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Cover ROFI JAMES Ronan Flaherty & Jamie Murray by Darius IVAN www.divmedia.ie
From Friday February 21st To Thursday March 6th 2014
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Here at the Craic, we really felt forthe staff and management at Le Petit Rouge on Dominick Street, which was damaged by fire over the Valentines weekend. They put their heart and soul into the wine bar and restaurant, and have promised they will be back, bigger and better than before. A revamp is underway, and they hope to re-open the doors of the popular premises as soon as possible. In the mean time, the weather has finally calmed from the frenetic storms, and Galway is once again a whirlwind of events and happenings. And we have it all. You can catch up with what’s been going on through our dedicated nightlife pages, keep up to date with your daily diary and we bring you the best of news, views, features, health and fashion. As the city and county gear up for the local elections, a Presidential candidate in Slovakia is rapping his way into the limelight. The rapper called ‘animal’ has put his hat into the ring and is making his mark on the political stage. If only we had something like that here it might sharpen up the contenders. We may open our doors to beat boxing canvassers instead of being handed the traditional flyer. What fun. Galway is also making a bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2020, and we can’t think of a better place. The designated city and region will be announced in 2016, so fingers crossed they chose our beautiful and vibrant western shores. We hope you enjoy our little but large magazine. Happy Reading, Sure it’s all a bit of craic! Love, The Craic Squad
Featured in TheCRAIC 17
Save Our Ship! p.4 Milliner in VOGUE p.6 Award for Nicola p.8
Friends Heading West? p.10 Dancing Star p.16 Happy Goes Viral p.27
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Friday 21st Feb 2014 • 6:30pm: Pia Galway are hosting a Yummy Mummy fashion evening at their boutique on Middle Street.
SAVE OUR SHIP!!! By Avril HORAN
Campaign Builds to Save Historic Island Ferry
• 8pm: Ireland’s best loved tenor, Finbar Wright, celebrates the life of Luciano Pavorotti and his passionate love songs at the Town Hall Theatre. • 8pm: The Danu Theatre Company and Orion present Breathless at the Mick Lally Theatre on Druid Lane - a powerful story of four women and their lives inspired by true events. • 8pm: The Galway Musical Society are having their Cabaret Night at the Clayton Hotel. • 9pm: Head to Crowe’s Bar on Prospect Hill for a charity Today FM Shave or Dye event. Lose those locks, tashes or hairy bits for a great cause. • 9pm: ‘I Gotta Tell You’ that Samantha Mumba is back, after selling 4.5 million copies of her album when she was just a teenager. She will sing her latest songs at Monroe’s Live followed by covers band Hot Fuss. • 9:30pm: Enjoy the best of Irish hip hop talent as Mic a Blaze storms into Kellys on Bridge Street. • 10pm: The drum n’ bass will be pounding from The Cellar Bar on Eglington Street as they ‘Get Busy’ to the beat of Bad Operator, Welfare and Noid the Droid. • 11:30pm: The Roisin Dubh presents Shuffle with DJ Dave Barry for a night of funk and soul to get your groove on.
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campaign to save one of the last riveted ships built in the world, the Naomh Éanna, is gathering pace. A meeting has been secured with Minister Phil Hogan, to help secure the future of the iconic Aran Islands ferry, which was built in 1956. Steeped in history, the ship is a key part of Galway’s maritime heritage and retains it’s original fittings and machinery. Waterways Ireland want to dismantle the ship, which has been in situ in the Grand Canal Dock for over 25 years. The ferry carried passengers from Galway to Aran since the 1950s, and represents the social fabric of life on the Islands. Throughout that period, the vessel failed to sail on only eight occasions. “For the islanders, life was the Naomh Éanna.” said former resident Clara Clark in a letter to the Irish Times. “Its arrival was eagerly awaited twice a week, with family members and guests arriving and departing, along with post, food, building materials and livestock.” On the shallow waters of Inisheer, “everything and everybody had to be transferred from the ship’s hold into bobbing currachs and rowed ashore. It carried
everything needed to build and sustain life on the islands and is an important and wonderful piece of the social history of life on the Aran Islands.”
Marine heritage restoration specialists believe they can attract private investment for her restoration and turn the ship into a popular tourist attraction. Time is needed to create a business
plan and a six month stay on her destruction has been requested. It is an urgent lifeline for the distressed ship, as contractors have begun to strip its parts, according to the Naomh Éanna Trust. Volunteers across Ireland are prepared to restore the ship without the need for state investment. Following local representations and a strong Dail debate, a meeting has been secured with the Minister to consider the future of the last Irish heritage vessel.
The CRAIC in MONROE’S Live PhotosBy Darius IVAN
Saturday 22nd Feb 2014 • 12pm: Who can say no to free food? Boojum Galway are giving away free burritos from their premises on Spanish Parade! • 12pm: A Spring Flea Market, Pandora’s Box, takes place today until 5pm at The Factory. • 3pm: Enjoy a classical afternoon, as the Whistleblast Quartet brings their Family Classic Tour to the Town Hall Theatre. • 8pm: The Danu Theatre Company and Orion present Breathless at the Mick Lally Theatre for the final night - a powerful story of four women and their lives inspired by true events. • 9pm: Salsa Medics are having a Cuban Fury Party at The Office in Salthill, for an evening of ruedas, salsa suelta, cha cha cha, Timba and lots more. • 9:30pm: A Session for the Salmon takes place at the Galway Rowing Club with live music and a 60s/70s disco to support the Save Galway Bay and Save the Wild Salmon campaign. • 9:30pm: Panic Animal bring their fresh set list to Monroe’s Live combining their individual experiences and musical talent. • 10:30pm: Red Tape, a five piece rock and pop band, will entertain at Kellys bar and live venue. • 11pm: Carbon nightclub presents DJ Friend Within with support from James Kenny, Byrno, James O’Callaghan and Beefy! • 11pm: It’s Silent Disco Saturday at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street. • Midnight: The Wilful will bring you everything from AC/DC to rock versions of Abba for a craicin’ Saturday night out at Monroe’s Live.
