of 50 jobs.

Debutantes’ early morning drink lands pub licensee in court

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

The licensee of an Oranmore pub was told to pay €500 to charity to avoid a conviction after a group of debutantes were caught drinking on the premises at 9.30am.

X-Factor star treasures her Galway blood

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Most Irish eyes last Saturday were on Northern Irish singer Eoghan Quigg in the final of ITV show The X Factor. However, it has emerged that the eventual winner Alexandra Burke also has Irish blood coursing through her veins and has strong family connections with Galway.

A rank situation?

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

A scarcity of taxis is a disaster for a city’s occupants. Especially for a city as wet and often miserable as Galway. At night it leads to queues, long waits, and when you add that to alcohol, fights.

Beat the recession today

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

With tough recessionary times upon us and P45s flying in every direction, Galway First are delighted to bring you our top 10 tips for weathering the storm and coming out the other side unscathed. Mostly!

Crime wave?

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Since October 2007 Galway has suddenly lost that safe and secure feeling that it once held in such esteem. The vicious death of 17-year-old Swiss language student Manuela Riedo , whose body was discovered on wasteland at Lough Atalia on October 8, changed Galway city and its surrounding areas.

Judge left ‘horrified’ at abuse of garda

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

A District Court judge was left “horrified and shocked” at the behaviour of a Monaghan man who told a garda to go f*** himself and then called him a “fat bastard”.

Gun stolen in Portumna raid recovered

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Gardaí in Portumna have recovered one of the guns stolen in last Wednesday’s home raid in Portumna which left a man in his 20s in hospital.

A blow against dodgy boxes

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

On Thursday night dozens - maybe hundreds - of people in Galway city tried to turn on their TV to find their channels scrambled.

Gardaí investigate bus blaze

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Gardaí are on the case after a bus blaze on the Tuam road in Galway on Saturday morning.

Job loss fears for city plant

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Workers at city manufacturing plant, Celestica, have serious concerns over their job safety in January.

What now for Galway?

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Galway has changed. Ireland has changed. To the backdrop of the global finance meltdown this city has not escaped the unprecedented downturn that ravages our country day after day.

Gigs to look forward to in 2009

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Once the festivities and revelry of Christmas and New Year’s night is over, the country will face into a winter of discontent as the recession truly reveals itself over January.

Planetlove to host dance extravaganza at Leisureland

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Leading female DJ Lisa Lashes (pictured) will join other members of the dance and DJ royalty Alex Kidd, Scot Project, and Kidd Kaos for Kiddfectious in Leisureland on Monday December 29 at 9pm. Support is from Irish DJ/producer Mark Kavanagh. Advanced tickets are €32.50 and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. For more information see www.kiddfectious.com/ireland and www.planetlovemusic.com

Cinema Previews

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Rating: (12A)

Pursue the arts

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Dear Galway First,

Noone heads Oranmore into third spot

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Oranmore's clamber up the Premier League table continued apace as they ground out a hard-fought arm wrestle against an unrelenting, yet ultimately unsuccessful, Corrib Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

Kenna staying with United

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

So following a month's debate and deliberation Jeff Kenna has opted to ink a new deal with Galway United.

Cup joy for Mervue B

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

First Division table-toppers Mervue United B finished their 2008 campaign with a relatively comfortable victory over Third Division side Naomh Bricain to advance to the fourth round of the Michael Byrne Cup on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon in Fahy’s Field.

The great Christmas handbag

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Dear Galway First,

A pig’s ear

2008-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Dear Galway First,

Macnas set for new home

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Tonight’s City Council meeting could push forward plans for Macnas to move to a new home in Westside.

Missing trawler returns safely

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The missing trawler that sparked alarm when it went missing off the west coast has returned safely to Rossaveal Harbour.

Arrest saved my life

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

A young Oranmore man who had been found extremely drunk and out in the middle of the road by a passing Garda was glad that he had been arrested as it may have saved his life.

Man dead after horror smash

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

A 19-year-old man died after a horror multi-vehicle city collision in the city on Friday

Woman found with drugs outside Garda station

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

A recovering addict who had been caught in a car park next to Galway Garda Station with tin foil containing heroin on her lap was given a chance to co-operate with the probation services and remanded on continuing bail.

Galway flush with top poker in January

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Europe’s first major poker event of 2009 will be held in Galway with coverage on RTE.

