Craic 14 online edition by Div Media

GALWAY MAYOR Cllr. PÁDRAIG CONNEELY

As we near the end of 2013 I’d like to wish everyone Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi sheán agus faoi shonas.

Office of the Mayor of the City of Galway Tel no: 091- 536446, mayorsoffice@galwaycity.ie

in GALWAY

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Cover “Roisín” by Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery

From Friday December 20th 2013 To Thursday January 9th 2014

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Edition 14

By Darius Ivan Assistant: Sunny Juddy Model: Stephanie Casserly Location: Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery 1 Quay Lane, Galway

Welcome to TheCRAIC

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TheCRAICaddicts Creator & Director Darius IVAN info@divmedia.ie

Editor Avril HORAN

avrilhoran@divmedia.ie

Photography & Design Darius IVAN Layout Designer Miguel MAZA miguelmaza@divmedia.ie

Stylist Sunny JUDDY sunnyjuddy@divmedia.ie

Contributors Dara KELLY Cara LYONS Rebecca HORGAN Distribution Gearóid O MACHAIN Guaranteed publication of your events photos with our media packages! If you want to secure your place in one of the 5,000 copies of this creative and colourful Craic Magazine, distributed across the city and county every second Friday, please contact: Email info@divmedia.ie or Call us (087) 635 29 33

Welcome to the 14th edition of the Craic in Galway magazine, bringing us into 2014! How great is that. We have some fantastic features this edition, from the secrets of a Secret Service agent on the Kennedy Detail in Galway, to the adventures of an Air Corps pilot when Ireland’s first Search and Rescue service began over 50 years ago. Yes, we have gone to infinity and beyond (well to the USA and Roscommon) to bring you some fantastic tales to keep you occupied over the Christmas holidays. We hope you enjoy them and, as always, we are jam packed full of your daily events diary, news, views, health, fashion and nightlife photos. We are really proud of this edition and even bring you some Galway Memories as our Santa surprise to you. This is a time of tradition, when we engage in certain rituals handed down through the ages. Over the coming days, many of us will sing carols, eat turkey and party as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Yet spare a thought for our Venezuelan cousins (where our designer Miguel hails from). With a suitcase already packed, the family welcomes in the countdown with a cup of champagne and 12 grapes. As each grape is eaten, a wish is made. All ok so far. As the bells herald a new dawn, they rush out into the streets, running frantically with their suitcases to wish everyone a Happy New Year to ensure that travel is on the horizon. So if you see a dashing young man out on Shop Street dragging a packed suitcase along merrily amongst the revellers, please return him safely to the Craic in Galway office.

Happy Reading Sure it’s all a bit of craic,

Love The Craic Squad.

Featured in TheCRAIC 14 The Kennedy Detail All I want for Christmas...

page 12

My Dad and Me

page 28

The Half Double Diet

Christmas Paranoid Android

page 24

page 46

page 34

Domhnall

page 10

Friday 20th Dec 2013 • 9pm: Head down to the Quays for high energy chart-topping from Ireland’s UV5. A 4 piece with a current set ranging from LMFAO to Chris Brown and many more for that party atmosphere. • 9pm: Rock outfit Benson band will satisfy all your classic rock needs at the Quays • 8pm: This year’s Spirit of Voice festival at the Townhouse ranges from seán-nós to hip-hop and beat boxing, performance poetry to house music. This endearing night of music promises to take you on a sporadic rollercoaster journey. • 8pm: The Town Hall Theatre presents Ireland’s folk band of the year, the High Kings. These 4 fantastically talented musicians were raised by Irish music and bring their fruitful flavour to some old favourites, as well as songs from their upcoming album. • 8pm: If you have not yet had the pleasure of witnessing As I Watch You From Afar live, then head to the Roisin Dubh this evening. This explosive instrumental punk/rock band have toured around the world and are renowned for their relentless energy that never fails to impress. They are joined by Simon Bird and It Was All a Bit Black and White.

• 10pm: Catch the powerful live performanceof6-piece Fox E and the Good Hands at Monroes Live followed by the craicin’ favourite Galway band, Oddity.

All I Want For Christmas Is...

■A ‘Little Thing’ for One Direction’s Biggest Fan By Avril HORAN

ing 1D since their appearance on the X Factor in 2010. She has all of their songs downloaded on her ipad and listens to them before she goes to bed every night. She went to see 1D last year in the O2 Arena in Dublin, and loved it, and she’s hoping that Santa Clause will bring her tickets to this year’s concert in Croke Park ! “It would be Roisin’s absolute dream to meet them in person as she is one of their biggest fans. She is such a special girl and deserves this opportunity of a lifetime so much. We love her loads and will do anything it takes for our special sister to have her dream.” With such caring siblings, we really want to help Roisin to meet her pop idols. You can help too by logging on to facebook: Makeroisinsdreamcomethrough and like and share the video there. By going viral on social media, we might just be able to make her wish a reality.

ne very special Moycullen girl has found a unique way to grab the attention of her favourite band, One Direction. 12-year-old Roisin Walsh, who has Down’s Syndrome, is heading to Croke Park in May, 2014 for the sold out concert and her dream is to meet the famous lads in person. Her brother and sister, Eoin and Orla, have filmed Roisin singing the hit song ‘Little Things’ on video and it has been uploaded to YouTube. They “will do anything” to make her dream come true and are urging everyone to like and share the video of this “sweet and cheerful girl, who brings a smile to everyone’s face”. By raising as much awareness as they can, they are hoping the band will do this ‘little thing’ for Roisin by meeting their biggest fan. Roisin is in 6th class at Moycullen National School and, aside from One Direction, loves sports and drama. “She is a fun loving girl with a beautiful smile,” says Eoin and Orla. “She is a major part of the community here in Moycullen and a great supporter of all activities within the village and GAA club. She’s been follow-

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Saturday 21st Dec 2013 • 2pm: It’s the Silent Disco for Kids Christmas Party at Seapoint. • 2pm: Give ‘The Gift’ this Christmas as over 100 singers entertain for charity at St. Josephs Community Centre in aid of the Galway Simon, Jigsaw and the Western Alzheimers. • 8pm: Youth Ballet West presents ‘Strings’ a unique collaboration with the wonderful singer songwriter, Paddy Casey and Judith Sibley and the popular ‘Nutcracker Suite’ at the Town Hall Theatre. • 8pm: The multi-platinum Declan O’Rourke will be at Monroe’s Live followed by The Wilful. • 8pm: It’s the final night for the Colleen Bawn as Druid take a bow at the Black Box Theatre. • 8:30pm: The Gift will sing again with your Christmas favourites for charity at The Jesuit in the city.