CRAICING NEWS!!! By Avril HORAN
Hat’s Off to Galway Milliner Michael Mullins headpiece to appear in Vogue magazine Galway Milliner, Michael Mullins, has been given the nod from the fashion bible, Vogue, as his one-of-a-kind headpieces will be featured in an upcoming edition of the magazine. The photo shoot has already taken place and it is a major coup for the Galway native who first started out in millinery while studying fashion and design at the Galway Technical Institute. Each piece is handmade, and he often uses material he has on the farm! “I like my style to have a vintage feel with lots of lace, pearls and feminine touches,” he says, “my inspiration comes from various things, I’m constantly researching current fashion trends and working pieces around them. Each piece is custom made and I will always put a different look on every design even if the style is similar.” Michael
is excited about the Vogue shoot and we wish him the best in his future career. His pieces are stocked in Don’t Call Me Dear in the city and Fusion Fashion in Moycullen. He also sells from his home and for more check out michaelmullinsmillinery.com.
Life Is A Cabaret! - Anti Art School Comes to G a l way A fresh wave of art is taking over Galway as life drawing takes on a new twist. Dr Sketchy’s Anti Art School takes place at Monroe’s Live this month and it’s a life drawing class with a difference - with costumed models, elaborate props, quirky competitions and cabaret performances. The Sketch Revolution was founded by a frustrated art school dropout in a Brooklyn
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dive bar. By asking the simple question ‘why can’t drawing people be sexy?’,Molly Crabapple tapped into a veritable flood of like-minded contributors. Today, Dr. Sketchy’s evolved from alternative art classes into a whirlwind cabaret of live music, neo-burlesque dancers, circus performers, flash-mobs, comedy acts and general hoot-nannery. in GALWAY
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The CRAIC in The KING’S HEAD PhotosBy Darius IVAN
Sunday 23rd Feb 2014 • 12pm: The Galway Bay Jazz Band play live at Busker Brownes for some swingin’ Sunday tunes.
SingWhenYou’reWinning! By Ciara O’TOOLE
Galway Church Singer Scoops Major Award bright. “At first I was shocked, but I am absolutely delighted,” she told The Craic in Galway.
• 12pm: The Galway Autism Partnership will screen Walking with Dinosaurs at the IMC Cinema as part of their Sensory Film Screenings. Assistance dogs are welcome.
“I’ve been a finalist for the last three years for the award. In 2012, I was in the top 5, and the same in 2013. This year, the finalists were narrowed down to the top 4 and I won. I suppose it was third time lucky and I’m over the moon!”
• 1pm: The Galway Kiddies Market takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit. A donation is made to the fundraising school of the day. • 6pm: Enjoy lively traditional music at Lowry’s Bar in Clifden if you are out Connemara way. • 8pm: The Galway Film Society presents ‘Child’s Pose’ at the Town Hall Theatre, winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. • 9pm: It’s Open Mike Night at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street – raw talent at its best. • 10pm: Irish singer songwriter, David Dee Moore, will play the best Americana, Irish ballad, bluegrass, country, rock and even punk music at Monroe’s Live, accompanied by Donal O’Connor on keys, violin, viola and bouzouki. • Midnight: The Rascals are part of the Sunday Sessions at Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street, renowned for their three part male harmony and unique interpretation of songs we all know and love from Crosby Stills and Nash to The Beatles, The Fleet Foxes, Neil Young.
CRAICAD FROM €49
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riginally from the Claddagh, w e d d i n g singer and G a l w a y native, Nicola McGuire has recently been awarded with weddingsonline ‘Church Singer of the year 2014’. This is a huge achievement for Nicola and a major milestone in her career as a singer. Nicola has become increasingly recognised on the wedding scene for her amazing talent, beautiful voice and flawless performances at countless ceremonies. With thousands of views on her YouTube channel, Nicola proves to be a big hit with her fans and her future ahead as a performer certainly looks
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There is a lot of hard work, practice and dedication in Nicola’s career, which shows in her success, but she says she “wouldn’t change a thing, it’s all worth it” and she has absolutely “no regrets”. She has been singing professionally for about seven years now and has always had a passion for music. Ever since she was young, Nicola participated in school musicals, was part of bands, and loved anything to do with music. “A friend of mine asked me to sing at her wedding about ten years ago. After the wedding another friend asked me, and the trend kind of started from there. I really enjoyed it and I started to sing at more weddings, and that’s how it happened!,” she says. Being a wedding singer, I presumed there must be a in GALWAY
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favourite or popular songs to fit the theme of the church or the ceremony, but Nicola tells me that, as well as the golden oldies, it’s all about trends. “It depends on the couples favourite song and what’s trending. At the moment, Ellie Goulding’s ‘How long will I love you’ is really popular. Songbird by Eva Cassidy would be one of my favourites, it’s a classic!” Nicola covers many genres of music, depending on each wedding, but her own personal taste falls in the category of jazz, going back to Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald, and the more modern Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson as inspirations. “They are all so soulful and have such powerful voices, I love all their music!” As for her future career plans, Nicola simply wants
to “stay doing what I do, and contributing to people’s big day. Once I can do that, I am more than happy.” So if your own big day or someone’s you know is approaching, be sure to
check out Nicola McGuire Facebook page, where videos are posted and contact details are available for a fantastic performance on your fantastic day, which will not be forgotten!