Integration funding for the city

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Funding of €40,000 for the Galway City Council which will go towards the promotion of integration in the city has been announced.

Put your widescreen to the test

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Big Screen Small Screen table quiz will take place tonight in Busker Browne’s at 8.00pm.

Out with the old, in with the old and beautiful

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Newly opened on William Street, Signet specialises in new, used, and antique furniture and rugs and is a unique experience in the city according to owner Peter Regas.

Ability West sponsored walk this St Stephen’s Day

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Ability West is to hold a five mile sponsored walk this St Stephen’s Day in Galway in a bid to help provide services and support for people with an intellectual disability.

Hour long road rage stand off after man fails to yield

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

A road rage stand-off lasted for almost an hour on a busy road last August when two motorists, one championing the ignored Rules of the Road, blocked a traffic calming island and only agreed to move when a garda threatened to seize their cars, the Galway District Court heard last week.

Top deals at Zhivago

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Christmas is well under way now at Zhivago with the top ten hits at reduced price.

Judge to get tough on owners of modified cars

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The public should not have to be exposed to loud noises coming from souped-up vehicles zooming up and down the town, said Judge Mary Fahy last week, who warned that a get-tough approach will be used against their owners.

Big changes at Sheridan’s

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Tom Sheridan’s Knocknacarra has made some changes.

The best of the west...but also the most expensive

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Trips to the west could be a thing of the past as a new survey reveals that Galway city is the most expensive place to stay in Ireland.

Galway taxi drivers are renting licences

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Galway taxi drivers are renting taxi licences to other people without any vetting process.

Rally to bring €3.6 million to local economy

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Galway is in line for a significant boost in January with the arrival of the International Rally.

Second phase of Knocknacarra shopping centre gets go-ahead

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Developers anxious to begin work on phase two of the Galway West District Centre in Knocknacarra have been given the go-ahead by the Galway City Council.

Teenage burglar admits targeting cars

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

A teenager who received an extra three months in jail for burglaries in Renmore also admitted to targeting a number of cars around the city and county during at least two months last year.

Get comfortable with Cost Plus Sofas

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Cost Plus Sofas have opened their massive 20,000 sq ft Sofa Megastore on the Liosban Estate in Galway just off the Tuam Road and behind the AIB Bank building at the end of September 2006.

Meal deals at the Meyrick

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Oyster Bar and Grill at Hotel Meyrick has just introduced its ‘Meal Deals’ dining option to their extensive selection of fine delights.

National Council for the Blind exhibition to be held in Tuam library

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

An exhibition of locally donated artwork to help the National Council for the Blind in Ireland will be held in Tuam Library from tomorrow (Tuesday) until Saturday December 20.

Find some NRG this Christmas

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

What more reason do you need to banish those winter blues and start that resolution you always seem to be pushing to the back of the cupboard?

Two is better than one

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

A note on hearing by O’Neill Hearing Care in Knocknacarra.

The tale of The Workshop and the salon

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Workshop Hair Salon and Angela Silke’s Medi-Therapy Beauty Salon is owned and run by husband and wife team Raymond Skelton and Angela Silke.

Get shot by Deirdre Langan

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Deirdre Langan is a local, award winning, professional wedding and portrait photographer.

First class service with Leo Walsh Pharmacy

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Leo Walsh Pharmacy, located at Joyces Supermarket beside Xtravision, has been open for over three years and has become a valuable part of the Knocknacarra community.

David Martin opens in Knocknacarra

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

David Martin recently opened its latest hair salon in the city in the Burkeway Construction development at Kingston Road, Knocknacarra, formerly known as O’Brien’s Pavilion Stores. David Martin, one of the city’s most established and well-respected salons, now offers its renowned expertise to the Galway west population. This is the second salon by the David Martin Group, with the first situated at New Dock Street.

KC Blakes for a tasty Christmas

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

KC Blakes Pantry offers its customers a wide range of fantastic gift idea and delicious savoury treats this festive season. Personalised hampers, plum puddings, homemade mince pies, gift vouchers, wines, and mouthwatering desserts are all on offer daily along with its usual range of savoury meals.