CRAICING NEWS!!! By Avril HORAN

A bright New Year for Oranmore’s Emma Craicing news from Emma Naughton-Heavey from Moyvilla, Oranmore. The 17-year-old has been given the all clear following her battle with the rare form of cancer, Fibrolamellar. She has had to travel to the USA for specialised treatment following operations to remove over half her liver, gall bladder and 25 lymph nodes in the second largest operation to be carried out at St Vincent’s hospital. Sadly, her cancer returned and Emma has had to battle through 2013 to get to where she is today. She couldn’t have done it without the support of those who helped her to fund-

raise for the expensive US treatment. For Emma this “couldn’t be better news” she says and “please God the New Year will have better things in store and all will go well”. She still has to travel to the USA to keep on top of her condition and will continue to fundraise. “The support I have had over the last year has been unbelievable. I don’t think I can express how much your support has meant to be, it has gotten me so far,” she says. You can help by logging on to www. helpemmabeatitfund.ie. We wish Emma the very best and a healthy and happy 2014.

• 9pm: Born out of a log cabin in Tuam, The Cabin Collective will rock the house at the Roisin Dubh. • 9pm: Roll up roll up it’s time for the Dirty Circus at Kellys on Bridge Street. Expect burlesque, cabaret and a walk on the wild side. • 10pm: Check out Súgradh Saturdays at Krcma in Salthill for the best of the ‘80s, ‘90s and ’00s. • 10pm: Multi instrumentalist, Laura Sheeran will play an intimate gig at The Town Hall studio.

CRAICing Nights Out at Barr An Chaladh

The CRAIC atPhotosBy MONROE’S Live Sunny JUDDY & Anna SAFROVA

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Sunday 22nd Dec 2013 • 12pm: The Galway Bay Jazz band play live at Busker Brownes, Cross Street. • 2pm: Enjoy The Gift, a unique occasion where a talented choir, made up of over 100 members of the public, will sing their heart out for charity. Takes place at the Jesuit Primary School. Shows again at 8:30pm. • 7pm: The Waterboys will take to the stage at Leisureland to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their classic album, Fisherman Blues.

Domhnall

• 8pm: While Hozier might be sold out at the Roisin Dubh, why not check your own level of musicianship with their open mic night. Or just sit back and listen to Galway’s brightest rising stars.

■Connemara Star to be Ireland Mascot in 2014

• 9pm: Mná Mná will play at the Townhouse

By Avril HORAN

• 10:30pm: Rafii will get you grooving at Kellys on Bridge Street. With a background as a rock musician, Rafii (aka Sean Tianihad) has moved energetically into the dance music industry. With several releases already this year, this young talent is on his way to a bright future in electronic music.

• 11pm: The Rascals will play at Monroe’s Live, a fantastic band bring their unique musical stylings to the stage and are not to be missed. With Niall Teague, Padraig Joyce and Paddy Jordan.

o s m u c ’ s Domhnall Ó Confhaola (8) will walk out with the Irish soccer team in March next and take his place as the Irish mascot following his heart-warming appearance on the Late Late Toy Show. It’s been a whirlwind for the young Connemara lad who captured the imagination of the nation when he met his idol, Robbie Keane, in a surprise twist as he chatted with presenter Ryan Tubridy about the computer game, fifa 14. He was drawn into a chat about Robbie, describing him as “a brilliant man at taking

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• 10pm: They played at our launch and they rocked the house. The Who Knows are a rock and covers band who will have you dancing til dawn (or at least until they kick you out) at Monroes Live.

the shots” and knew all about “the operation on his achilles” and that “he has been in pain for the last two years”. “If you could say something to him on camera in hospital, what would it be?” Ryan enquired, and just as Domhnall had finished his answer, out walked the man himself on crutches. It was a jaw dropping moment for the young fan and his wide eyed wonder was broadcast to homes around Ireland and across the world. He steadily composed himself and asked questions as though he had been interviewing Robbie for years. Since then, the moment has gone viral and he has become an overnight star at home and abroad. In Connemara, he received a standing ovation at school, at soccer training and

choir practice, and his autograph has been in demand from his eager classmates. “It was a big shock,” Domhnall said after his meeting with Robbie Keane, “I didn’t even know he was in the building and my heart was running ninety miles an hour. My mouth went numb. When my Dad showed me the You Tube clip, I saw the numbers and there was a big line of them! I thought – I am viral!” His parents, Peadar and Brid, had to keep the secret for two days and said the experience has been “very uplifting for the local community”. Peadar explained to Tubs that Domhnall was a bit emotional after his encounter, but they “steadied the ship again”.

His extended family watched the clip from New Zealand, Dubai and San Francisco. “That’s two weeks in a row you’ve been shocking me” Domhnall said to Tubs when news of his invitation to be-

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come Ireland mascot was announced, “when will it end?” he joked. Domhnall will lead the team out onto the pitch in a friendly against Serbia in March 2014.

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Christmas!

A Christmas Paranoid Android

hinking back, I can’t believe it. Now, it has happened to me before. I can be at the office, the gym, an event or a family function – just relaxing and enjoying myself. At some point in the proceedings, I will be accosted by an android. Yes, someone will whip out a smartphone and start to show me pictures of their favourite pet, conglomerate of children, and holiday adventures at home or abroad. No longer do we have to carry around a lumbering photo album with cherished memories of Auntie Mabel and Uncle Jack on their wedding day at the Seaside Hotel in Blackpool. We can see that coming from a mile away and choose to run for the nearest exit at high speed. Oh no – technology is such that

it’s all there in pocket-sized format, a digital collection of images, where you can share every waking moment of your life with unsuspecting friends and relatives. There you are, minding your own business, and suddenly you are trapped in a frenzied collage of Billy’s first snot or Barry’s first skydiving adventure. You have to smile politely and try not to show any real impatience or guerrilla yawning. At the touch of a button and flick of a screen, you can be launched full force into a barrage of photos and accompanying back stories and, before you know it, your night is over and it’s time to go home. With a mind full of someone else’s amazing escapades, you just want to crawl under your duvet and feel shame that you haven’t yet produced a brood of doting youngsters, live with a farm of rescued animals or ran the New York marathon in aid

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By Avril HORAN

of eight separate, but equally deserving, charities. There must be some sort of photo sharing societal etiquette. A gallery code of conduct that is suitable to all occasions. However, unbeknownst to my better self, I proudly landed into work on December 9th, shoved my phone into my colleagues faces and began scrolling through my images with gusto. The photos were of – my Christmas tree. I had decorated not one, but two Christmas trees at home and this, my dear craicers, was apparently so exciting and fabulous that everyone had to savour in my marvellous endeavours. I am not any kind of decorating goddess. They are not colour co-ordinated nor do they match the house interior. But for some reason, the android took over, and there they were - in all of their technicolour glory - with accompanying back story, just for good measure.