Romantic Dinner at Da Roberta’s Ristorante 161 UPPER SALTHILL, Phone: 091-585808/091-581111
Monday 24th Feb 2014 • 10am: The Corofin Trad Festival begins today at Tully, Co Galway, with lively trad sessions in local pubs and a nightly concert in Teach Ceoil. • 10am: The GMIT Bubble Football Fundraiser kicks off today, where teams battle it out in a giant plastic bubble. Money raised will go towards a Casino night for the East Galway Animal Rescue. • 10:30am: The Shakespeare and Poetry Sessions take place at the Town Hall Theatre, with the Macbeth Session at 10:30am followed by the Merchant Session at 1:30pm. Engaging and topical student centered performances by the Cyclone Rep. • 7:30pm: Enjoy the final night of ‘Show Me the Funny’ at the King’s Head, where the search is on for Ireland’s newest and brightest comedian, with MC Gerry Mallon and special guest. • 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. • 8:30pm: It’s the Tedfest Fr Ted Quiz at Massimos, to test your knowledge of everything Craggy Island related. Prizes for the best Fr Ted outfit and best beard. • 10pm: Busker Brownes oozes with class and culture as the fantastic 18 piece Black Magic Big Band take you back to an era when jazz and swing roamed.
CRAICAD FROM €49
Chasing Cars through the West By Ciara O’TOOLE
Snow Patrol star speculated to wed Courtney Cox in west of Ireland venue.
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e hear that wedding bells may be ringing v e r y shortly for former ‘Friends’ star Courtney Cox and Snow Patrol musician Johnny McDaid. First spotted together in December 2013, the couple are rumoured to tie the knot this spring in none other than the ‘aisle’ of green, our very own Emerald Isle. Originally from Northern Ireland, the Co. Derry musician is rumoured to be planning a wedding at a castle venue on the west coast with bride-to-be Courtney. Here at the Craic in Galway, we speculate that the couple may choose the stunning Ashford Castle, situated in Cong on the Galway/Mayo border, overlooking the beautiful Lough Corrib with 83 bedrooms, six of which are luxury suites. If it’s a smaller wedding, the star guests may consider Cloonacauneen Castle as another possibility, located in the outskirts of Galway and only 10 minutes from the city. Courtney and co can expect
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a stunning 15th century Norman castle, which is available for rent, with accommodation in the castle itself and the castle gate guest house. Dromoland Castle is another possibility in our neighbouring Co. Clare, only 48 miles from Galway - offering 600 vintage wines from around the world in the castle’s wine cellar and a homely countryside setting. However, our suspicions are lingering around the heart of the west, with Ballynahinch Castle as our top pick among the possibilities. Voted No 1 hotel in Ireland by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller Magazine, the castle is situated just outside Roundstone in Connemara. At the foot of the 12 Bens mountains, and only a number of miles from the Atlantic Ocean, we can see Mr & Mrs McDaid’s wedding album including some very scenic views. Catch up with us in a few weeks to find out if our fortune telling skills are just as good as we think on the stars big day! in GALWAY
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CountryMusicVeteranopens New Galway Bar!!! CRAIC ad New Live Music Venue opens on Prospect Hill
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ountry and western music veteran, Gary Brogan, who has performed in live bands all over the world, including Nashville, is bringing his passion to the city by opening a new live music bar on Prospect Hill. Brogans Music Bar is set to ignite the spark of live music by bringing regular country and western, Irish folk and MOR bands to the stage. Gary has played in bands since he was 12-years-old and has travelled the world with his love of music. He has since come home to roost and Brogan’s bar also offers a ballroom style dancing floor space, for those who want to get up and jive to the beat. The space is perfect for those who are planning an event, whether it is a birthday party, anniversary or engagement, and they offer in house gourmet finger food for your special celebration.
For sports fans, Brogans has big screen wall TVs and a large projector screen, for viewing all sporting events. So whether you wish to watch soccer, GAA or even horse racing, there will always be a screen available. Why not check out this year’s 2014 soccer World Cup at Brogans and have the craic with bar staff; Gary, Kevin, Johnny and Pat. They also have a brand new championship standard pool table, with a weekly ‘winner takes all’ pool competition in the pipeline. And there will soon be a regular Karaoke night, which promises to be great fun for all! So for the best in nightly entertainment and the friendliest service Galway has to offer, why not come and make friends in this family run bar. Gary, Clare, all the family and staff look forward to seeing you. For regular updates and contact info checkout BROGANS MUSIC BAR on facebook .
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Tuesday 25th Feb 2014 • Support the NUIG students as they take part in a charity aquathon today to raise funds for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and ISPCC Childline. The event includes a 750m swim at the Kingfisher and a 5k run in Dangan.
Straight talking from the trailor trash mouth of Southern Belle, Candy, and the more refined Cara from Connemara.
• 10:30am: The Romeo & Juliet Session takes place at the Town Hall Theatre followed by the Poetry Session at 1:30pm .
One of my nipples has just fallen off, what should I do? I just found it on the floor when I went looking for it. I put it in the freezer but I’m worried about the other ones now.
• 4:30pm: The Galway Enterprise Board presents Guerilla Marketing for Small Businesses at their training rooms in Woodquay.
Candy:
• 6pm: Online Marketing in Galway presents a free seminar and networking event at The Harbour hotel, with guest speakers, Declan Flemming and John Concannon. • 8pm: The Maree Musical Society presents Little Shop of Horrors at Kilcornan Hall, Clarinbridge until March 1st. Tonight is a special charity night in aid of the ‘Join Our Boys’ trust as all three brothers have a rare genetic disease.
By Cara LYONS
Dear Candy:
Oh my Gawd! What? What the hell do you mean one fell off? How many do you have? I recommend you glue it back on straight away with really strong super glue and then find a witch doctor in a far off land that will
Cara:
You have a severe medical condition regardless of how many nipples you had before
rub oils on you and draw out all of the evil spirits, and then you should cut milk and bread out of your diet and eat only the gills of fresh water trout and drink only the tears of maidens fair and that should do something for you. this one fell off you need to go see a Doctor right away.