Once a small resort, now a blooming Galway suburb, Salthill is the place to be

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Salthill is undoubtedly a very important suburb of Galway city with its picturesque beach offering stunning views of Galway Bay. Salthill used to be a small seaside resort, some 3 km west of Galway city, which has grown into a first class resort and top business district for Galway.

Get blown away at Lola and Belles

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

With a guaranteed Shiatsu Head Massage every time and beautifully pampering hair products this Christmas Lola & Belle are offering a full body Xen tan for €25, noveau contour eyelashes for €60 (Value €125 worn by top style icons such as Victoria Beckham) and a full set of gel nails for €30.

Happy Christmas from Mullins Pharmacy

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Thanking all their customers for their continued support, Mullins Pharmacy would like to wish them all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Feel great in Salthill

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Acupuncture with Aideen Kilkelly (086-8580770)

Great deals at O’Leary’s

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The recently renovated O'Leary’s Londis off licence and foodstore in Salthill is offering some great deals on food and drink in the run up to Christmas.

Visit Santa on his sleigh this Christmas at City Limits

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Experience a visit to Santa like never before this Christmas at the City Limits Entertainment Centre. Santa has arrived at the centre with a sleigh piled high with presents for good little boys and girls, and the reindeers graze in a nearby field making sure they eat enough grass for the long journey ahead Santa would like to invite you to spend some time with him a very rare chance to sit beside him in his sleigh and whisper your heart’s desire in his ear.

A wealth of history on your doorstep

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Oranmore Castle is believed to have been built in the 15th century on the site of an older castle.

Change time for Home Kegs

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Home Kegs, The west of Irelands favourite keg and bar hire company are changing name shortly to Event Bars.

Have yourself a www.merrylittlechristmas.com

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Forget the queues, forget the hassle of parking, and of course forget the horrendous traffic. This Christmas season is all about a carefree and relaxed shopping experience.

Tips for progression in training

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Tip 2: Get more active in general

My top six Christmas make-up gift sets

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Christmas is fast approaching so let’s have a look at those all important make-up gift sets and see what’s on offer this season!

Pucker up this Christmas! – Kiss your hunk under the mistletoe

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Partying, shopping, and all the rush and excitement associated with Christmas is part of the festivities. However, constantly being on the go can take a toll on our health and for some people (some 20 per cent of us), it can trigger a cold sore outbreak.

Corofin retain League title

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Corofin 2-12

Monday night football from the Valley

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Away from the bright lights of the Premier League chances exist to achieve the pleasure of outsmarting bookmaker firms. While the odds for tonight’s Championship encounter between Charlton Athletic and Derby County are skimpy enough, football punters will still be keen to invest in the fixture.

Murphy double seals Connacht win

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Connacht 30

College suffer shoot-out heartbreak

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

NUI Galway 2

Oranmore climb up league table

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Oranmore 3

Five off as West United progress in FAI Junior

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

West United 10

The Brno Chairs - improvising with sound

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

The daring, improvisational, guitar sounds of Galway’s The Brno Chairs - led by songwriter and guitarist Bushy (aka Kenneth Coyne) - are at De Burgo’s on Monday December 22 at 9pm.

Donal Dineen to DJ @ The Cellar

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Donal Dineen, the man who defined the musical taste of a generation through No Disco in the 1990s, will perform a DJ set at LowerState in The Cellar this Friday.

Book ideas for Christmas

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.”

Where’s our voice on Lisbon?

2008-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

How long ago did we vote? Um, was it the summer? Yeah it was. And already the inevitable has happened. By this time next year Ireland will have have voted on Lisbon 2 - pretty much an an exact replica of the treaty we already voted ‘No’ too.

The Eagles confirm Galway gig

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

US super group The Eagles are set to be the latest big name to rock Galway this summer.

A great Mo-vember

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Galwegians RFC experienced some hairy moments last Thursday as the team shaved off their Mos to end what has been a mo-mentus month of Moustache growth.

Hunt for elusive third robber ends, investigation continues

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Gardai on the hunt for the third man involved in a city centre armed robbery less than a fortnight ago have called off their search but are continuing the investigation, according to an official spokesperson.

Parish not told Fahy's Lourdes 'donation' was a penalty

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

A parish priest and his parishioners thanked a county councillor at Sunday Mass for a €3,000 contribution he made to their Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund, unaware that the money was part of a penalty imposed over allegations of fraud and false accounting.