The CRAIC at ThePhotosBy KING’S HEAD Darius IVAN

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Monday 23rd Dec 2013 • Farewell Galway Continental Christmas market, you have left Eyre Square and the shores of Galway bay behind. Until next year. • 8pm: The popular Mike Denver and his full band will play a fundraising concert at Tynagh Church with doors opening at 7pm.Tickets are available from: Harneys; Moloneys; O’Briens, Loughrea; Fordes, Portumna; J &S Photos, B’sloe or contact 0872437009. • 8pm: For a bit of a chat, head to Kellys for their weekly Galway language exchange, bringing together the international and expat community at a warm and friendly venue. It’s a great way to meet people and practice your language skills. • 9pm: Folk icon, Niall Connolly will play at the Roisin Dubh, bringing authentic indie folk to Galway through his compelling live performance. • 10pm: The incredible and craicin’ favourite, the Amazing Apples, will take to the stage at Monroe’s Live. Their high octane performances have a unique Irish/ Americana sound that is simply incredible. • 10pm: The all swingin’ Black Magic Big Band will belt out the tunes at Busker Brownes on Cross Street. A night not to be missed and its free! • 11pm: It’s the silent disco at the Roisin Dubh. Grab those headphones and get your dance on for a fun night out. Incredibly popular week in, week out. • Midnight: Check out the Biggest Little Office party with DJ Ryan Griffin at Halo.

A Giant of Stage and Screen ■ President Pays Tribute to Peter O’Toole By Avril Horan

He said his roots were from Connemara and he stuck to that story. He spun many a yarn throughout his lifetime, through his work and his highly documented social antics, but the fact remains that one of the giants of Hollywood, Peter O’Toole, had a deep connection to the west of Ireland. While the place of his birth is not certain, he had a holiday home in Connemara for many years, and his roots were firmly planted. His love for the west has been handed down to his daughter, Kate O’Toole, who still resides outside Clifden and is chairwoman of the Galway Film Fleadh. The Lawrence of Arabia star passed away at the grand old age of 81 following a long illness. He was a star of stage and screen, with

a list of accolades behind him, from Shakespeare to comedy, action and drama. Nominated numerous times for an academy award, the small bronze statue eluded him until he finally scooped an Oscar for lifetime achievement. “I am no longer the bridesmaid,” he said when he, at last, held the statue. President Michael D Higgins, a personal friend of O’Toole, met him in Connemara in 1979, where they met almost every day. “All of us who knew him in the west will miss his warm humour and generous friendship,” said President Higgins. Sabina and I, and our children will miss him, as will all those who saw him on screen or stage; or had the privilege, as I had, of enjoying his friendship. Ireland, and the world, has lost of the giants of film and theatre.”

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Tuesday 24th Dec 2013 • It’s Christmas Eve! Santa already has his list of whether you have been naughty or nice. So it could be a great gift under that tree or perhaps a lump of coal. It’s too late now. Go to bed early, leave the carrots out for Rudolph and the rest of ‘em and something nice for Mr Clause.

• Panic!

If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping well, today is quite clearly the last day. So you curl up in a ball, make some handmade decorations out of toilet roll holders and cotton wool or simply hide until January. Alternatively hit the streets and quick. • 9am: The traditional Galway market is open today at Church Lane beside St Nicholas Church. • 4pm: Enjoy Christmas carols at St Nicholas Collegiate Church – a Galway seasonal favourite every year.

In Memory of Madiba By Avril HORAN

The late Nelson Mandela, who captured the hearts of nations, was an honorary graduate of NUI, Galway. NUIG President, Dr Jim Browne, joined with the global community in mourning the passing of one of the world’s most beloved leaders. In a statement, Dr Browne said that Mandela “was - and will remain - one of the most highly respected statesmen in history. As an honorary graduate of NUI Galway, Madiba has a special place in the affections

of NUI Galway staff, alumni and students. This year marks the 10th anniversary of his honorary conferring on June 20th, 2003, and we still cherish vivid memories of the day of his visit. That day counts amongst the most memorable occasions in the history of our University.”

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• Happy Christmas! • 6am: Wake up entire household. • 7am: Open presents under the tree and make a mess of house with wrapping paper. • 10am: Head to the Dangan running track for the annual Goal Mile Run to work off that early morning chocolate. • 11am: Or take the plunge for the annual Cope Christmas Day Swim at Blackrock, Salthill. You don’t even have to swim, just run, splash or jump into the sea! Hot drinks and charity t-shirt provided for all participants. • 12pm: Eat Roses chocolates or Quality Street, depending on your household choices. Eat turkey, watch TV and snooze in front of the fire.

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Thursday 26th Dec 2013 • 11am: The Fields of Athenry 10km race takes place today. Sean Hehir, the recently crowned national marathon champion will make his return for the 10k title. This year, they have teamed up with the Tidy Towns to support the great work of the Tidy Town’s committee. • 1pm: It’s the Jog on the Bog. Head to Oughterard to work off all of that Christmas turkey to walk, jog or run in aid of See Change, the national mental health stigma reduction partnership. Register at 12pm at the GAA stand. For more log on to www.jogthebog.webs. com. • 1:30pm: The Kilbeacanty 8km Turkey Run takes place today in aid of the Galway Hospice and Gort Cancer Support Group. Run, walk or crawl for charity. • 8pm: Galway band, Dott, will bring their harmony driven garage pop to the Roisin Dubh. And it’s free. • 8pm: Enjoy a bit of the track with greyhound racing at the Galway Greyhound Stadium. • 9pm: Four Men and a Bass will bring their unique stylings that fuse rock ‘n roll, soul, country, bluegrass and blues at the Townhouse. • 10pm: Catch The Weightless Astronauts if you can at The Quays bar.