OMG! Galway’s First Digital Media Awards
• 8:30pm: The film, Short Term 12, will be screened in the AV Theatre at the Connemara National Park, Letterfrack. • 9pm: It’s time for the Little Cinema at Kellys on Bridge Street with another fantastic selection of home grown shorts from Galway’s movie makers.
• 11pm: Headphones at the ready, it’s time for the Silent Disco, also at the Roisin Dubh.
Galway’s very first digital media awards are set to take place in April in aid of the Galway Hospice. Organised by Online Marketing in Galway (OMiG),
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there will be seven awards categories at the event, which is taking place on April 22nd at the Town Hall Theatre and tickets are just €5. in GALWAY
• 9:30pm: Enjoy some live comedy with your cocktails at the Roisin Dubh– with Paul Crowley, Ger Staunton,Declan Brennan and many more.
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Wednesday 26th Feb 2014
CRAICING BAND!!! By Avril HORAN
• 9:30am: The Contempo Quartet will showcase the best of classical music to primary school children at the Galway Education Centre in a workshop for children and teachers. • 7pm: Head to the Bailey Allen Hall at NUIG for a Tribute to Seamus Heaney as writers, actors, artists and musicians celebrate his work. • 10:30am: The Othello Session takes place at the Town Hall Theatre, for a final Shakespearean installment to help engage students with their studies.
• 8:30pm: There Is Bear presents Terminus by Mark O’Rowe at the Town Hall Studio, a play about three characters in a spellbinding dizzying monologue. • 8:30pm: The Tedfest Toilet Duck Awards take place at the Roisin Dubh, where Fr Damo (Joe Rooney) will MC in a comedic war of wits until there’s only one left standing. • 9pm: In a special event, Little Cinema Galway presents Trampoline at Kellys on Bridge Street. - an Irish feature film by Tom Ryan following Angie Ryan as she returns to her hometown and struggles to readjust. • 9:30pm: Citóg presents local Galway musicians, Oh Boland, Brian Kelly and Cathal McCormack at the Cellar on Eglington Street. • 10:30pm: Don’t miss the fantastic ‘Screamin’ Bluecats’ at Garvey’s in Eyre Square for a night of rockabilly magic. Put on those Blue Suede Shoes.
Winners of one of the hottest battle of the band’s competition around, Rofi James are rockin’ out their next chapter as they are set to release their new EP in April. The Galway group were crowned iRocks champions as they sang their way to the top prize and have been busy recording in the famous Grouse Lodge studios. The talented Ronan Flaherty, who is from the Aran Islands, is the main vocalist and also plays guitar, while Galway’s Jamie Murray completes
the group on drums and percussion - as they bring their unique spin to the pop, rock and acoustic genre - with infectious beats and big choruses. They were the first acoustic act to win the NUIG Witless competition and then stormed to victory in the iRocks challenge. They are no strangers to performing to a crowd, sharing the stage with acts such as The Original Rudeboys, Mundy, The Stunning and Ham Sandwich and will launch their EP in Monroe’s Live on April 24th.
A Trad Time A weekend not to be missed for Irish music lovers takes place in February, as the city plays host to the International Council for Traditional Music for the first time. The event will include a number of performances in Irish music and dance, and takes place from February 21-23. National and international conference
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delegates will present a wide range of topics throughout the weekend, along with more than 40 speakers. The weekend kicks off with ‘Oíche ar an Sean-Nós’ at 7.30pm at An Taibhearc, which is open to the public. Tickets are available from €8-€10. The event is supported by the Millennium Grant Fund at NUI Galway. in GALWAY
• 8pm: One of Ireland’s top performers, Dominic Kirwan, will take to the stage at the Town Hall Theatre for an evening of country and pop music and song.
The CRAIC in The STOCK EXCHANGE
Sponsored By DELTA Security
PhotosBy Darius IVAN
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Thursday 27th Feb 2014 • It’s the official start of this year’s Tedfest, gearing up for a crazy weekend of Craggy Island shenanigans on Inis Mór.
Ellie Shines Bright Like a Diamond! By Dara KELLY
Galway Girl Qualifies for World Championships
• 6:30pm: Head to the Galway City Library for an ‘Over the Edge’ reading with Alvy Carragher, Michael Farry and Kate Ennals. • 8pm: Award winning artist, Damien Dempsey – who has supported the likes of Bob Dylan, - takes his Essential tour to the Roisin Dubh.
• 8pm: Enjoy the music of Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill at the Town Hall Theatre as they combine the fiddle and guitar as they take traditional music to the edge of the genre. • 8:30pm: Monroe’s Live brings you Mórga, a traditional band that brings a vintage sound. • 8:30pm: The Playboy of the Western World will be brought to the stage at the Temperance Hall, Loughrea. • 8:30pm: Tracy Bruen and band will entertain for an evening of great music at The Crane Bar on Sea Road, Rufus Coates and the Blackened Trees and Rivers and Crows. • 9pm: Galway’s Little Cinema presents Limp, an Irish feature film by Shaun Ryan and Kevin Minogue at Kelly’s on Bridge Street. • 10pm: Brooklyn based singer songwriter, Patrick Freeman, will entertain at Kellys bar and live venue.