Pig out

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

With the total recall of all Irish pork products announced over the weekend today Galway First answers all your questions about the crisis and the health risks.

Students occupy Minister’s office

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Gardaí were called to the office of Minister Eamon O’Cuiv on Thursday after student activists occupied his Galway offices.

Support the cause and become a VIP

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

A fundraiser will take place next Saturday to raise money for the treatment of Isabelle Chelsea Rose who lives with cystic fibrosis. All funds made on the night will go towards her medical expenses.

Get the garden sorted with JPK

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

JPK Garden Centre’s Christmas shop is now open on the N17 two miles on the Tuam side of Claregalway.

Early morning crash leaves three injured

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

An early morning crash at Loughgeorge on the N17 was the cause of massive delays on the route on Friday.

Need a hand getting ready for Christmas nights out?

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

An average woman spends more than an hour getting ready for a routine night out, with eight per cent taking more than two hours to get ready, a British survey has revealed.

New jobs to deal with jobless

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Five new jobs have been created at the Department of Social and Family Affairs office in the city to help deal with the increased numbers of unemployed in Galway.

g Christmas shop to open today

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Sybil Mulcahy, star of TV3’s Xposé, will be on hand this Monday to officially open the g’s exclusive new Christmas shop.

New book on John Banville by NUIG scholar

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

John Banville, one of the major writers of contemporary Irish fiction, is the subject of a new book by NUI Galway’s Dr John Kenny.

‘Legal high’ discounts a slap in the Government’s face, says senator

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Leaflets handed out throughout the city last week offering a 15 per cent discount for customers of a head shop have been slammed by a local senator who believes the shop is ridiculing the Government.

Galway gardaí hunt youths after savage McDonald’s beating

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Galway gardaí are hunting a gang of youths who savagely beat another youth in full view of shocked diners at a branch of McDonald's on Saturday.

Creative boost for TG4

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Irish language station TG4 has shown its creative credentials after picking up a number of top marketing prizes.

Make bloody battle scene tourist trap, says Minister

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

The scene of a bloody battle between Catholics and Protestants should become an international tourist attraction, according to Galway-based Minister Eamon O Cuiv.

Breast Life

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Ann, Geraldine, Hilary, Jackie, and Mary, five ordinary Galway women who have suffered from breast cancer, have come together to set up BreastLife, a west of Ireland breast cancer support group.

Pour your own pint at the Skeff

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Gillian O'Callaghan, Claire Cadogan, Karen Murphy and Alice Keogh pictured at the unveiling of the new Guinness ‘Pour Your Own Pint’ experience in the Skeff on Thursday night. The interactive Guinness experience is proving very popular with customers. They can pour their own pint at specially designed tables, complete with Guinness and Carlsberg taps and customer seating.

Mighty Tales in Árus na nGael

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

A new show Mighty Tales begins at Árus na nGael, Dominick Street, on Monday December 15 at 8pm with a run of three days.

Toys, toys, toys and more this Christmas at Zhivago

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Zhivago Music in Shop Street has reported a very positive response to its range of toys, which is available for the first time in the store.

Galway Clinic seeks extension

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

The Galway Clinic has applied to city planners to give it permission for extension.

Group stages reach midweek finale

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

The group stages of the Champions League come to a conclusion this week with only two of the eight groups’ qualifiers not yet known. Groups A and B will draw to a tense conclusion on Tuesday night as Chelsea, second favourites to win the trophy outright, need a result to progress to the knockout stages in late February, when the competition begins in earnest.

Dominant Dolphin punish Wegians

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

For the past couple of years Galwegians have been subscribers to the old sporting belief about winning home games and nicking whatever is possible on the road. Due to this conviction all Crowley Park tussles carry importance, and Saturday’s AIL tie with Dolphin was consequential.

Crucial win for Students

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

NUI Galway gave their hopes of surviving in the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division a timely boost on Saturday afternoon with a comfortable victory over fellow relegation candidates Colga at Dangan.

Inter-firms Semi final

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Tom Nally's Heart of Galway team will contest the All Ireland Senior Inter-firm semi-final on Wednesday evening in Longford.

Mervue maintain First Division top spot

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Mervue B look likely to hit the Christmas break flying high atop the First Division table following a 4-2 dismantling of Corrib Rangers B yesterday morning.