• Midnight: The Halo Gathering takes place at Halo with DJ Bryan G where you can dance the night away.

By Cara LYONS

Straight talking from the trailor trash mouth of Southern Belle, Candy, and the more refined Cara from Connemara.

Dear Candy,

There’s this girl who tries to flirt with my boyfriend when we are out and, although I know he wouldn’t do anything and doesn’t like her, I still don’t like her being openly flirtatious with him in front of me. She is so fake and annoying. She goes to college with him, so gets to see him a lot and it really bugs me to think she could be talking to him each day. She’s the type of girl who flirts with every guy especially if they are taken. I think she just likes being a total cow and trying to start things.

Candy:

Don’t you worry Candy knows how to handle big skanky hos like her. There is a number of ways you can handle this situation. You could shave off all her hair and put a big dog poo in her pants, so when she wakes up she thinks she crapped herself. See how flirty and confident she is after that one! You could get some form of poisonous snake or big lizard and let it loose in her room - so your options are endless!

Cara:

It is completely normal for you to feel this way. I think you just need to tell your boyfriend how she makes you feel. You seem to trust him and if you have a strong relationship you will feel better once he reassures you. He has already mentioned he is not particularly fond of her, so I’m sure you have nothing to worry about, just explain to him you don’t like her behaviour and don’t particularly like being around her on nights out. For more of Candy’s crazy antics catch her and her alter ego from Connemara, Cara Lyons on youtube at Cara’s Good Karma TV. Send us an email with your questions: candy.questions@gmail.com

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Friday 27th Dec 2013 • The Connemara Four Seasons Winter Walking Festival begins today with guides Michael Gibbons and Gerry McCluskey. The weekend walks are Diamond Hill and Omey Island. • 9:30am: The West of Ireland marathon series continues at Portumna Forest Park. • 8pm: Mike Denver will play a Christmas concert at the G hotel with special guest, Marc Roberts. • 9pm: Oh what a line up! Walking On Cars and the Amazing Apples are set to entertain at the Roisin Dubh followed by Disconauts at 11pm. • 10pm: The Mindbenders will play at the Quays. • 10pm: The Deans will play at Kelly’s on Bridge Street after Funky Fridays. • 10pm: The mod pop band from the Midlands, Aftermath, will play at Monroe’s Live. The group have had three top 20 singles.

What’s In a Name?

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History

The Kennedy Detail in Galway By Avril HORAN

Photos from GERALD BLAINE

The Irish Tour Through the Eyes of a Secret Service Agent Jerry entered the Secret Service in 1959, protecting President Eisenhower, President Kennedy and was later assigned to President Lyndon Johnson following the assassination of JFK in Dallas. “When I was discharged from the military after four years, I attended the University of Colorado and applied for the Secret Service at the end of my Junior year. It takes a year to do the clearance for the job, so I was appointed after I graduated. I started in the Denver office and three months later, I was assigned to the White House Detail protecting President Eisenhower. I was transferred to the Kennedy Detail the day he was elected.” He was 31-years-old when he arrived in Galway with President Kennedy. The excitement of the Ireland trip was already starting to build in Berlin.

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Former Secret Service agent, Gerald S Blaine, was on the Kennedy Detail when JFK came to Galway. Here he looks back at that famous trip to Ireland and gives some fantastic insights into the occasion in 1963 from his unique viewpoint. From circling over Ireland in the helicopter, to the warm céad míle fáilte the President received, we uncover new information about what he describes as the President’s “happiest visit of his entire thousand days in office”.

“President Kennedy’s visit to Berlin and Germany was an overwhelming success and one of the highlights of his presidency. He made a comment leaving Berlin that he was looking forward to his visit to the mother country, where he could relax and have fun. With him on the visit were Dave Powers and Ken O’Donnell - his ‘Irish mafia’ as they were called. All three were elated. The whole mood turned to a festive one and did not change until we departed Ireland. I would venture to say that it was the happiest visit of his entire thousand days in office. The festivities included Irish singers, dancers and a great deal of Irish humour,” he says. While travelling in the helicopter across Ireland, they had a bird’s eye view of the landscape and shared great moments. Even en route in the air, the President made time for the people who had come out to see him.

he said, were “as overjoyed have been there a few as the President” to see times after the Kennedy him and “everyone in the visit. I have a portion President’s party felt they of Ireland in my blood were Irish during that visstream, so I took to it it”. “I do not remember a like a duck does to wamoment,” he says, “ that he ter. Everyone on the Dewas not smiling and haptail loved it. The people py as can be. He was surwere fun to talk to and to rounded by people that see the joy in their faces he understood was something I “I do not and were could not forget. remember a part of his It was the hapmoment that he roots”. piest trip that was not smiling Jerry I took with and happy as can the President. already had be.” a picture Most of them painted of the were nothing but country through the hard work and increased “Irish songs, stories and paranoia. It was not the folklore imbedded by Irish case in Ireland.” immigrants” in America, There were no specific and of “Galway Bay in parthreats against President ticular”. Kennedy during his Irish “I loved Ireland and tour and, as such, no spe-

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“President Kennedy travelled by helicopter throughout the whole country. I was fortunate enough to ride with him. It was an amazing trip viewing the emerald green grass and the castles and landmarks. The President was constantly requesting the pilot to circle around particular areas and the helicopter was identifiable by its military green bottom and the white top. People below were waving and the President would ask the pilot to circle them. He had a wonderful time viewing his ancestral homeland,” he explains. For Jerry, the welcome for the President was “marvellous”. The Irish people,

cial security arrangements had to be put in place. The measures taken were the same as every city visited. However, at one point in Dublin, the excited crowds circling the motorcade meant that an agent ended up in the President’s lap! “Special Agent Robert Burke and a couple of other Irish descent agents conducted the security advance in Ireland. They received the greatest support from the law enforcement officials. Ironically, they gave instructions to all of the law enforcement officers who would be working the visit. They were given the ordinary instructions provided to officers in the state and

History local governments in the United States. “They were told to keep their backs to the motorcade and survey the crowd, the overhead windows and roof tops. When the President arrived in Dublin, we were in a motorcade and all of a sudden the crowds rushed towards the car, led by police officers seeking an autograph. We were swamped, and one of the agents ended up on the President’s lap. It happened a few times during the visit. In situations like that we were worried about the President being jostled and causing problems with his back. The unfortunate thing about a crowd is that it has no mind or conscience and can often create a real problem. As it turned out, that was not the case in Ireland. There was overall affection for President Kennedy.” The only concern the security team had here was that of “over affection”. There were five agents with the President while he was travelling and they never let their guard down. Their job was to cover him and evacuate if there were any difficulties. If he was going to a function, an additional five agents were assigned. He describes the President and Mrs Kennedy as “wonderful to work for”. The President enquired

“We were swamped, and one of the agents ended up on the President’s lap!”