Just three years after putting on her first pair of Irish dancing shoes, 11-yearold Ellie Malone from Knocknacarra has qualified for the world championships 2014 in London – a first for the McCole School of Irish Dance. The talented youngster started comparatively late, at the age of 7, but her talent was recognised from the outset. Ellie is very excited about the world championships and will have her good luck bear, Sophie, with her. She loves the buzz of competing onstage and the adrenaline gives her that boost to allow her to do the very best she can. Irish dancing classes are not just about learning steps. A high level of physical fitness is required. Dancers work on core strength and developing leg muscles. An Irish dancing class is like boot camp, including warm-up, stretching, sit-ups, planks and skipping. They are highly trained athletes, giving
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up parties and play dates to perfect their steps. Ellie attends two-hour long classes at least four times per week. She drills her steps, over and over, and trains at home for at least one hour, every day. “Ellie absolutely adores dancing,” says her mum Maria, “and I’ve never had to push her to train. She loves it, it is her life. She was hooked from the start and even dances in her sleep!” A monster cake sale has been organised to fund Ellie’s journey to London. Delicious cakes, cookies and baked goods of all kinds will be on sale at St John the Apostle Church, Knocknacarra, after Mass on Saturday 1st March (6.30pm) and after every Mass on Sunday 2nd March (from 9.30am). Your help would be much appreciated – you can buy or supply – and help send Ellie Malone to London to compete in the World Irish Dancing Championships 2014.
in GALWAY
• 8pm: Best Independent Theatre Company in Croatia, Triko Cirkus Teatar, will perform ‘Night of the Living Clown’ at An Taibhdhearc for three nights to mark the end of an Irish/Croatian Red Nose Clown Exchange.
GALWAY INTERNATIONAL RALLY 2014 By Darius IVAN
Through wind, rain and hail, Donegal cousins, Declan and Brian Boyle were crowned the champions of the Galway International Rally after 14 tough stages. The event took place across the county, in places such as Kinvara, Ardrahan, Gort, Loughrea
and Craughwell, with some of the toughest driving conditions, and was sponsored by Colm Quinn BMW. From the beginning, the duo were amongst the top contenders, despite everything the weather threw at them, yet it was a tough
battle. The top six were only separated by one minute on the first day. Boyle didn’t falter however and held his nerve to take his maiden international win, followed by Jennings, Kelly, Sam Moffett, and Josh Moffett in fifth place.
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Friday 28th Feb 2014
We’ll Be Back!
Le Petit Rouge Will Re-Open After Fire
• 8pm: Jeannette Byrne sings the music of Edith Piaf at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street. • 8pm: The legend of Luke Kelly returns to the Town Hall Theatre in a 30th anniversary concert. Lead singer Chris Kavanagh will bring his memory to the stage with The Patriots. • 8pm: Music for Galway presents the Jag Trio with Tom Poster at the Aula Maxima, NUIG. Four of the UK’s top chamber musicians combine to perform a recital of Mozart’s finest chamber pieces including the sublime Divertimento for string trio. • 9pm: Every year, Inishbofin holds a fundraising concert, where the island’s finest musicians and guests get together to bring the very best of island music sessions to the mainland. The Inishbofin ‘Off The Rock’ experience celebrates the best in Trad at Kellys on Bridge Street, with Don Stiffe, SeanTyrell, Mick Crehan, Mary Staunton, champion Sean Nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan and many more – to raise funds for the development of much needed island amenities and initiatives. • 9pm: He has written and published 33 No 1 country hits in America and is teaming up with the best new country singer in Nashville as Max T Barnes and Craig Curtis are set to entertain with the best iconic country tunes at Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street. • Midnight: High energy fun loving band, Roadhouse, will take to the stage at Monroe’s Live.
The staff and management at Le Petit Rouge have been overwhelmed by the support they have received in the wake of a fire at their premises recently. They are determined to come back fighting after the fire caused structural damage to the wine bar and restaurant on Dominick Street. They are looking forward to welcoming back all of their loyal customers to their revamped and upgraded venue in a few weeks time.
“We would like to thank everyone who has phoned and called in to us offering support,” says Manager, Giani Couteperoumal. “It means so much to us and we look forward to reopening as soon as we possibly can.” Galway Mayor, Padraig Conneely, said the fire was “unfortunate” and commended the fire service for their quick response and efficiency.
Galway In Transition A local environmental group are asking the public for practical and creative ideas that will make Galway a more abundant and fulfilling place to live. Over the coming months, the people of Galway are being invited to a series of short meetings to share their ideas to create a positive vision for the future
of the city. Transition Galway aim to produce a plan and vision for a low carbon, sustainable Galway by the year 2030. Sessions will take place at Galway Rowing Club, Woodquay. The series starts on Saturday March 1 with the two topics: ‘Infrastructure’ (11am – 1pm) and ‘Inner Transition’ (2pm – 4pm).
CRAICing Nights Out VALENTINE’S at Da Robertas
The CRAIC in The HOUSE HOTEL PhotosBy Darius IVAN
COMPLETE 10 SPORTING CHALLENGES
INDOORS, IRISH DESIGNED, FIRST OF IT’S KIND
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Saturday 1st March 2014 • 10am: Join the Cope/ARÍS Fitness running group every Saturday morning at the Claddagh Hall. Led by Dara Kelly. Call 086 388 1199.
The Curse of the Wedding Brain By Avril HORAN
Galway Fair brings out Bridezilla
• 12pm: The PREDA Run for Freedom 5k takes place at the Ballybrit racecourse.
• 7:30pm: A Mr and Mrs Culchie event takes place at the Clayton Hotel organised by Galway Macra. • 8pm: For a bit of comedy and fundraising to boot, check out Fun for Freedom at the Roisin Dubh, where Maeve Higgins and Gearoid Farrelly will have you in stitches in aid of PREDA . • 8pm: Entertaining Mr Sloane shows at the Town Hall Theatre, a play about suppressed desires through farce and black comedy. • 8:30pm: It’s the last night to catch Terminus, by There Is Bear, at the Town Hall Studio,. • 8:30pm: The Playboy of the Western World will be brought to the stage at the Temperance Hall, Loughrea. • 8:30pm: It’s Mardi Gras in Kinvara at the Kinvara Community Centre. • 9:30pm: Reggae lovers will have to go to Kelly’s on Bridge Street tonight for a slice of Reggae Pie. • 10pm: Award winning alt folk act, Tupelo, are set to entertain at Monroe’s Live. • Midnight: Fantastic covers band, Electric Lemon, will have the joint ‘a jumpin’ at Monroes’ Live.