Leeson optimistic that Kenna will stay

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

As the end of an interesting year approaches Galway United chief executive officer Nick Leeson has confirmed that manager Jeff Kenna will be afforded a two week period to decide on whether to remain with the western club.

Important year in store for Mervue

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Making decisions can be difficult. Since their stirring play/off success at Station Road over Kildare County when Mervue United performed diligently there have been debate and conferences. Now it appears a place in the Eircom League proper will be accepted as Mervue seek a licence. Is it the correct route to take? A provocative question indeed.

Galway see red late as they exit Oscar Traynor

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

By the time that the Galway League awoke from their slumber in this contest with the Mayo League they were chasing the game for a draw which would have sent them through to the knock-out stages of the Oscar Traynor Trophy. It was not to be for the Galway League and in all honestly it never looked like they would threaten Emmett Payton's goal over the course of a bitterly cold 90 minutes in Castlebar.

Pack drives Connacht to away win

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Connacht made sure they kept their European qualification hopes alive when they gained a merited maximum point haul from their visit to Italy on Saturday.

Guitar drums action - Jung Turks return to the Róisín Dubh

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

It’s been a long time, but finally The Jung Turks are back. After a lengthy hiatus, the Galway based duo of brothers Edward and James Rooney, return to the stage of the Róisín Dubh to play Strange Brew on Thursday at 9pm.

Surreal Canadian for The Comedy Club

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Imagine Harry Potter was a Canadian non-wizard, in his mid-thirties, who writes very funny jokes with his big hands. Such a description could sum up Tony Law.

Calling all artists for The Free Art Project

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Artist collective Mart is calling on Galway artists, working in all media and styles, to contribute and take part in The Free Art Project.

Galway ambient musician releases new album

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Galway’s Vincent Wood, a composer of ambient and downtempo instrumental music, has released his new album Mid Ocean Calmed on iTunes.

Guitar virtuosos Túcan to play Róisín Dubh

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Guitar fans are in for a treat at the Róisín Dubh on Tuesday December 16 at 9pm when Irish acoustic guitar duo Túcan take to the stage.

Do_ng th__gs by half

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

This week in honour of An Bord Pleanala’s wondefully Irish decision to allow us not a full bypass, but half of one we’d decided to respond to the news by printing half a reaction.

Glad there is no bypass

2008-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Dear Galway First,

Rolex robber running free

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

A third robber continues to elude gardai following an armed raid at a city centre jewellers on Friday afternoon.

Shoe stealers blow €27k profit at Galway Races

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Two Dublin men who stole 600 pairs of runners from a Docklands trailer last year confessed that they had spent the more than €27,500 made from the shoes on boozing and gambling at the Galway Races.

Dogs targetted with poison

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Galway city dog owners are being warned to be extra vigilant with their pets this week after a number of reported poisonings in the Rahoon area of the city.

Park and Ride begins this week

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

This week will see the commencement of the Galway City Council’s annual park and ride scheme - with officials hopeful of a major reduction in traffic congestion this Christmas.

O’Toole’s daughter banned three years for drink driving

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

The daughter of screen legend Peter O’Toole has been banned from driving for three years after she admitted last week to drink driving in Connemara.

Twelve years for would-be assassin

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

The champion weightlifter who destroyed a man’s hand with a point-blank shotgun blast has been jailed for 12 years.

Eyre Square Centre launches new gift card

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Eyre Square Centre officially launched its brand new Giftcard last week.

Irish households to splash out €1,354 on average this Christmas

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Despite an ongoing recession Galway consumers are set to head European Christmas household spending this year. The average household spend in a Galway house this Christmas will be €1,354, of which €688 will be spent on gifts, €422 on food, and €264 on socialising, according to an annual survey by accounting firm Deloitte.

Three years for man after drunken sex assault

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

A newly-married alcoholic who sexually assaulted a Galway woman as she slept has been sentenced to three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Lives are in danger due to ‘hazardous’ Merlin Park junction - claims

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

The “hazardous junction” near the Merlin Park Hospital and retail area is causing motorists to take risks and putting lives at danger and something needs to be done about it before there is “loss of life”.

Gort students to raise AIDS awareness

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

The transition year students of Gort Community School will hold a public dramatisation today, World AIDS Day, to help promote awareness of HIV in children and to inform people of the eight international Millennium Development Goals.