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With such a closeness to the clan, Jerry was understandably deeply affected by the assassination in Dallas. He continued to work for President Johnson and left the Secret Service one year later, in 1964. He has written about his experiences in his book, The Kennedy Detail, where he outlines what happened on that fateful day in November, 1963 and its aftermath. It had a dramatic effect upon “what it was like then versus today”. “We only had 36 agents and drivers on the Kennedy Detail. Today there are considerably

about their families, remembered all of the details and always addressed the agents by their first name. He would take time to joke with them at events and demonstrated enormous respect for their work. “He never forgot the facts. The President and Mrs Kennedy were wonderful to work for. They were both very personable and the first time an agent met the President, he would ask them their name, where they were from , if they were married and the wife’s name, plus the number of children. If he were not involved in state business, he would stop by and relay a joke, or demonstrate his warmth and humour. He respected the Secret Service and we had an affection for him as a man and President.” He describes how Jacqueline Kennedy valued her privacy and they built their own home away from the White House called ‘Wexford’.

more agents, plus bullet and bombproof vehicles, plus magnetometer clearance checks on people invited to a function. It finally became evident to the government after Dallas that we did not have the resources to do the job necessary to protect the government. The information in the book was provided by all of the agents on the Kennedy Detail and their descendents”. Jerry went on to the private sector, as director of security for IBM, ARCO and later Hill and Associates, and retired in 2004, moving to Grand Junction Colorado.

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Saturday 28th Dec 2013 • The Connemara Four Seasons Winter Walking Festival continues today. Take in the stunning surroundings of the picturesque landscape with experienced guides. • 11:30am: The Conn O’ Mara Loopathon takes place in aid of a defibrillator for the Connemara Rugby Club and supporting Galway Hospice. Walkers start at 11:30am and runners at midday. This 5 k starts at Lowrys bar in Clifden and finishes at the Outdoor Shop. • 1pm: The Carlton wedding showcase takes place at the Carlton Shearwater in Ballinsloe for all of you who received a sparkler under the Christmas tree. • 8pm: Mick Flannery will play at the Seapoint Ballroom in Salthill, a singing and songwriting force to be reckoned with. • 9pm: Galway favourite Keywest will play at the Roisin Dubh – a band that started their career the best way any band can – by busking on Shop Street. • 10pm: Check out Súgradh Saturdays at Krcma in Salthill for the best of the ‘80s, ‘90s and ’00s. • 10:30pm: 5 piece rock band, Red Tape, will have the joint a jumpin at Kelly’s. • 11:30pm: It’s Halo Saturdays with DJ Ryan Griffin to bop the night away. Well what else would you do at a nightclub? Honest? • Midnight: Rockin’ covers band The Harleys are set to bring the house down at Monroe’s Live.

Music for Galway -A Midwinter Festival

By Avril HORAN A special midwinter festival, with a feast of musicians from around the world, will take place at the Town Hall Theatre from January 17th-19th. Music for Galway have organised this unique event highlighting the Birth of Modern Music - from the end of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th Century. Now in its 10th year, the midwinter festival promises to tear up the rule books and push the boundaries, as beautiful old style melodies meet with modernism. Relive the ground-breaking new sound worlds of Debussy, Schoenberg and Stravinsky, alongside contemporary ‘old-style’ masterworks by Brahms, Fauré and Vaughan Williams. “There will be so much variety, with many world class musicians on stage, and weird and wonderful instruments. The amazing thing is that you will have a chance to hear works

that are hard to get together in a concert normally. The sheer variety of these classical music concerts and the opportunity to see this unique mix of pieces performed in one place will make it a fantastic event!” says Music for Galway’s, Anna Lardi Fogarty. 17 outstanding Irish and international musicians will converge on Galway to perform original chamber works and arrangements that changed the course of composition forever. These include Galway’s own ConTempo Quartet, Ireland’s Cassiopeia Winds group, Mark Jenkins on double bass and Caitriona Frost on percussion. Pianists Rolf Hind and Richard Uttley will join them from the UK alongside mezzo-soprano Lore Lixenberg. And from the Netherlands are soprano, Lenneke Ruiten, and Thom Janssen on piano.

For further details please contact: info@musicforgalway. ie

The CRAIC in Sally Longs - Noel’s Birthday

VOX POP What’s the CRAIC?

Gary Flaherty Declan Morris

The CRAIC is, C for Music, R for Dancing, A for Songs, I for telling stories and lastly C for Conversation that’s the craic. The craic is good, but I miss my crib basket with small baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, donkey and lights. Someone took it from under my car yesterday.

The craic is I’m having camomile tea to ease the nerves, because I’m waiting for a text from a beautiful girl I haven’t seen for long time.

Stephen & Elizabeth Anna Safrova

The craic is dancing, listening Pink Floyd and reading The CRAIC.

Erica McDonagh

The craic is here on the market where we are selling presents for everyone for christmas.

The craic is in the Galway city centre to get the Christmas atmosphere going! Not much just hanging around.

Washington Tanga

Not much really. I’m just walking around trying a few pubs.

Cian Crehan The craic is with the Amazing Apples in Monroes on the 23rd, in the Róisin Dubh with Walking on Cars on the 27th and on NYE in The Townhouse! In the mean time I’m having the craic with coffee, trying not to be disturbed by reporters.

NUIG Students We’ve just finished our exams so we decided why not to go drinking and ice skating at the same time.