Sean Connolly
I
have wedding brain. Now I know that many of you will stop reading after those four little words. In the past, I would have too. But after getting engaged, I have turned into ‘one of those’. It’s all I can think about. It’s a very strange affliction. I can be going about my daily business, when my mind wanders irratically to Fr Jack levels of insanity. Instead of “drink, feck, arse,” it’s “band, dress, cars”. It is like a nervous twitch that has occupied whatever space is left in my half functioning mind. I was actually ok until I attended the wedding fairs at Leisureland and the Westwood. I mean, how hard could it be? - set a date, book a venue, hire some music and dance the night away with family and friends. It would be a breeze. We walked in, cool as cucumbers, to stand after stand after stand of wedding ideas. It was not long before the penny dropped. There is so much more to organise. I understand now where bridezillas are born. It’s at the Galway wedding fairs. There was the lovely sweet stand,
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sure everyone likes sweets. But then there’s the cake, the music for the ceremony, chocolate fountains, umpteen styles of dresses, hair, make-up, cars, groomsmen, wedding rings, card stands, ferrero rocher trees, bouquets, flowers, candles, presents, flower girls, page boys – the list seems endless. And I wanted a small, intimate wedding. Suddenly I realised, it will cost me over €800 just to leave the house, and that does not include the dress. Tell me it isn’t so? I thought the Celtic Tiger was dead and gone. That’s a myth. She is still roaring at someone’s wedding. And don’t you know it, the whole world has booked everything in advance. I don’t even have a date yet. There won’t be a dress left in the country by the time I get around to deciding what I like. In fact, the fashion shows at the event were a great way of letting off steam, as I could gripe and moan about what styles I didn’t like, and why. On and on I went, like the queen of the wedding fair, from my lofty perch of ‘no experience whatsoever’ - ‘that’s too big, too flouncy, too pretty, too floaty, too white’. in GALWAY
• 1pm: The Coole Music Orchestra Festival takes place today, with two free concerts at 1pm and 6pm, in the Gort Community Centre.
with
call: 087 984 25 92 email: enquiries@djcorky.com I blame the TV show ‘Four Weddings’, where four unfortunate brides rate each other’s big day for the chance to win an exclusive honeymoon. It’s a catfight. And I don’t want to be a part of it. I want a hippy wedding, in a garden with fairy lights and sandels, where my friends play the guitar til the wee hours over an open fire. If only we were guaranteed the weather. Surely the best idea was the Galway couple who surprised everyone at their engagement party at Cloonacauneen castle recently. It was actually their wedding celebration. They snuck off with a small contingent earlier in the
day, and as the crowds gathered to toast their engagement, the bride and groom walked in. It was a stroke of genius. There is no expectation, no need for gifts, no guest lists or seating plans, just a fun night out to the jubilant surprise of the unsuspecting guests. We all want to be that bit different. Even the lady at the coveted vintage sweet stand was talking about it. Not only did they pull off a fantastic coup, keeping the secret under wraps, but they also had the chocolate fountain. It’s been done. Dammit.
Your Day captured the way You Want it! From €450 www.divmedia.ie 0876352933
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Sunday 2nd March 2014
A Year In Galway CRAIC AD
• 11am: It’s the final day for the Corofin Trad Festival with lively music and concerts in Teach Ceoil. • 11:45am: Find out who is Ireland’s Strongest Man at a fitness event organised by the Warehouse gym, as part of the Republic of Ireland qualifier.
• 1pm: It’s time once again for the Once Loved Showroom at the Roisin Dubh, an indoor market for local crafts and once loved items. • 1:30pm: A Kidisco takes place in Leisureland, Salthill for children aged 4-11 years. Popular DJ Will Softly will be joined by professional dancers who will lead dance routines to all of the top tunes. • 8pm: The Galway Film Society presents Like Father, Like Son at the Town Hall Theatre, a story following the tale of children switched at birth. • 8pm: Enjoy some Sunday Swing with gypsy jazz trio, I Saw Stars, at Kellys bar and live venue on Bridge Street. • 8:30pm: The Playboy of the Western World will be brought to the stage at the Temperance Hall, Loughrea. • 9pm: It’s Open Mic Night at the Roisin Dubh if you think you can do it better! • Midnight: Don’t miss Four Men and a Bass at Monroe’s Live – some of the best bluegrass musicians Galway has to offer.
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s t u n n i n g photographic exhibition, A Year In Galway, will take place at The Galleon Restaurant, Salthill, launching on February 25th at 6pm. The collection of work, by Aled Owen Thomas, features beautiful fine art landscapes of the city and county, as a celebration of Galway’s natural beauty. Aled moved to Galway over one year ago, and the exhibition has been inspired by his experience. “It is a celebration of Galway’s splendour,” he says, “and a
thank you to a wonderful part of Ireland that has allowed me to indulge my passion for landscape photography. I moved here with my wife and son in February 2013 and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Galway has provided the perfect home for me and my family”. All of the images in this exhibition at The Galleon Restaurant are available to purchase in three different formats and you can see more of his work by visiting his website www.aledowenthomas.com.
Give It Socks! The COPE Galway ‘Give it Socks 5K’ fundraising race takes place at midday on Saturday 5th April from Claddagh Hall. Wear your funkiest socks and come out for a run in aid of COPE Galway. Register online at www.copegalway.ie or call 091 778750 for the AAI registered race.
And if you need to get fit, join the Cope/ARÍS Fitness running group on Saturday mornings at
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the Claddagh Hall at 10am. Led by Dara Kelly, race participants will start by walking the 5k race route, and gradually add 1 minute bursts of jogging and running to build up their stamina over 5 weeks to run all or part of the 5k race on April 5th. The first session is Saturday 1st March at 10am, meeting at the Claddagh Hall. Call 086 388 1199 for more details. in GALWAY
• 12pm: The Galway Bay Jazz Band play live at Busker Brownes for some swingin’ Sunday tunes.