Swimmers to brave Christmas waters for COPE world record attempt

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

COPE Galway is inviting the people of Galway to strap on their swimsuits and brave the chilly Christmas waters of Galway Bay to help them in set a (very charitable!) world record.

Better bus services set for Satlhill

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Salthill and Knocknacarra residents will see the introduction of much improved bus services over the next three years.

Fears grow over local budget

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Galway city is facing into its harshest budget in more than 20 years and there are fears it will include a hike in the commercial rates - coming at a time when city businesses least need them.

Crushing defeat for Connacht

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Little about this Magners League showdown in Ravenhill can help to put a positive spin on Connacht's performance on the night.

Murphy saves Corinthians’ blushes

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Corinthians had a try by winger Dave Murphy three minutes from time to thank for getting them out of jail against Sunday’s Well at a cold but sunny Cloonacauneen on Saturday. The hosts produced their worst performance of the season in front of a good home crowd as they struggled to match the visitors’ superior work rate and aggression. The Cork side entered the contest with a solitary win from five outings while Corinthians started with their only defeat coming in their last game against Old Wesley. The hosts might have read too much into that particular statistic as they were sluggish and sloppy throughout and were fortunate to prevail at the end of an uninspiring contest.

Mid season players and managers’ views

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

BRIAN GRIFFIN, HIBERNIANS’ MIDFIELDER

Connolly goal sees Mervue through

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

It took a hearty arm wrestle but Mervue United slipped through to the next round of the Connacht Junior Cup on the back of a 1-0 Fahy’s Field win yesterday afternoon.

Lively Premier League adventure to date

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Back in the early autumn, when the weather was mild and South Park was playable, Tommy Lally was preparing West United for a demanding season, and that is exactly what is transpiring.

Seven-star West batter brutal Ballinrobe

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

West United sauntered to a facile victory over a hapless and heartless Ballinrobe Town side in South Park yesterday to advance to the fourth round of the Connacht Junior Cup.

The return of the return of Gemma Hayes

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

There is a definite pattern to Gemma Hayes’ career. She releases an album, it may win an award, there is huge expectation, then she goes ‘missing in action’, before returning from the wilderness two or three years later.

Different Directions - new film festival for Galway

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Galwegians who long to see cutting edge and avant garde cinema will be thrilled to hear that the city is about to host a festival of such films which is set to be the only festival of its kind in Ireland.

Ricky Gervais’ friend to headline The Comedy Club

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

London based Irish comic Johnny Candon, one of the stars of Ricky Gervais’ Extras, headlines The Comedy Club at Cuba* this Friday.

Utah Saints DJ set at Cuba*

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

No less a figure than Bill Drummond - the writer, prankster, and man behind The KLF - described The Utah Saints as the first true stadium house band.

Whistles and laughter with PJ Gallagher

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Although Naked Camera revolves around the antics of three comedians, it is PJ Gallagher who has stolen the show with the two unforgettable characters he has created.

Cross-genre music night in Richardson’s

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

A night of cross-genre, original music from three different bands, from three Irish cities, takes place upstairs in Richardson’s, Eyre Square, this Friday at 9pm.

At least get some highlights Mary

2008-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

About five years ago, I got the chance to follow our dear departed leader Bertie Ahern around Leinster House for the day. It was a times interesting but mostly very very boring, until at one stage I found myself in a little room with his make-up artist.

Mayor outrage at assault rifles for sale

2008-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

Mayor Padraig Conneely has hit out at the sale of replica guns in Galway city, claiming it “sends out the wrong message” and could lead to an increase in crime in the city.

Concern over S.H.I.T.E erection

2008-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

A cryptic plaque put in place in one of the most recognisable areas of the city is being investigated by the Galway City Council after questions were raised regarding its existence last week.

Galway man named Carer of the Year

2008-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

A dedicated Galway-based husband and father was named on Saturday as Carer of the Year at the National Carer ceremony.

‘I was framed,’ claims defendant

2008-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

Records taken from the mobile phone of a man suspected of carrying out a shooting earlier this year have shown that there were at least two of the calls made near to the time and in close proximity to the incident.

Councillor slams racist Rangers tunes

2008-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

Galway City Councillor Billy Cameron has taken up the fight to put an end to the singing of a new Glasgow Rangers song that has outraged Galway’s Celtic supporters.