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Sunday 29th Dec 2013 • 10am: Galway’s first Christmas diecast model and diorama show takes place at the Menlo Park Hotel in aid of the Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer charity for the west. • 1pm: An art exhibition takes place at the Clifden Library by artists Kathleen McHugh, Ann Scullion and Eileen Noonan-Connoll. • 1pm: The Galway Kiddies Market takes place at the Clayton Hotel. Admission is free and a donation can be made to a local primary school at the door. • 2:30pm: The Renmore Pantomime presents Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at the Town Hall Theatre. Shows again at 7:30pm. • 8pm: Enjoy live gypsy jazz music by I Saw Stars at Kelly’s on Bridge St. • 8pm: It’s the Roisin Dubh Comedy Club Christmas Special! With Foil Arms and Hog, Karl Spain, Colum McDonnell and Kevin McGahern. • . • • •

• 8pm: It’s Carribean Night with Love Afrobeat at Monroe’s Live with DJs Femi, Daley and Southside. Dress glamourous and classic with special guest Jo Representer

CRAICING NEWS!!! By Avril HORAN

A Leading Light A Salthill Instructor has scooped a top award from the Road Safety Authority. Philip Rice from the Advance Drive School has been awarded ‘Approved Driving Instructor of the Year 2013 in the Truck Category’ award at an event held in Farmleigh House. He was given his award by RSA Chairman, Gay Byrne.

Electric Goes Vintage The team at Electric Garden are gearing up to open a new glasshouse bar in the ever-popular garden area. Taking inspiration from an eclectic patchwork of styles, the space is Victorian aviary meets Moroccan terrace resulting in an overall bohemian vintage look and feel to compliment the existing design. Expect a chilled bespoke environment to enjoy their new cocktails using local and exotic ingredients and craft beers.

Boston Mayor Breaks with Tradition The son of Connemara, newly elected Boston Mayor, Marty Walsh will have his official inauguration on January 6th. Breaking from tradition, he

will be sworn in at his alma mater, Boston College in the first mayoral inauguration held outside the city’s downtown centre since the 1980s.

Christmas Party at The Clayton

Special

My Dad and Me

The Story of an Air Corp Pilot

By Dara KELLY and her Dad, JP.

Christmas is a great time to catch up with loved ones. There is a journal style book I have recently found which encourages family members to ask their parent’s questions about their life – something which can uncover lots of new and exciting information – and fill in the responses as a keepsake for generations to come. In the first of two parts, our fitness queen, Dara Kelly from Knocknacarra, gets into the spirit and speaks to her Dad, JP Kelly about his time with the Air Corps. JP, who is from Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, was part of Ireland’ first Search and Rescue, and piloted high flying dignitaries during his 27 year career, including Pope John Paul II on his famous visit to Galway in 1979.

From the age of 15 or 16, I always wanted to fly. I think it was watching films on WWII. I thought the adventure of flying was fantastic and it never left me. I found out about the Air Corps when I came across the ‘Guide to Careers’ book. I decided to take my Leaving Cert seriously - that was about two months before the exam! I just about managed the entry criteria of three honours. Most people in my town had no interest in school –

the only outlets for a young fella then were to be a priest, join the bank or civil service, or emigrate. I applied for the Air Corps - that was my one and only choice - at the age of 20 in 1961. The interview was very intimidating. A lot of Dublin guys were talking about the flights they had done in private flying clubs. During the interview, one of the panel asked me what flying experience I had – none. What aircraft had I seen? - none. What made me think I should be chosen? I replied that I’d be as good as anybody else. That was the correct answer. This

Commissioning 1961

JP Kelly receiving rank markings at Commissioning Ceremony in Baldonnel in 1961; commissioned to rank of 2nd Lieutenant

man was a farmer and a senior officer in the Air Corps. He liked the idea of a young man coming from the west to join.

What happened next?

After military and flying training in three different types of fixed wing aircraft, I was postThe

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What made a young boy from the west of Ireland decide to join the Air Corps?

ed to Fighter Squadron, which at the time had fighter jets. There used to be a military parade every year to commemorate the Easter Rising 1916. I flew a Vampire up O’Connell St in Dublin. Later, after two boats sank off the Irish coast, it was decided the State should

Presidential Flight

Taken outside Áras an Uachtaráin, President Patrick Hillery with his wife and son prior to a flight in the Air Corps Dauphin Helicopter in c1987. (JP was a Lt Col then and Officer Commanding Helicopter Wing.)

a huge woman walking down the side of a mountain, carrying a big suitcase. She was so big that we had to use three seatbelts. I was very nervous - we had no medical people with us. I was apprehensive that turbulence would precipitate things! She said “don’t worry a mhac, I’ve had 10 of them already”. She was the calmest one of the lot of us! Then VIP transport became another important mission.

Training in Alouette II in Baldonnel in July 1963 Seated L to R Lt JP Kelly JP Couturier, French instructor

Was there such a thing as a typical day?

No. There was a crew on standby every day. You could be on

search and rescue, air ambulance or support to civil community – helping people marooned due to snow, flying in provisions if people were cut off. My first air ambulance mission was in 1964 in the very early days. It was to fly a pregnant woman from Inis Turk to Castlebar hospital. A helicopter had never been on that island before and we were told the only flat surface to land on was the ‘fish slab’. The weather was very bad. We landed to see

Tell me about the VIPs?

I was involved in the transport of every President from de Valera up to 1988, when I retired from Air Corps. Also visiting dignitaries and Taoisigh: Jack Lynch, Liam Cosgrave, Garrett Fitzgerald and Charles Haughey, and many government Ministers including Bobby The

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purchase helicopters and set up a rescue service. The Alouette 3 was selected and I was one of four people chosen to fly them. We flew the first two Alouettes back to Baldonnel from France on 29 November 1963, 50 years ago, and thus the Irish Search and Rescue Service was born.

Molloy from Galway. We used to fly him to Renmore. When the Pope came to Ireland in 1979 the country was in lockdown - security was huge. The only way to transport him from place to place was by air. I was liaison between the Air Corps and gardaí for the security of the Pope. We had a special helicopter, which had a team of gardaí, whose main concern was the security of the Pope. Everywhere the Pope went, we went along as his escort. The only way in and out of Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway was on foot, the security was so fierce. Eamon Casey was Bishop of Galway at the time and he invited the Pope for lunch. The only way the Pope could get there was by small helicopter. There was no room in the smaller helicopter for the Swiss Guard, so we flew them in our security helicopter.