Monday 3rd March 2014 • 11am: For the professional and advanced dancers, the Galway Dance Project presents contemporary dance classes with Elena Giannotti at the Galway Rowing Club, Woodquay. • 7pm: International bestselling author and authority on women’s health, Dr Marilyn Glenville, will hold two talks today at the Radisson Blu in the city brought to you by Evergreen: 7pm: Is stress making you gain weight and 8:30pm balancing your hormones naturally. • 7:30pm: The Galway Astronomy Club will hold a public workshop on ‘we can but should we? ethical limits to space exploration’ by Peter Household from the Cork Astronomy club. For more see www. galwayastronomyclub.ie. • 7:30pm: Roll up, roll up; Tom Duffy’s circus will be in Ballinasloe this evening for three days. • 9:30pm: Enjoy a trad session with Kevin Whelan and Freda Hatton live at The Crane bar on Sea Road for some Monday night toe tapping tunes.
CRAICING STYLE !!! By Rebecca CASSERLY
STREET STYLER:
Michaela O’Shaughnessy
OCCUPATION:
Fashion Blogger and Model
BLOG:
www.lifeofaladybear.blogspot.com As a girl who lives by the philosophy that everything looks better in black, I’m definitely trying to make more of an effort to introduce some pops of colour into my wardrobe this Spring. This bright orange sweater from Topshop really caught my eye and is a great item to brighten any outfit. I’m also loving all of the prints on the high street at the moment. A bold print gives your outfit more dimension and might make people look twice! See your style featured here! Tweet us @ CRAICinGalway or use #CRAICStyle on Twitter or Instagram and you could be the next Street Styler!
Fashion Trends Straight from London
• 10pm: Don’t miss the fantastic Black Magic Big Band live at Busker Brownes for a night of swingin’ tunes. • 11pm: It’s time for the ever popular Silent Disco at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.
I spent a few days in London recently scouting the latest fashion trends to share with you Galway fashionistas! Of course we know that Galway fashion is unique to our city, however I did note some trends which are going to be key this season for making a fashion statement. We can incorporate these quite easily into our wardrobes! It’s not time to dig out the holiday-wear yet and staying warm stylishly is the way to go this Spring. Oversized blazers were everywhere I
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turned, in all colours and prints. These look effortlessly on-trend, especially when paired with simple denims or leggings. Logo print t-shirts and sweaters are sticking around this season too whether you are a fan or not! Even more popular are bold logos against busy backgrounds - all in the name of fashion of course! Panelling and combined fabrics along with subtle cut-out details are all trends making their way into everyday wear which appeared quite popular on the high-street.
While shopping on Oxford Street I also met with model Abbey Clancy who was in Debenhams launching the new Ultimo Valentine’s Lingerie collection (YES, she really is that tall!). Finally, I was surprised to see that red was the stand-out colour in London over the last two weeks, nothing at all to do with the fact that Taylor Swift was in town with her Red Tour of course! in GALWAY
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LUNARES
at Typical Spanish Tapas Restaurant, WoodQuay, Galway
w i th t h is
Cra ic p a g e
(086) 388 11 99
速
A non-stop interval fusion of PILATES BOXING DANCE
Feel empowered with boxing, find balance with Pilates, and let loose with fun & funky dance moves! Knocknacarra Community Centre
Wednesdays 7pm
Westside
Community Centre
Mondays 7pm
(086) 388 11 99 FOR CLASS INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LICENCED PILOXING INSTRUCTOR:
(086) 388 11 99
DARA KELLY
WWW.PILOXING.COM
The CRAIC on
Tuesday 4th March 2014
CRAICING NEWS!!! By Darius IVAN
• 9am: A two day workshop takes place at the Harbour Hotel, helping small and medium businesses to build their financial capability when applying for funding. • 1pm: Indulge in a musical treat this lunchtime with the Contempo Quartet, as they play a free classical gig at the Galway City Library on Augustine Street. • 4:30pm: The Galway Enterprise Board are hosting a workshop on costing, pricing and cashflow for your business at their training room in Woodquay.
LABOUR OF LOVE! The Mayor, the Managers, the Minister and the Members smile for the camera.
• 9:30pm: Enjoy a trad session with the NUIG trad society downstairs at the Crane Bar on Sea Road, while Mick Crehan and John O’Halloran will entertain upstairs. • 11pm: Headphones at the ready, it’s time for the second Silent Disco of the week at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.
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I
T EXHIB R A IT ’S Photo by Darachphotography
V i s u a l hand artist, Bimi Felix is hosting an art exhibition at the Galway Library throughout February. Bimi is a certified yoga teacher and her passion extends to the
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• 8pm: The Galway Patrician Musical Society presents The Producers at the Town Hall Theatre – winner of 12 Tony awards.
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• 7pm: A six week drumming circle with Eamon Carrick begins this evening at Maree, Clarinbridge. For more see www. pathwayteaching.com.
world of oil paintings. “My new passion is sculpting real life looking art dolls,” she explains. “I am lucky to have discovered my interest and hope you enjoy my exhibit”.
CRAICing Nights Out Valentine’s at TOM SHERIDANS
GALWAY IS ALSO HAPPY PhotosBy Darius IVAN
If ever proof was needed that Galway is a great place to be, a video created by Kamil Krolak has gone viral on the interweb. The video captures dancers and circus performers on the streets of the city, jigging about to
the music of Pharrell William’s ‘Happy’. At the time of going to print, it has received 100,000 likes on You Tube, just two days after being released to the world on February 17th. Kamil also created the popular short ’50 people, one question’ and this
follows hot in its footsteps. Well done to all involved. “This project wasn’t only about one person,” says Kamil, “it is about a whole magical town. Hundreds of people joined us on the streets of Galway and I want to thank them all!”