It must have been a dream come true for you!

It was. I always felt that I was very lucky to be able to do something that I really wanted to do.

Cllr. NĂall Mc Nelis mcnelis@votelabour.ie Member of Galway City Council

Representing: Knocknacarra Salthill Claddagh Rahoon

Looking forward to 2014 & working to keep Galway a great place to live, work and visit.

The CRAIC at The STOCK EXCHANGE PhotosBy Darius IVAN & Anna SAFROVA

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Monday 30th Dec 2013 • 2:30pm: The Renmore Pantomime presents Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at the Town Hall Theatre. An adventure of music and song with Galway panto stars. All is not well in Nottingham. The Wicked Sheriff is hatching a range of evil plans to eliminate the Babes, who stand between him and the throne of England. He’s also out to capture the hero Robin Hood, by holding the beautiful Maid Marian as hostage. Shows again at 7:30pm. • 8pm: For a bit of a chat, head to Kellys for their weekly Galway language exchange, bringing together the international and expat community at a warm and friendly venue. It’s a great way to meet people and practice your language skills.

• 10pm: Enjoy a showcase of up and coming Irish and mainly Galway talent at the Mic-A-Blaze Records event at Monroe’s Live. This hip hop label bring you a variety of live electric bass guitar and MC’s, acoustic guitars, singing and the raw traditional hip-hop/ rap style of performances.

Step by Step with Emma O’Sullivan

new DVD Learn to Sean Nós Dance www.emmaosullivan.com

Rofi James Are iRocks Winners! -Craicing Band of The Edition

By Avril HORAN

us. It really does mean a lot! We’d also like to thank Fergal D’Arcy, Louise Clarke and all the team at iRadio for organising such a brilliant competition, that really gives bands a massive platform to showcase their music and reach wider audiences!” For iRocks presenter, Fergal D’Arcy, the competition “was an immense experience from the countries number 1 live music venue. It’s great to know there’s sooo much talent in iLand. I tip my hat to Rofi James. These guys are serious artists with a bright future and they’re about to break it in a big way. Watch this space” he said.

Craicin’ congratulations to Rofi James who scooped the iRocks title in the ultimate battle of the bands at Monroe’s Live. The group has walked away with a bumper prize package after tough competition. They made it from the public selection rounds to the live battle and have been crowned the ultimate Galway champions. “It was an absolutely amazing night,” they said, “all the support from everyone really has made all the difference to us and we would like to thank you all for your investment in

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• 10pm: It’s time for the Black Magic Big Band at Busker Browne’s on Cross Street. Don’t miss this fantastic 18 piece band for the best of swingin’ tunes this Christmas.

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Tuesday 31st Dec 2013 • It’s New Year’s Eve! • 2:30pm: For some festive fun, head to the Town Hall Theatre for the matinee performance of the Renmore Panto’s Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. • 8pm: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Roisin Dubh with the amazing Kormac’s Big Band, Daithi, Boyfights, and The Depravations. • 8pm: If you want to get away from the madness of the city, head to the Twelve in Barna for a special restaurant celebration as the clock strikes midnight. • 9pm: Or how about heading out to the Clayton, for some fantastic New Years Eve celebrations. Ring in the New Year in style with a 5 course gourmet meal, complimentary glass of bubbly and live music in the enclosure bar – all for just €39.

CRAICING NEWS!!! By Avril HORAN

Jingle Bells – Gold for Galway Kettlebell Club at Grand Prix Members of the Galway Kettlebell Club struck gold at the recent Limerick Kettlebell Grand Prix competition in December. Competing against over 116 athletes, six club members along with coach, Sarah Smith, scooped one gold and three silver medals between them at the Delta Sports Dome. Having competed in her first competition two years ago with an 8kg kettlebell, Sarah has worked her way up the ladder and competed in the heaviest kettlebell weight to date at 24kg. She has successfully coached and trained six other

athletes from her Galway Kettlebells club for this competition, and for many, it was their first event of its kind. The squad are busy training for the National Championships in February in Cork, where the Irish team for 2014 will be decided. If chosen they will have an opportunity to take part in the European and World Kettlebell Championships. The Galway Kettlebell club is moving to The Hibs Soccer Club in Bohermore in January 2014 and welcomes anyone interested in Kettlebell sport to make contact via www.galwaykettlebells.com

• 9pm: For a plush New Year’s Eve head to the Radisson Blu for some cocktails and a DJ to party the night away. • 9pm: The Quays will be ringing in the New Year with Quantum. • 10pm: Head to Monroe’s Live for the best New Year’s Eve party in town. Covers band The Lakers will have you ringing in 2014 with the best of floor filling music for a craicin’ night to remember.

Wake Me Up – Lurgan Makes You Tube Top 10 Craicing congratulations to Galway’s Colaiste Lurgan who have made it into Youtubes top 10 trending videos in Ireland in 2013. They were the

only Irish made video on the list! Current hits for Avicii Vs Lurgan - “Wake Me Up” as Gaeilge are over 3.1 million. Well done all. The

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• 11:30pm: It’s the New Year’s Eve party at Halo nightclub with DJ Graham Doc or head to Electric to party the night away with floor fillers and anthems to keep you grooving all night long.

The CRAIC in PhotosBy HALO&ELECTRIC Darius IVAN

Galway Health & Fitness 2014 is coming out in January, if you want your business featured e-mail: alan@galway.com

, GALWAY LWR. DOMINICK ST.

. .. n io t lu o s e R r u o Y le o e r C t a ll e W t a E for 2014! RESERVE @ WWW.CREOLE.IE OR T: 895926

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Wednesday 1st Jan 2014

• Happy New Year! • 1pm: It’s the Galway City Resolution Run! Time to kick start the New Year in the right way and nothing says resolve like a 5K through the city. The route starts and finishes at the Spanish Arch and loops through the city. Entries will be accepted up to 12:30pm on the day (€20) in the race headquarters at the Townhouse Bar beside the Spanish Arch. • 2:30pm: It’s time for Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at the Town Hall Theatre for a New Year’s Day performance. Expect laughter and fun as the tale unfolds in front of you on stage thanks to the Renmore Panto, a Galway favourite every year. Shows again at 7:30pm. • 11:45pm: Join the Converse All Stars at the Roisin Dubh for a New Year’s Day musical treat. The Converse Allstars are a rock, blues, soul and funk cover band playing everything from James Brown to Prince and back to James Brown again. For that alternative night out. • Thursday 2nd Jan 2014 • 8pm: If you fancy a flutter of a euro or two, or simply a fun night out, head to the Galway Greyhound Stadium for some dog racing, food and beverages in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

• 9pm: Catch Four Men and a Bass at the Townhouse bar.

CRAICING FASHION!!! Date for Your Style Diary! Ladies, the event that kick starts the 2014 Galway social calendar takes place at The House Hotel on Sunday, 5th January, at 2.30pm. Enjoy an afternoon of style and glamour, and relax in the beautiful surroundings of The House Hotel to celebrate the tradition of Women’s Little Christmas, also known as Nollaig na mBan. Round up the girls and inspiring women in your life as

proceeds on the day will be donated to the Galway Simon Community. The beautiful Michelle Lally will take on the role of MC.Tickets, only €25, include drinks reception, buffet lunch, hair and beauty, style advice, silent auction, best dressed and best smile competition, along with much much more! Tickets are available at www.thehousehotel.ie and www.GalwaySimon.ie.

How to Get Big Lips! By Rebecca HORGAN

Everyone wants nice big sexy lips and it is actually pretty easy to achieve. Its all about manipulating your own lip shape. Follow these simple steps and use the three step pictures as your guide. Step 1: Prime your lips with a primer and analyze you current lip shape. Step 2: Accentuate your lips. Using a lip pencil, line

around, not on, your current lip line – this will give them the appearance of being bigger. Slightly fill in your lips with the pencil, this helps your lipstick from bleeding. Step 3: Apply your lipstick on your lips and over the lip liner. That’s it! Simple eh? Give it a go yourself. For more beauty info, go to rebeccahorgan.com

The CRAIC with GALWAY PITBULLS on Zlaty Bazant Tour in MONROE’S Tavern & KRCMA

PhotosBy Darius IVAN & Sunny JUDDY

Galway’s Inline HOCKEY Team Galway PITBULLS, proudly sponsored by Slavic Trade, importer of great Slovak beer Zlaty Bazant to Ireland. www.galwaypitbulls.com

€50

Take your picture with Zlaty Bazant in Monroe’s Tavern to win shopping at Slavic Trade. Email the picture to slavictrade@gmail.com

to enter the competition by 15th January 2014. www.slavictrade.com

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Friday 3rd Jan 2014 • 7:30pm: ‘He’s Behind You’ – The Renmore Pantomime returns with an evening performance of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods at the Town Hall Theatre. • Saturday 4th Jan 2014 • 2:30pm: Catch the matinee performance of the Renmore Panto at the Town Hall Theatre. Shows again today at 7:30pm. • 8pm: The ultimate Galway Girl will take to the stage at Monroe’s Live. Sharon Shannon will return with very special guest, Mundy. • Sunday 5th Jan 2014 • 1:30pm: The Fanore Burrenbeo Trust January walk, with Mary Howard, will climb to Cathair Dhuin Irghuis above Blackhead. Meet at Murroughtoohy layby at Fanore. • 12pm: The Renmore panto brings Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods to the Town Hall Theatre. Enjoy a lunchtime performance at midday or catch them again this evening at 5:30pm.

CRAICING HEALTH!!! By Dara KELLY

dara.n.kelly@gmail.com

On The Half Double Over Christmas! Christmas is coming, laden with temptations on the one hand – chocolates in the office at 9am, lunches and dinners and drinks aplenty - and parties where we want to look fit and fabulous on the other. What to do? Try my new invention: the Half Double Diet! Just halve your food intake and double your water intake (herbal or black tea/coffee count). That way you can have some treats – just not as many. Increase your movement and sleep as well. Party on

by all means, but stand/dance rather than sit, and get home and into bed just one hour earlier. It will make all the difference. Try some homemade sugar-free treats to bring to work or to share with friends: these Marzipan Christmas trees are made with ground almonds, stevia powder (sugar substitute – it’s green!), egg white and a drop of green food colouring. Just mix it all together, adjust quantities to taste, roll it out and cut into tree shapes. Decorate and enjoy! Nollaig Shona!

T á an Nollaig beagnach buailte linn agus cathú ar chuile thaobh: muid ag iarraidh a bheith ag roinnt milseán, lónta, dinnéar agus deochanna le cairde agus cuma álainn folláin orainn ag an am céanna! Céard a dhéanfaimid? Bain triail as mo chleas nua: An Leath-Diet Dúbailte! Tóg leath an mhéid beatha agus dhá oiread an uisce a bhíonn agat de ghnáth (is féidir tae/caifé dubh a chomhaireamh). Mar sin ní gá duit chuile rud deas a dhiúltú – díreach leath! Bí ag gluaiseacht thart níos mó agus ag codladh níos mó freisin.

Téigh amach chuile oíche más maith leat, ach bí ag seasamh nó ag damhsa seachas ag suí, agus téigh abhaile agus isteach sa leaba uair a chloig níos luaithe - aireoidh tú an difríocht. Bain triail as na Crainn Nollag gan Siúcra seo freisin. Níl iontu ach almóinní meilte, púdar stevia (milsitheach atá glas), gealacán uibhe agus deoirín de dhath bia glas. Measc le chéile iad go mbeidh tú sásta leis an mblas, roll amach é agus gearr amach crainn bheaga. Maisigh iad mar is mian leat agus bain súp astu. Nollaig Shona!

• 11am: Generations visit St. Dominic’s Well in Esker in early January each year. The water will be blessed today after 11am Mass. • 8pm: Well known comedian, Brendan Grace, will perform at the Salthill Hotel this evening. • Tuesday 7th Jan 2014 • 1pm: The Con Tempo Quartet makes a welcome return to the Galway City Library on Augustine Street for Lunchtime@ The Library. • Wednesday 8th Jan 2014 • 7:30pm: For stargazers, the Galway Astronomy Club will hold a public workshop in NUIG with Patrick Browne - “Using Celestial Mechanics for Solar sails and Satellites”. For more see www. galwayastronomyclub.ie • Thursday 9th Jan 2014 • 9pm: Catch Four Men and a Bass live at the Townhouse.

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• Monday 6th Jan 2014