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Wednesday 5th March 2014 • 8pm: The Galway Patrician Musical Society presents The Producers at the Town Hall Theatre – winner of 12 Tony awards. • 8pm: John Grant will take you on a journey at The Roisin Dubh, a man who escaped from substance abuse to winning awards and accolades and collaborating with the likes of Sinead O’Connor. • 9:30pm: Take in a toe tapping trad session at The Crane Bar on Sea Road with Ailbhe O’Monachin and John O’Halloran. • 9:30pm: The Cellar Bar on Eglington Street will host live music from Boyfights, Willow Sea and the Canaries organised by Citóg. • 10pm: Catch the fantastic Screamin’ Bluecats at Garveys in Eyre Square, where they will have your blue suede shoes jumpin’ with the best of rock n’ roll live.
CRAICING NEWS!!! By Avril HORAN
The Mayor’s Awards 2014
The people of Galway are being asked to nominate unpaid volunteers for their work in the community for this year’s Mayor’s awards. Mayor Padraig Conneely says that “all volunteers nominated are winners in their own right”. Winners (individuals and organisations) will receive a specially commissioned trophy and a cheque for €500. All nominees will be presented with an mayoral certifi-
cate at the awards ceremony in April. The closing date for nominations is 21st March and forms are available from City Hall, the City Libraries and to download from www.galwaycity.ie
NEW VIC NIGHTCLUB!
CRAICing Nights Out at The VIC on Queen Street
Inside every Good Girl.. ..is a Bad Girl
Le Paradis Club GALWAY’S EXOTIC DANCING VENUE 7 Dominick Street Upper, Galway Tel: 091-860556 www.LeParadisClub.com
Thursday 6th March 2014 • 6:30pm: The NUIG Post Grad ball takes place at the Westwood Hotel with a 4 course meal and music by the lewd tunes. • 8pm: The Galway Patrician Musical Society presents The Producers at the Town Hall Theatre – winner of 12 Tony awards. • 8pm: The Roisin Dubh will be rockin’ as popular band Hawk return to the stage, accompanied by the raucous My Fellow Sponges and Harrison and the Devil, while Barry Barnes is set to entertain upstairs. • 7:30pm: A gala night of entertainment will take place at the Salthill Hotel in aid of the Galway Hospice. The event ‘we all know someone’ will have a feast of artists for your entertainment. • 8pm: A contemporary dance performance, Rionach Ni Neill’s Na Cotai Dearga, will take place at the Aula Maxima, NUIG, as part of Arts in Action. • 9pm: A table quiz takes place this evening in aid of The Galway Hospice at PJs bar in Lower Salthill. Tables of four for €40 or €10 per person on the night. • 9:30pm: Greg Cotter and Mary Flanagan will bring their country/folk stylings to the Crane Bar on Sea Road. • 9:30pm: Enjoy live jazz and swing with Benny and the Goodmen at McSwiggans in Woodquay. • Midnight: The female fronted pop power band, LeFonque, will take to the stage at Monroe’s Live.
CRAICING HEALTH!!! By Dara KELLY dara.n.kelly@gmail.com
Is fearr an tSláinte ná na Táinte Tá costas árachais sláinte ag ardú i gcónaí, mar sin is fearr agus is saoire na laethanta seo aire mhaith a thabhairt duit féin trí bhia. Tá trí rud simplí is féidir leat a dhéanamh chun ithe níos folláine: 1. Léigh an lipéad. Dá lú comhábhair ar an liosta is é is fearr é. Seachain milseoirí mar aspairtéim agus saill hidriginithe, agus bí ar an eolas faoin méid siúcra (agus cineálacha siúcra “i bhfolach” mar fruchtós, maltós, lachtós agus síoróip arbhair) atá sa táirge. Déan rogha faoin méid siúcra a itheann tú.
torthaí. Rachaidh tú féin – is do pháistí – i dtaithí air. Féadfaidh tú slisní líomóide ná cúcamair a chur le huisce chun blas deas a chur air. 3. Ullmhaigh do bhéilí sa mbaile seachas bia iompar-amach nó béilí ullmhaithe a cheannach. Tá sé níos saoire, beidh a fhios agat céard go díreach atá á ithe agat agus féadfaidh tú do bhia a réiteach díreach mar is fearr leat féin é. Bíonn sé níos tapúla freisin - níl ann ach cleachtadh. Treoir uait? Seol ríomhphost chugam agus tabharfaidh mé duit liosta comhábhair le ceannach agus an modh chun béilí blasta a réiteach i gceathrú uaire.
2. Ól uisce nó tae torthaí fuaraithe in áit deochanna boga ná súnna
Prevention is better than cure. Health insurance is constantly increasing in price so these days more than ever, your health is your wealth. Use food as medicine – keep yourself healthy from the inside. There are three simple things you can do to help yourself:
1. Read the label when food shopping. The shorter the list of ingredients, the better. Avoid sweeteners like aspartame and hydrogenated fats and be aware of how much sugar (and hidden sugars such as fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose dextrose, maltodextrin, corn syrup) is in the product you are buying. Choose how much you consume.
You – and your children - will get used to it. You can add slices of lemon or cucumber to water for flavour. 3. Prepare meals at home rather than buying take-aways or ready meals. It’s cheaper, you know what you’re eating and you can cook your food exactly as you like it. It’s faster too - you just need to practice. Need inspiration? Email me for a list of ingredients and methods to prepare delicious 15 minute meals.
ARÍS! Affirmative Rituals, Irresistible Success
2. Replace soft drinks and fruit juices with water or cooled fruit teas.
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in GALWAY
The CRAIC on